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Leadership Team

Managing Director

Geoff Nash

Executive MBA, Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics)

Geoff began his journey in the construction industry at the young age of 14 when he worked after school for a timber joinery company. He discovered a passion for building and continued his growth through a joinery apprenticeship and completed a National Diploma in Construction Management. He quickly established himself in the industry, winning back-to-back Master Joiners Apprenticeship Awards. Operating with a mindset of continuous growth, Geoff has since gone on to complete a National Diploma in Quantity Surveying, a Bachelor in Construction, and an Executive MBA.

As Bettabuilt’s CEO, Geoff leads the team with a passion for restoring confidence in construction and making a positive difference. Under his leadership, Bettabuilt has grown and expanded, offering fixed-price lump sum contracts and carpentry labour hire all across New Zealand.

Geoff remains focused on the customer, ensuring quality, and cost transparency. He consistently seeks to understand the customer’s challenges, champion innovative solutions, and challenge the status quo.

Geoff is a firm believer in the value of growing talent from the ground up. He sees the value of cadetships and apprenticeships and understands the importance of passing knowledge on to the next generation of carpenters.

General Manager

Claire McCallum

With a strong background in commercial management and quantity surveying, Claire has a strong track record of successfully leading and managing teams to deliver exceptional results for clients across a variety of projects.

As a natural leader and collaborator, Claire is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and safety in all aspects of the business. She has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the carpentry industry and is not intimidated by even the most complex projects.

Claire’s experience in a variety of sectors, including Commercial and Multi-Storey builds allows her to guide the team through any project. Her analytical mind allows her to focus on cost control and risk minimisation. These skills, along with her clear communication skills, inspire confidence in her team and for Bettabuilt’s customers.

Above all, Claire is passionate about making a positive difference through her work. She is committed to building lasting relationships and developing solutions to complex problems and strives to ensure that Bettabuilt’s operations reflect these values.

Operations Manager

Craig Milner

As Operations Manager, Craig drives Bettabuilt’s operational and strategic performance.

Craig began his career as a carpenter in the UK before moving to New Zealand in 2011. He has climbed the ladder from carpenter to leading hand to foreman, through to project manager.

He first joined the Bettabuilt team as a Construction Manager in Queenstown, where he formed solid relationships with clients and provided significant support to the Bettabuilt teams. Craig soon stepped up to also look after the Christchurch and Wellington regions and was then promoted to National Operations Manager.

With a commitment to excellence and development, Craig provides guidance, strengthens site teams, and improves internal and external relationships across regions. He is dedicated to ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards of quality and constantly seeks ways to improve and innovate.

Commercial Manager, Auckland

Kirene Tappenden

Diploma in Construction, Quantity Surveying
Bachelor of Business Studies (Finance), Massey University

Kirene first joined the Bettabuilt team as a Quantity Surveyor before moving into the role of Lead Quantity Surveyor and is now Commercial Manager for the Auckland region. Supported by her background in finance, she has a proven track record of accurately analysing project requirements and developing detailed cost estimates.

Her time in construction has not been without difficulty – Covid disruption and material, labour, and supply-chain shortages have presented considerable challenges and many opportunities for her to identify innovative solutions. Kirene’s empathy and commitment to learning, along with Bettabuilt’s established systems and positive culture, have seen her thrive in these conditions.

Highly organised, analytical, and detail oriented, Kirene is able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines are met. Through her dedication and commitment to her work, she has built a reputation for quality and accuracy.

Commercial Manager, Wellington, Christchurch, & Queenstown

Kurt McRae

Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics)
Diploma of Building Design and Technology

As Commercial Manager for Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, Kurt values strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and team members. He prioritises managing project costs, relying on his analytical skills and critical thinking abilities to guide Bettabuilt’s decision-making.

Kurt’s expertise spans tender analysis, procurement, contract administration, financial reporting, and risk management. With a keen eye for detail, Kurt excels in interpreting technical drawings and delivering quality builds. Kurt is known for his agility in navigating scope changes and adapting to shifting targets.

Kurt began his career in Australia as a CAD drafter before transitioning to residential estimating. His journey took him from Perth and the Sunshine Coast to London, UK, where he showcased his adaptability and determination as a Quantity Surveyor. Upon returning from the UK, he pursued a Bachelor of Construction, earning a scholarship and senior scholar award. Kurt moved to Queenstown in 2019 and has been a valued member of our team since 2022.