Chairman (BBFNZ Representative)

Derek James

Company Director, D.A. James Limited  

Derek started his five year building/bricklaying apprenticeship in England at the age of 16.  He received a further five years technical training, which included restoration work on historic buildings in the Nottinghamshire area.  He served two years National Service with the Royal Air Force and then returned to the workforce as a building general foreman.  After emigrating to New Zealand in 1965, Derek was involved mainly in residential work, then after a three year partnership became a self-employed masonry tradesman employing a sizeable workforce.

In past years Derek has been President of both the Auckland Masonry Trades Association and the Masonry Trades Employers’ Federation (now BBFNZ).  He was a national apprenticeship examination moderator for 14 years and Auckland regional judge for the bricklaying Skills Competitions.

Derek has been a NZMTRB Registered Structural Mason since 1975 and NZMTRB Chairman for nine years.  Currently, he is also:

• A member of the DBH Licensed Building Practitioners’ Workshop Group.

• A NZMTRB Registration Auditor in both brickwork and structural masonry.

• Secretary of the Auckland Masonry Trades Association.

• An Apprenticeship Assessor for the Masonry Industry Training Organisation.

A trade highlight for Derek was using his masonry restoration skills, over a two year period, to upgrade the Old High Court Building (1865) in Auckland.  Retirement is now well in sight.

Deputy Chairman (BBFNZ Representative)

Greg Sinden

Company Director, W.R. Sinden (1998) Limited and Tutor, Wellington Institute of Technology  

Greg is currently a Masonry Tutor at WelTec and has 28 years in the Brick and Blocklaying trade and construction industry.  He is a fully qualified bricklayer and Site Assessor.    

As well as being Deputy Chairman of NZMTRB, his other industry roles include:  

• President, Wellington Brick & Blocklayer Association (for the past eight years);

• Committee Member, DBH Building Practitioner Licensing Workshop;  

• Board Member, Brick & Blocklayer Federation New Zealand;  

• International Bricklaying Judge, World Skills Competition, Japan 2007.

CBPMA Representative (Clay & Brick Paver Manufacturers' Association New Zealand Inc.)

Kevin Hartigan

Monier New Zealand Limited  

BOINZ Representative (Building Officials' Institute of New Zealand)

Len Clapham

Chief Executive, Building Officials' Institute of New Zealand (BOINZ)

During the last three years there have been a number of significant initiatives affecting BOINZ, including the establishment of the Institute's training academy and the creation of formal Qualifications and a licensing regime for building officials.  Len has also undertaken other policy and advocacy initiatives with both central and local government during his last 15 years in the role as CEO for other sector held positions.

A results-oriented leader who is renowned for his enthusiasm, flair and sound business acumen, Len is a known and recognised entrepreneurial leader with experience in the not-for-profit sector as well as in private company ownership, management and directorship.  Len holds a fellowship of ANZi as well being the author/presenter on the topic of governance and policy for the New Zealand not-for-profit sector.  In addition, honours have been awarded to him by the New Zealand Government for services to the business community.

IPENZ Representative (Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand)

Paul Brimer CPENG (Structural and Civil)

Director, Dunning Thornton Consultants Limited

Paul has over twenty year's experience as a consulting engineer in New Zealand and overseas.  He has had significant involvement in the design of landmark New Zealand projects, including Sky Tower and Wellington International Airport Terminal, but importantly he has a continuing role in the design and construction monitoring of a wide range of structural masonry projects. Paul was the IPENZ representative on the review committee for NZS 4230:2004 "The Design of Reinforced Concrete Masonry Structures".  Paul recognises the need to promote quality masonry construction and support industry training where necessary.

NZCMA Representative (New Zealand Concrete Masonry Association)

Dan Mulvagh

Organisation Development Manager, Firth industries & Golden Bay Cement

Dan has been associated with the building Industry for most of his working life both in New Zealand and overseas.  His experience includes project management in Asia and the Pacific and hands on experience with both commercial and residential construction.

For the past 12 years Dan has held senior positions in a number of Fletcher Building owned companies.  Dan is committed to the need for quality workmanship and the maintenance and creation of a highly skilled workforce and trades people.

NZMTRB Co-opted Member

David Barnard

Godiva Consultants Limited

David is a retired professional engineer having served previously on the NZMTRB, both as a member and Secretary.  He commenced his career in local government, spending one year in the bricklaying trade, before eventually pursuing an engineering career in both civil construction and structural design.  David has been active in the masonry industry since arriving in New Zealand in 1974, having been a member of New Zealand Standards' committees dealing with masonry - NZS 4210, NZS 4230, NZS 3604, NZS 4229, AS/NZS 4455, AS/NZS 4456, and the co-ordinator for NZS HB 4236.  His other positions in the masonry industry have included Executive Officer of the New Zealand Concrete Masonry Association (NZCMA) and Executive Officer of the New Zealand Masonry Trades Federation (now the Brick & Blocklaying Federation New Zealand).

NZMTRB Secretary

CCANZ Representative (Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand)

Rob Gaimster

Chief Executive Officer, Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand

Rob is a chartered Civil Engineer and has an MBA. Prior to his recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) Rob worked in the UK, where he held national technical and operational roles for heavy building materials company RMC Group/CEMEX.  Rob has worked within the construction industry for over 25 years, during which time he has developed a tremendous appreciation of the personal and professional opportunities afforded both employer and employees through appropriate and effective training.  

NZMTRB Constitution

A copy of the NZMTRB Constitution, can be downloaded here.