When the producer of the television programme Mucking In contacted Hawke’s Bay Registered Master Builders Association president Leno Federico his first reaction was to say no. “Then I thought, well, hang on, we’ve got 40 members and employ about 1000 people so I asked the producer to give me 24 hours and I might have another answer.”
Mucking In is the programme which shows a home and garden being renovated for someone who has made a signifi cant contribution to their community. In Hawke’s Bay, the project involved a 40-year-old home in Havelock North. Because there is so much work in the region, none of the big building companies could help — which was why the show’s producer contacted the local Registered Master Builders Association.
Leno says it took him less than a day to enlist 20 people prepared to help out. “I decided our participation would mean a lot of exposure for the Hawke’s Bay Registered Master Builders’ Association,” Leno says.
“I had T-shirts made up and, judging from the number of people who’ve asked me for an autograph, I can only assume that a lot of viewers saw the programme.” Leno says the bit about the autographs is tongue-incheek, but he has no doubt that the Association gained a lot of credibility and exposure through members’ participation in the programme which aired in early August. “The way you see it on television is not quite how it happens,” Leno explains.
“A lot has to be done before filming begins.” Leno, managing director of P’Casa Enterprises in Havelock North, says windows had to be measured so they could be made, a hole was cut in the house’s wall so that a new ranch slider door could be fitted and piles for the deck were installed so that the weekend crew had only to fix bearers and joists before they laid the decking itself.
“We learned that because of the extent of the decks this was one of the most expensive projects that had ever appeared on the programme,” Leno says. “And we could never have done it without the co-operation of the local council.” Leno says that like any other project, plans had to be prepared — “which the council approved in 24 hours,” he says.
Leno put a great deal of his own time into the project, preparing plans and rounding up the people interested in participating. He’s certain it was worthwhile. “Apart from the exposure, the programme has led to further associated activities,” he says.
“All of this just adds to the credibility of the Master Builders brand which, of course, benefits our members.” Members in Hawke’s Bay are fortunate in having a president who recognises an opportunity for exposure, and who devotes time and energy to making sure the Association gains from it
