PrintNZ has named the Top 10 apprentices who will contest this year’s BJ Ball Print Apprentice of the Year, with candidates drawn from packaging and print operations across New Zealand.
The finalists are: Kai Devereux (Pakworld Christchurch), Nick Dobson (MCC Albany, Auckland), Travers Dobson (Leading Label Company, Christchurch), Kapareira Hannon (Accolade Packaging, Auckland), Graeme Matamua Leau (MCC Albany, Auckland), Hannah McBride-Adamson (MCC Christchurch), Don Moonjely (Opal Packaging, Christchurch), Mohammad “Mauveen” Rafiq (Alto Packaging, Hamilton), Rebecca Tipene (Visy Rigid Packaging, Auckland), and Siaosi Toa’fa (Oji Fibre Solutions, Auckland).
Pakworld Christchurch production manager Chris Inglis says Mr Devereux brings a “great can-do attitude alongside a high skill level”.
“He’s always up for trying new things, he doesn’t mind other duties outside of his role – he’ll jump in and help anyone,” says Mr Inglis.
“He prides himself on the quality he puts out and he’s always mindful of the next stage – the people having to strip the jobs out, because if there are lots of nicks on the die-cutting, it’s harder on the guys’ hands to strip the waste.”
MCC Albany print manager Rob Ellis describes Mr Dobson as having a “consistently-positive attitude and exceptional work ethic”.
“Nick came to us without any prior experience in the print industry… he has effectively learned the trade from the ground up – building his knowledge through hands-on experience, curiosity and a strong desire to improve,” says Mr Ellis.
Leading Label Company managing director Bryce Coulbeck says Travers Dobson combined mechanical knowledge with computer skills, allowing him to work across conventional and digital printing.
“He started by learning to run an eight-colour flexo press and quickly adapted… taking on the responsibility of dealing with any machine problems directly with the manufacturer via E-mail or Teams calls,” says Mr Coulbeck.
Accolade Packaging operations manager Tony Antonio says he recruited Mr Hannon after working with him previously, citing his approach to technology and attention to detail.
“What impresses me is how he embraces new technology and his attention to detail while focusing on quality and efficiency,” says Mr Antonio, adding he approached Mr Hannon about a role before he began an apprenticeship elsewhere.
MCC New Zealand production manager John Madden says Mr Matamua Leau contributes to a collaborative workplace culture, with “keen attention to detail” and technical ability enabling him to handle complex work.
“Senior printer Tevita Afu describes it as a ‘pleasure’ to share his skills and knowledge with ‘someone so receptive to both traditional practices and innovative ideas’,” says Mr Madden.
MCC Christchurch operations manager Nick Keats says “nothing is a bother” for Ms McBride-Adamson.
“She’s very methodical and not scared to ask a question if she doesn’t know something… she’ll be happy on the simplest machine or a more complex machine, she just takes it in her stride,” says Mr Keats.
Opal Packaging process engineering and continuous improvement lead Matthew Moore describes Mr Moonjely as “absolutely rock-solid reliable”.
“When problems outside of his control do occur, he passes on that information quickly… if you ask for information about something technical, he will give you every bit of information there is, which makes it much easier to follow up,” says Mr Moore.
Pact Group people and culture business partner Roxanne Mason says Mr Rafiq is “a highly-valued team player” who balances his apprenticeship with family responsibilities and shift work.
“As an adult apprentice balancing family responsibilities, it required a significant commitment… he also works the afternoon shift, which presents additional challenges… despite this, he remained focused on pushing through,” says Ms Mason.
Visy Rigid Packaging team leader Tokorua Hawe says Ms Tipene shows “strong work ethic, reliability and positive attitude”, alongside attention to detail in production.
“Rebecca has previous experience within the industry, which was evident in how quickly she was able to perform in her role… currently working as a decorator operator where she continues to build on her skills,” says Mr Hawe.
Oji Fibre Solutions production manager Gavin Moffat says Mr Toa’fa has a “very good eye for quality and always makes sure to check impression production”.
“Maintaining quality for our customers is key… people at the very beginning of the process who get that help make the product journey simple,” says Mr Moffat, adding apprenticeships support succession planning and skills transfer.
The BJ Ball Print Apprentice of the Year will be presented at the Pride InPrint Awards at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch on June 26, 2026.