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2026 Apprentice of the Year Competition
Alani Rossiter
Tier 1 Interiors, Christchurch
Alani has been with Tier 1 Interiors for 2.5 years. Growing up around the interiors industry, Alani always knew the trade might be for them—but it wasn’t until plastering became second nature that the passion really kicked in.
Now thriving in her apprenticeship, Alani loves the precision of hand‑tool work and is building a reputation for tidy, efficient quality work.
With ambitions to run a crew (or even step into operations), strong leadership goals, and a clear vision for the future, Alani is one to watch.
Cold winter days don’t slow her down—good vibes with the team and the satisfaction of mastering new skills keep her motivated.
Outside of work, Alani is working toward buying her first home. Big goals, big future.
Seth Smith
Tier 1 Interiors
Seth has been with Tier 1 Interiors for 1.5 years. A friend introduced Seth to the interiors industry, and after cutting his first sheet, he was hooked — determined to be the fastest, tidiest, and most skilled fixer on the team.
He loves the precision of cutting, has recently mastered angles, and is building a reputation for quality and speed. With ambitions to become a Foreman or Operations Manager, he’s focused on sharpening his skills and pushing himself further this year.
Good people, strong teamwork, and a clear vision for the future keep him motivated. Outside of work, he’s working on his fitness and building a solid foundation for what comes next.
Api Derbyshire
JDS Plastering, Christchurch
Api has been with JDS Plastering for a short-time. A friend introduced Api to fixing, and over time it became the perfect fit. After trying other trades, nothing matched the satisfaction of lifting well, hitting every screw cleanly, and turning messy rooms into finished spaces.
He loves hanging, has mastered reading plans and holding GIB properly, and is building a reputation for pride, speed, carefulness, and tidy work.
In five years, he sees himself running a small, loyal team — or contracting directly — with the freedom to focus on family, friends, experiences, and investments. His biggest motivation is creating a better future and buying a home for his family.
Competitive, driven, and committed to perfecting his craft, Api is aiming to become one of the best fixers in the South Island — maybe even New Zealand.
Ben Hayward
JDS Plastering, Christchurch
Ben has been with JDS Plastering for just over 2 years. Starting out in gib fixing, Ben found his way into plastering when an opportunity came up — and it quickly became the right fit. After a year in the trade, things started to feel natural, and the satisfaction of improving every day kept the motivation strong.
Ben loves the energy on site when the music’s on and everyone’s working together, and they’ve recently mastered the boxes — a skill they’re proud of.
In the future, Ben hopes to run their own team, build a reputation for strong technical skills, and keep improving areas like sanding.
Progress, learning, and hands‑on work keep them going, and outside of the job Ben’s focused on saving for a secure future.
Lennix Hura
Atlas Fibrous Plaster, Napier
Lennix has been with Atlas for four years and he first got interested in the trade after hearing stories from the crew about the incredible places they were working. Since then, he’s carved out his own path — literally — with a love for cutting Gib and coating angles, and a commitment to leaving a top‑quality finish on every job.
One of the best lessons he’s picked up along the way? “Always go over your sanded work with a light.” Simple, but game‑changing.
Lennix’s motivation comes from providing for his family, and his long‑term goal is to be running big commercial jobs. Outside of work, he’s focused on building consistency at the gym and mastering the art of towing a trailer.
Messines Ronaki-Christie
Atlas Fibrous Plaster, Napier
Messines has been with Atlas for four years in the trade and his interest in the trade started close to home — watching his brother work at Atlas inspired him to follow the same path. The moment he picked up a trowel and tried plastering for the first time, he knew he’d found his place.
Messines enjoys every part of the job, especially working alongside skilled tradesmen who’ve taught him valuable lessons like: “Mistakes happen — learn from them, and always take pride in your work.”
He’s recently mastered using a router to make folds, and he’s aiming to sharpen his job‑management skills this year. In five years, he hopes to be out on his own, known as a professional plasterer with a reputation for quality.
His biggest motivation comes from his wife and daughter, and outside of work, his personal goal is simple but powerful — being the best father he can be.
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