Build It Better was founded in 2018 by Pete Halligan following off his GutterSucker business and contracting to Housing New Zealand. Later that year he was driving along and spotted Chris building a letterbox, chatted about a history of renovations, real estate work and boat building and so it began. Combining years of experience with an eye for detail and enjoyment of good customer service.
MEET THE TEAM
Chris Heywood
Director
Chris joined Build It Better in late 2018 as a handyman and contractor. Before taking on part of the business with Pete in 2019. Originally trained as a boat builder in Picton, a profession needing an eye for detail. Has completed his building apprenticeship and is fully qualified.
Chris worked for the family business in direct marketing of domestic water filtration system and getting plenty of experience in customer service. Having gained a taste of small business went back to boat building as an independent boat builder and a marine rigger and engineer before leaving Picton and heading over to Nelson.
In Nelson Chris spent 4 years working in real estate seeing another side of properties and customer service. Moved to spend 3 years working on major renovation work. Then was spotted by Pete and joined Build It Better. Completed apprenticeship and qualified as a builder in his first two years there.
Chris has now taken sole ownership to let Pete follow other dreams while retaining Pete for his industry experience on a contract basis.
Paul Adams
Health & Safety / Operations Manager
Paul came to Build It Better with a wealth of experience managing both civil and building construction works. This includes project management of electrical transmission line maintenance in the Nelson, Marlborough region. Contract management of a number of large civil works projects throughout the South Island, including the Kaikoura earthquake rebuild. After 3.5 years supervising trades in the building sector, Paul joined Build It Better in 2024.
Paul enjoys getting out & about in the region with is camera capturing the life, the people & the landscape.
Barry Newport
Barry (Baz) is Nelson born and bred. He has a background in sawmilling and driving and trained people in forestry & Commercial Road Transport with the qualifications to back it all up. Barry enjoys outdoor activities – camping, hunting, fishing and motorbikes and the outdoor work with Build It Better.
Gary Coles
Gary is originally from England but has been a kiwi for 17 years. He’s worked as a mechanic since he was 15 years old until 2022 when he joined Build It Better and has now completed his building apprenticeship with BITCO, qualifying in 2024. Building and renovations have been a life long hobby and loves to do a job properly. Gary enjoys the variety of work that Build It Better offer. Whenever he can he enjoys fishing.
Shane Prentice
Shane has lived in Nelson for 50 plus years with a background in building supplies for 30 plus years. He is a Guttersucker expert, has a practical approach to most situations and will help out where he can. Shane enjoys working with people and meeting people from all walks of life and is a fan of all things sports.