Thomas Hanford

Building a Future On and Off the Tools: The Story of Apprentice Boxer-Builder, Thomas Hanford

In construction, you meet plenty of hard workers. But every now and then, someone comes along who raises the bar. For Hillview Builders apprentice Thomas Hanford, the bar isn't just high; it's moving. He's balancing a full-time career on the tools with training as one of New Zealand's rising boxing talents, and he's excelling at both.

Choosing a Different Path: From University to the Building Site

Thomas's journey into construction wasn't planned. After nearly completing a university degree, he realised the path he was on wasn't right for him. A summer labouring job changed that.

"I was digging pile holes and loving it," he laughs.

Within weeks, his boss asked if he'd consider an apprenticeship, and Thomas never looked back. Today he's in the final stages of his BCITO Carpentry apprenticeship, working under Hillview Builders owner Rhys Hill.

A Passion for Boxing

Around 16 or 17, after getting "too small for rugby," a friend convinced Thomas to try boxing. What started as a hobby quickly became something more serious.

He arrived at the gym a quiet, reserved teenager and stayed because boxing brought out a different side of him, building discipline, confidence and resilience.

This year alone, Thomas has achieved:

• South Island Champion
• National Champion, The Parisian Cup, 60kgs
• John Jameson & Son Dublin Belt (Elite Most Scientific Boxer in NZ across all weight grades)

He has defeated the same top contender four times out of five this season. His next goal is the Commonwealth Games.

Life as a Full-Time Builder and High-Performance Athlete

A typical day for Thomas looks like this:

• 5:00am-6:00am - Strength training at the gym
• 8:30am-4:30pm - On the tools at Hillview Builders
• Evening - Boxing training until 8pm
• Every day - Meal prep, rest, recovery, repeat

"Sleep, food, staying organised, that's what keeps you going," Thomas says. "You're basically working full-time and training like a professional athlete."

He also fits in yoga twice a week to keep his body moving well under the workload.

How Boxing Makes Him a Better Builder

Thomas says the discipline he's built through boxing carries directly into his work on site.

"Focus, in boxing, if you lose focus, you get punched in the head. In building, if you lose focus, you cut a piece too short or slow down the whole job."

The fitness, mental toughness and problem-solving he's developed make long days on the tools far more manageable.

"Nothing's harder than a sprint round on the bag," he laughs.

Support That Makes the Balance Possible

Thomas gives real credit to both BCITO and Hillview Builders for helping him manage his dual pathway.

BCITO Training Advisor Steve adjusts expectations around busy training blocks without fuss.

"If I've got a heavy boxing block, I just let Steve know. He gets it, no issues."

Hillview Builders has been just as important. The small team structure means communication is tight and expectations are clear, with Rhys working closely alongside Thomas.

"Rhys is a champion. Early on we had the chat; he said if the apprenticeship takes a little longer because of boxing, that's fine. As long as I show up and work hard."

From Renovations to New Builds: Learning the Craft

Over the past year, Thomas has worked across a range of projects, including high-end new builds, fast-moving renovations, and a 450 sqm home in Tai Tapu. He's now roughly 95% complete with his apprenticeship, with foundation work as the final component, which he'll finish with support from another local crew.

Why Trades and Sport Work So Well Together

Thomas reckons construction and boxing are a natural fit.

"Boxers like using their hands. Trades are all hands-on. It just fits. And having a stable job and routine makes me a better athlete. I feel better about everything."

He believes many young people in sport could thrive in the trades, particularly with support from programmes like BCITO Sport that help athletes connect with the right employers.

What Boxing Teaches You

"Boxing is hard, really hard," Thomas says. "But it teaches mental toughness like nothing else. You learn discipline, focus, and how to push through when you're shattered."

He sees those same traits showing up every day on site.

The Gym That Changed Everything

Thomas credits his boxing gym and coach Devin Campbell for shaping who he is today.

"It gave me direction when I really needed it. Every win now feels like giving something back."

Employer Insight: A Q&A with Rhys Hill, Owner of Hillview Builders

What qualities do you look for when hiring an apprentice, especially someone balancing high-level sport?

Punctuality, problem solving, a growth mindset, and a light-hearted attitude.

How has Thomas grown since joining the business?

He's become a stronger communicator, more relaxed, and his sense of humour comes out a lot more now. His work ethic has always been outstanding.

Do athletes bring advantages to the building trade?

Absolutely. They're organised, driven, and usually have better life processes and direction.

How has BCITO supported your business?

Smooth and simple. Regular check-ins, no issues at all.

Advice for employers taking on apprentices who compete in sport?

Work with their training schedule. If they're pushed too hard, their work can suffer. Letting them start later or recover properly makes a real difference.

How do you support Thomas through busy periods?

Time off for fights, later starts, early finishes, light duties after tough bouts, and flexibility during weight cuts.

Thomas's biggest strengths?

Great vibe, very hardworking, excellent at reading plans and specs, and a strong communicator.

What do you hope to see from him next?

More speed, and running our next new build himself.

Building His Future

Whether he's stepping into the ring or onto the job site, Thomas Hanford is building something worth watching, with a hammer in one hand and boxing gloves in the other.

"Huge shoutout to Hillview Builders. I couldn't be doing any of this without them."