Christchurch Apprentice Payton Wilson Wins RANZ Roofing Trainee of the Year 2026

Christchurch-based apprentice Payton Wilson has won Roofing Trainee of the Year at the Roofing Association of New Zealand's (RANZ) 2026 Roofing Training Awards, the industry's top honour for trainees nationwide.

Wilson, now in her second year with Edwards & Hardy Roofing, started out as a general labourer. These days she reads site plans, works through cut lists unassisted, and has been trusted to run jobs as temporary foreman when the team needs it, calling the shots on safety, sequencing, and quality without a supervisor standing over her shoulder.

"As her manager, I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand the dedication, skill, and professionalism she brings to the industry every day," says Zachary Waszczak, who manages Wilson at Edwards & Hardy. "As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated trade, she represents the future of our industry."

Wilson is one of relatively few women working tools-in-hand on residential roofs in New Zealand, and she's open about wanting that to change. She's a regular at Women in Roofing meetups, is on track to finish her apprenticeship, and has her sights set on eventually running her own roofing company.

Edwards & Hardy says the award reflects what they've watched happen on their own job sites over the past two years: a labourer turning into someone clients ask for by name.

Great work, Payton.

The RANZ Trainee of the Year award recognises trainees and apprentices across New Zealand for technical progress, workplace conduct, and leadership potential within the roofing industry.