Who We Are

We are a small team supported by pilot funding from ACC and logistical support from the Mental health foundation of New Zealand.

Meet the Team

Hugh Photos (6)

Rafael Caso

Meet Rafael Caso, our dynamic Program Lead. With his extensive background as a Health & Safety Manager and Civil Works Project Manager, Rafael brings practical expertise and a genuine passion for fostering a healthy work environment. He's all about building strong connections and inspiring tradies to prioritise their mental and physical well-being. Beyond his professional pursuits, he's a devoted family man, navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood with his teenage kids. And when it comes to staying fit, he hits the gym with enthusiasm, training alongside his children. Rafael truly embodies the values of a healthy lifestyle, both at work and at home.

Prof Grant Schofield

Grant is the Professor of Public Health at Auckland University of Technology and the Director of the university’s Human Potential Centre. With unwavering passion, he revolutionises well-being on a large scale. Grant's expertise spans psychology, behavior change, and mental health. He has made significant contributions as NZ Advisor for Movember, a founding board member for the Health Promotion Agency, and Chief Health Advisor for the Ministry of Education. Additionally, he serves as the Chief Science Officer for Prekure, training health coaches in Australia and New Zealand.

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Hugh Norriss

Hugh has extensive experience in managing mental health services and developing programs for mental well-being, From preventing mental illness to promoting mental well-being, he has held senior management roles across public health, hospitals, and community services. As an independent consultant for workplace well-being programs, Hugh continues to make a significant impact. His expertise also extends to advising the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand on well-being science and policy. At a personal level, Hugh loves adventuring in the outdoors and keeping a strong focus on mental and physical fitness.

Who we work with

We believe mental health is like physical health. It can leave us feeling well, unwell or somewhere in the middle. The Live Well Build Well approach to improving mental health is positive and proactive. We work with leading industry partners in the health and well being sector.

Feeling grateful for the opportunity to support the @fletcherliving support office in strengthening their mental fitness. It was fun to work with such a dedicated group, and I truly appreciated all the valuable feedback shared during our session.

As we discussed, even small improvements in the areas we identified can make a big difference in building resilience. I encourage everyone to take action and start making one small change today!

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Rafael. rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #lwbwtradiestalk @accnewzealand #Leadership #ConstructionIndustry #LIVEWELLBUILDWELL #MentalFitness
#TradiesSupportingTradies

Feeling grateful for the opportunity to support the @fletcherliving support office in strengthening their mental fitness. It was fun to work with such a dedicated group, and I truly appreciated all the valuable feedback shared during our session.

As we discussed, even small improvements in the areas we identified can make a big difference in building resilience. I encourage everyone to take action and start making one small change today!

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Rafael. [email protected]

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: [email protected]

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #lwbwtradiestalk @accnewzealand #Leadership #ConstructionIndustry #LIVEWELLBUILDWELL #MentalFitness
#TradiesSupportingTradies
...

Welcome, Cory Gladden – Our New LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion! @corthechippy 

We’re thrilled to have Cory on board as a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion! At just 22, Cory has already made a big impact in the trade, getting qualified before 21 with support from @bcito completing a business certificate and always pushing for career growth.

Beyond the job site, he’s all about mental fitness, resilience, and supporting his fellow tradies. Having faced his own mental battles, Cory is passionate about helping builders stay ahead, stay strong, and enjoy coming to work.

Stoked to have you on the team, Cory! Let’s keep building a healthier, stronger industry together. 

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Rafael. rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat #lwbwtradiestalk @accnewzealand 
#Leadership #ConstructionIndustry #LIVEWELLBUILDWELL #MentalFitness
#TradiesSupportingTradies

Welcome, Cory Gladden – Our New LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion! @corthechippy

We’re thrilled to have Cory on board as a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion! At just 22, Cory has already made a big impact in the trade, getting qualified before 21 with support from @bcito completing a business certificate and always pushing for career growth.

Beyond the job site, he’s all about mental fitness, resilience, and supporting his fellow tradies. Having faced his own mental battles, Cory is passionate about helping builders stay ahead, stay strong, and enjoy coming to work.

Stoked to have you on the team, Cory! Let’s keep building a healthier, stronger industry together.

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Rafael. [email protected]

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: [email protected]

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat #lwbwtradiestalk @accnewzealand
#Leadership #ConstructionIndustry #LIVEWELLBUILDWELL #MentalFitness
#TradiesSupportingTradies
...

Can you take any supplements that actually make any difference or is this just expensive urine and a waste of your money and that billions and billions of dollars that go into the supplements industry is there anything real about it ? Dr Grant Schofield explains the science.

Can you take any supplements that actually make any difference or is this just expensive urine and a waste of your money and that billions and billions of dollars that go into the supplements industry is there anything real about it ? Dr Grant Schofield explains the science. ...

We’re excited to welcome Jennifer Parker to the LIVE WELL BUILD WELL champion team!

Jennifer is passionate about the building and construction industry and lives life to the fullest. With a strong background in the trades, she built and led her own successful business before stepping into her current role as General Manager of Auckland’s leading high-end villa and bungalow renovation company. Her leadership, hands-on experience, and drive make her a valuable advocate for mental fitness in construction.
Welcome aboard, Jennifer.

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Rafael. rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gaK9_q4u

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat 
#lwbwtradiestalk ACC New Zealand  Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ)  #Leadership #ConstructionIndustry #LIVEWELLBUILDWELL #MentalFitness
#TradiesSupportingTradies

We’re excited to welcome Jennifer Parker to the LIVE WELL BUILD WELL champion team!

Jennifer is passionate about the building and construction industry and lives life to the fullest. With a strong background in the trades, she built and led her own successful business before stepping into her current role as General Manager of Auckland’s leading high-end villa and bungalow renovation company. Her leadership, hands-on experience, and drive make her a valuable advocate for mental fitness in construction.
Welcome aboard, Jennifer.

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Rafael. [email protected]

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gaK9_q4u

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: [email protected]

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat
#lwbwtradiestalk ACC New Zealand Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ) #Leadership #ConstructionIndustry #LIVEWELLBUILDWELL #MentalFitness
#TradiesSupportingTradies
...

Welcome, Nerissa Ross – LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion!

Nerissa brings a unique blend of experience to the construction industry. With a background and degree in HR, she made the leap into site management after recruiting for a property developer—eventually hiring herself for the role! Her passion for people and curiosity about what drives them have shaped her approach to leadership, creating a caring and inclusive culture where every worker feels seen and heard.

As a strong advocate for mental health, Nerissa speaks openly about her own challenges, using her experiences to support others when they need it most. She believes in the power of being open and connection, creating spaces where people feel safe to share their struggles. Talking about the “uncomfy” stuff.

To keep her mind boost her mental fitness, Nerissa turns to the outdoors—hiking, surfing, camping, and anything that gets her moving. During the week, the gym, sauna, and ice baths help her stay grounded.

She’s excited to be part of LIVE WELL BUILD WELL, spreading the message of mental fitness and wellbeing across the construction industry. Welcome Nerissa!

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Rafael. rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@livewellbuildwell?feature=shared

Welcome, Nerissa Ross – LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion!

Nerissa brings a unique blend of experience to the construction industry. With a background and degree in HR, she made the leap into site management after recruiting for a property developer—eventually hiring herself for the role! Her passion for people and curiosity about what drives them have shaped her approach to leadership, creating a caring and inclusive culture where every worker feels seen and heard.

As a strong advocate for mental health, Nerissa speaks openly about her own challenges, using her experiences to support others when they need it most. She believes in the power of being open and connection, creating spaces where people feel safe to share their struggles. Talking about the “uncomfy” stuff.

To keep her mind boost her mental fitness, Nerissa turns to the outdoors—hiking, surfing, camping, and anything that gets her moving. During the week, the gym, sauna, and ice baths help her stay grounded.

She’s excited to be part of LIVE WELL BUILD WELL, spreading the message of mental fitness and wellbeing across the construction industry. Welcome Nerissa!

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Rafael. [email protected]

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@livewellbuildwell?feature=shared
...

Welcome to the LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion team, Reuben Jane! 💪

Reuben has been in the game for 15 years, and alongside his solid building skills, he brings a background in hospitality—so he knows a thing or two about balance. Mental wellbeing isn’t just something he talks about; it’s part of his daily life.

When he’s not on the tools, you’ll find him out in the wild hunting, fishing, and making the most of life. For Reuben, taking time away from work isn’t a luxury—it’s a non-negotiable. Prioritising the things he loves makes him a better builder, father, and partner to Libby.

We’re stoked to have Reuben on board as a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion—helping spread the message that working hard doesn’t mean burning out. It means working smart, looking after yourself, and making time for what really matters.

Give him a warm welcome and stay tuned for more insights from the man himself! 🔥🙌 

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Raf.
rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat #lwbwtradiestalk #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #HealthyTradies #NZCertifiedBuilders #5S #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #ConstructionLife #HealthyBuilder
#LIVEWELLBUILDWELL #MentalFitness #WorkToLive #BuilderLife

Welcome to the LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion team, Reuben Jane! 💪

Reuben has been in the game for 15 years, and alongside his solid building skills, he brings a background in hospitality—so he knows a thing or two about balance. Mental wellbeing isn’t just something he talks about; it’s part of his daily life.

When he’s not on the tools, you’ll find him out in the wild hunting, fishing, and making the most of life. For Reuben, taking time away from work isn’t a luxury—it’s a non-negotiable. Prioritising the things he loves makes him a better builder, father, and partner to Libby.

We’re stoked to have Reuben on board as a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion—helping spread the message that working hard doesn’t mean burning out. It means working smart, looking after yourself, and making time for what really matters.

Give him a warm welcome and stay tuned for more insights from the man himself! 🔥🙌

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Raf.
[email protected]

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: [email protected]

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat #lwbwtradiestalk #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #HealthyTradies #NZCertifiedBuilders #5S #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #ConstructionLife #HealthyBuilder
#LIVEWELLBUILDWELL #MentalFitness #WorkToLive #BuilderLife
...

Welcome, Aaron Nagle – LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion! @azza_batman @chippie_azza 

Meet Aaron, a passionate builder who knows the value of a solid team, good banter, and a healthy mindset on and off the tools.

With a background in boatbuilding, Aaron’s all about precision, hard work, and keeping a positive vibe on-site. When he’s not building, you’ll find him hitting the gym or making the most of his downtime—because balance is key.

We are honored to have Aaron on board as a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion, helping spread the word on mental fitness in construction. Give him a shout-out and stay tuned for his take on the 5S of Mental Fitness! 

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Raf.
rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat #lwbwtradiestalk ACC New Zealand Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #HealthyTradies #NZCertifiedBuilders #5S #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #ConstructionLife #HealthyBuilder

Welcome, Aaron Nagle – LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion! @azza_batman @chippie_azza

Meet Aaron, a passionate builder who knows the value of a solid team, good banter, and a healthy mindset on and off the tools.

With a background in boatbuilding, Aaron’s all about precision, hard work, and keeping a positive vibe on-site. When he’s not building, you’ll find him hitting the gym or making the most of his downtime—because balance is key.

We are honored to have Aaron on board as a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion, helping spread the word on mental fitness in construction. Give him a shout-out and stay tuned for his take on the 5S of Mental Fitness!

Curious about being a LIVE WELL BUILD WELL Champion? Reach out to Raf.
[email protected]

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL

Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: [email protected]

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat #lwbwtradiestalk ACC New Zealand Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #HealthyTradies #NZCertifiedBuilders #5S #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #ConstructionLife #HealthyBuilder
...

Grateful for the Support of NZ Certified Builders!

A huge thank you to New Zealand Certified Builders Association for sharing the LIVE WELL BUILD WELL mental fitness message 5S with your members! Your commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of builders is making a real difference.

We’re also incredibly grateful that some details of our recent survey results have been published, showing an increase in the average level of wellbeing among residential construction workers in 2024. It’s a sign that positive change is happening when we make mental fitness a priority.

Improving mental fitness isn’t about massive overhauls—it’s about small, daily habits that help tradies become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for the demands of the job.

Let’s keep building a healthier, stronger construction industry together!

Find the full article here:
https://issuu.com/certifiedbuilders/docs/inhouse_magazine_march_2025

What are your 'non-negotiables' to keep mentally fit?

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL
Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: rafael@livewellbuildwell.com

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat
#lwbwtradiestalk #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #HealthyTradies #NZCertifiedBuilders #5S

Grateful for the Support of NZ Certified Builders!

A huge thank you to New Zealand Certified Builders Association for sharing the LIVE WELL BUILD WELL mental fitness message 5S with your members! Your commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of builders is making a real difference.

We’re also incredibly grateful that some details of our recent survey results have been published, showing an increase in the average level of wellbeing among residential construction workers in 2024. It’s a sign that positive change is happening when we make mental fitness a priority.

Improving mental fitness isn’t about massive overhauls—it’s about small, daily habits that help tradies become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for the demands of the job.

Let’s keep building a healthier, stronger construction industry together!

Find the full article here:
https://issuu.com/certifiedbuilders/docs/inhouse_magazine_march_2025

What are your `non-negotiables` to keep mentally fit?

Listen to tradies stories here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIVEWELLBUILDWELL
Organise LWBW to present at your next Toolbox Talk: [email protected]

#LWBW #Tradies #ResidentialConstruction #NZ #TheRafChat
#lwbwtradiestalk #LiveWellBuildWell #MentalFitness #HealthyTradies #NZCertifiedBuilders #5S
...

Our aim is to start conversations about health and wellbeing that might not otherwise happen. We just need to give people in our industry the confidence to start sharing and discussing these ideas. Our aim is to start a social movement of like-minded people who take on these ideas.
Rafael Caseo
Project Lead

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