Our governance boards

Our operations are governed by two boards of highly experienced individuals from the building and construction and wider industries.

On this page:

Registered Master Builders Association Board

The Master Builders Board is responsible for governing our association.

Phil Brosnan

CHAIRPERSON

Phil Brosnan joined the Master Builders Board in 2023. Phil extensive career in construction has spanned over 30 years and he has also dedicated himself to empowering a diverse range of organisations in the business and not-for-profit sectors.

His construction career began in 1985, as an apprentice carpenter at Naylor Love where he advanced his career over 23 years before founding Brosnan in 2010 and Bettabuilt in 2014. He is a current director of the Brosnan and Bettabuilt group of companies, which have grown immensely, with national coverage and professional teams renowned for their expertise, efficiency, and integrity in construction.

Professionalism, commitment, and enthusiasm are three attributes credited to Phil's success, and these qualities shine in every aspect of his multifaceted role. Phil's passion lies in fostering excellence within the construction industry, with an overriding commitment to client success and the cultivation of long-term relationships that ensure the best possible outcomes.

Phil is also the deputy chair of the Building and Construction Trade Fund board. 
 

Kieren Mallon

PRESIDENT

Kieren Mallon is a long-time Master Builder and passionate advocate for New Zealand’s construction industry. With over 35 years’ experience across the sector, he brings deep insight and a strong commitment to collaboration, integrity, and supporting members to thrive.

Appointed to the Master Builders National Board in 2017 and elected National President in 2024, Kieren has been a consistent and respected voice for members. He previously served as North Harbour President, Auckland Branch President and Director, and was honoured as a Life Member of the Auckland Association.

Kieren also serves as a Director on the Construction Growth Foundation, Waihanga Ara Rau Workforce Development Council, Construction Sector NZ (CSNZ), and BCITO Ltd. The latter two are leading the transition to return BCITO to industry leadership at the beginning of 2026 -  a process Kieren is proud to help guide as part of his commitment to a strong, industry-led future for building and construction in New Zealand.
 

Tony Pexton

VICE PRESIDENT

Tony joined the Master Builders Board in 2022 and is the director of TP Builders, a company of qualified builders who have been dedicated to producing high quality homes for their clients for well over 30 years. He is a past House of the Year entrant and category and supreme winner, entering homes in the competition from 1995 through to 2018. He is also a National House of the Year judge. 
 
Tony has been part of the Auckland executive since 2015 and was the Branch President for 3 years. He has been involved in the WOF process which he believes is a very important aspect of our membership system to ensure that we have a high standard of membership, and to ensure that our existing members are continuing to uphold the values and high standards of Master Builders. 
 

Johnny Calley

Johnny Calley joined the Master Builders Board of Directors in 2017, Johnny served as National President between 2022 – 2024 and has recently been appointed to the Guarantees Company Board (Master Build Services). Prior to becoming a Board Director, Johnny served as an executive member and President of the Tauranga Branch so understands the complexities between regional and national governance. 

Johnny’s natural leadership style compliments his entrepreneurial skills which were used when growing his award-winning building company Calley Homes that he and his wife Michelle founded in 2008. 

Johnny has honed his skills by delivering a diverse range of residential building and development projects around New Zealand and the UK over the past 22 years. Strategic focus, attention to detail and commitment to delivery are attributes Johnny holds himself accountable for alongside personal development.   

As a trade qualified Carpenter, and Licensed Building Practitioner with Carpentry and Site 2 licences Johnny’s technical, regulatory and compliance skills are an asset as we navigate some of the complex challenges the building industry is trying to solve.

Outside of business Johnny is a proud husband, father of 3, and a keen age group triathlete.
 

Justin Carnie

Justin is an award-winning, trade-qualified builder and accomplished business leader with more than 28 years’ experience in the construction industry across New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Since founding CDL Building in 2005, under his leadership, Justin has successfully scaled the business, and overseen the delivery of high-profile residential and commercial builds. Transitioning from builder to business owner, he has developed strong leadership skills under pressure, while maintaining a hands-on approach to quality, innovation, and client service. He continues to oversee CDL’s strategic direction, financial management, and the delivery of every project undertaken by the company.
 
Justin’s leadership style is grounded, resilient, and people-focused. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, advancing trade training, and strengthening industry capability. His contributions include shaping the revised Building Administration Best Practice Guide, championing Mates in Construction workshops, and advocating for higher professional standards nationwide.
 
Beyond his role at CDL, Justin has held significant governance and industry positions. He is the former President of the Central Otago Master Builders Association, a member of the National Residential Working Group, serves on the Board of Otago Lumber Co. Ltd, and was President of the Wānaka Swim Club.
 
Justin brings to the Master Builders Board a unique combination of financial acumen, strategic foresight, and deep industry knowledge. Above all, he is passionate about building resilience within the sector, raising professional standards, and giving back to an industry that has given him so much. 
 

Nick Clayton

Nick Clayton has been a Master Builders Director since 2023. 

Originally from a trade background, Nick has significant experience in managing a variety of different construction projects and delivery models. He is also a director at Naylor Love.







 

Brett Oliver

Brett Oliver was appointed to the Master Builders Board in 2025 as an independent with substantial governance experience across commercial innovation and advanced technologies.  Brett is an accomplished director and innovation leader with 20+ years’ experience driving innovative business developments using a very practical and commercially focused mindset.  Working with the private and public sector, Brett brings a strong risk, revenue and innovation lens to the challenges and opportunities faced by organisations.

Outside of RMBA, Brett provides board services, leads and advises deep technology ventures including in the areas of materials, biotechnology, med-tech and applications of artificial intelligence (AI).

Adept at providing assurance around technologies, hardware, materials and commercial science, Brett also brings experienced governance perspectives to the challenges that come with adoption of, or adaptation to, innovative technologies and new ways of generating value.

Pierre van Heerden

Pierre van Heerden was appointed to the Master Builders Board in 2025.

He brings extensive governance and executive experience across the food, primary industries, membership-based, and regulatory sectors, having served on a range of commercial, industry, Independent Crown Entity, and not-for-profit boards in both New Zealand and Australia.


He brings extensive governance and executive experience across the food, primary industries, membership-based, and regulatory sectors, having served on a range of commercial, industry, Independent Crown Entity, and not-for-profit boards in both New Zealand and Australia.

Pierre has held senior leadership roles on both sides of the Tasman, providing strategic direction and guiding organisations through complex regulatory environments. His governance career includes chairing and serving on audit, risk, and strategy committees, giving him deep insight into operational, compliance, and financial challenges. He is currently the Grocery Commissioner for New Zealand, leading national efforts to enhance competition and fairness in the grocery sector. Pierre has also contributed to advisory boards and industry initiatives, including representing New Zealand internationally on APEC’s Policy Partnership on Food Security.

Known for his strategic thinking, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to high standards of governance, Pierre brings a strong focus on integrity, stakeholder engagement, and long-term financial sustainability to the Board.

Outside of his professional roles, Pierre is an accomplished endurance athlete, having completed 81 marathons and ultra-marathons. He also enjoys travelling, cycling, gardening, and walking, balancing his governance commitments with an active outdoor lifestyle.
 

 

Master Build Services Limited Board

Master Build Services Limited (MBS) provides the Master Build Guarantee and is governed by a separate Board.

Darrell Trigg

CHAIRPERSON

A member of Master Builders for over 20 years, Darrell was the Chairman of the Auckland Master Builders from 2000 to 2013 and in 2022 became the Chairman of the MBS Board. Previously he was a Director of Construction Information Ltd, and is a current member of the Master Builders Commercial Working Group. 

Darrell is a very active Chief Fire Officer at the Ruakaka Volunteer Fire Brigade where he has served for over 29 years and is an Associate Member (by Examination) of the NZ Fire Brigade Institute, member of the NZ Institute of Building and the NZ Institute of Directors. 

Darrell is a trade qualified Carpenter and Licensed Building Practitioner; he has extensive involvement in all aspects of construction business and brings skills in developing future strategic direction and planning, with a clear understanding of grass roots issues facing the industry. 

Darrell brings skills in entrepreneurial strategy, business transition, policy development and reviews, compliance with policy and regulations, risk management and governance, financial acumen, and advocacy 

Phil Brosnan 

Phil Brosnan joined the MBS Board in April 2024. Phil extensive career in construction has spanned over 30 years and he has also dedicated himself to empowering a diverse range of organisations in the business and not-for-profit sectors.

His construction career began in 1985, as an apprentice carpenter at Naylor Love where he advanced his career over 23 years before founding Brosnan in 2010 and Bettabuilt in 2014. He is a current director of the Brosnan and Bettabuilt group of companies, which have grown immensely, with national coverage and professional teams renowned for their expertise, efficiency, and integrity in construction.

Professionalism, commitment, and enthusiasm are three attributes credited to Phil's success, and these qualities shine in every aspect of his multifaceted role. Phil's passion lies in fostering excellence within the construction industry, with an overriding commitment to client success and the cultivation of long-term relationships that ensure the best possible outcomes.

Phil is also the deputy chair of the Building and Construction Trade Fund board. 
 

Johnny Calley

Johnny Calley joined the Master Builders Board of Directors in 2017, Johnny served as National President between 2022 – 2024 and has recently been appointed to the Guarantees Company Board (Master Build Services). Prior to becoming a Board Director, Johnny served as an executive member and President of the Tauranga Branch so understands the complexities between regional and national governance. 

Johnny’s natural leadership style compliments his entrepreneurial skills which were used when growing his award-winning building company Calley Homes that he and his wife Michelle founded in 2008. 

Johnny has honed his skills by delivering a diverse range of residential building and development projects around New Zealand and the UK over the past 22 years. Strategic focus, attention to detail and commitment to delivery are attributes Johnny holds himself accountable for alongside personal development.   

As a trade qualified Carpenter, and Licensed Building Practitioner with Carpentry and Site 2 licences Johnny’s technical, regulatory and compliance skills are an asset as we navigate some of the complex challenges the building industry is trying to solve.

Outside of business Johnny is a proud husband, father of 3, and a keen age group triathlete.
 

Tony Dench 

 
Tony was appointed to the MBS Board in 2024.

He is an experienced Independent Director with a passion for applying governance principles in a practical and pragmatic manner. His career has spanned law, accounting, property development, banking and wider financial services in both New Zealand and the UK.

He has extensive practical experience in implementing risk management within highly regulated business sectors together with an in-depth knowledge of deal structuring and managing acquisitions. Working with a wide range of businesses over many years, he is an advocate for purpose-driven strategy to deliver sustainable growth.

Tony is a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and holds a Bachelor of Law (Hons).

David Foon 

David joined the MBS Board in October 2025.

David has an extensive executive career across a number of industries including construction, energy, transport and logistics and is currently Chief Commercial Officer for HW Richardson Group Limited, for who he has worked for since 2010. In addition to this he is a non-executive director of Northland Waste Limited, one of NZ's largest privately owned waste businesses.

He possesses strong financial and commercial acumen and has been involved in a number of merger and acquisition type transactions from both a seller and buyer's perspective. David is a Chartered Accountant, a member of the Institute of Directors and holds a Bachelor of Management Studies.