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NZ Plumber is the official magazine of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc. Contact details for the Master Plumbers board, staff, branches and associations are available at www.masterplumbers.org.nz
“Sustainability is no longer an option but a requirement – and it’s what our customers expect.” I was really struck by that comment from Allproof general manager Adam Jackson when I caught up with him for the latest in our factory tour article series (take a virtual tour of Allproof’s Auckland facility starting on page 54).
When I started working with Master Plumbers 20 years ago, energy efficiency was still considered in the realm of hippy sandal wearers. Solar water heating was an emerging technology in New Zealand and homeowners generally weren’t putting ‘green’ high on their list of priorities when choosing plumbing appliances, fixtures and fittings – largely through lack of public awareness.
Looking through this edition, it’s clear how much times have changed. Sustainable products and technologies are a common theme throughout the pages, whether it be progress for green hydrogen, heat pump water heating, resource recovery efforts, construction plastic waste reduction, or use of recycled materials in product manufacture. Perhaps when we look back on this period of plumbing history, we’ll mark this move towards sustainability as we do the invention of the flushing toilet or the arrival of plastic pipes – the point where something becomes the norm rather than the exception. The imminent deadline for removing lead from drinking water plumbing products will be a similar milestone for New Zealand.
Matt and Hayley Nieper from Semtex in Palmerston North – our cover stars this edition – are very familiar with sustainable technologies, having purchased a pipe relining and repair franchise to diversify their work streams. Turn to page 28 to find out how this business is carrying out pipe monitoring and relining work around the region to extend the life of existing pipe networks with minimal impact on the environment. On a final note, this November will see updates to Building Code clauses E1, G12 and G13 come into full effect, as the transition period ends for most of the changes introduced last year. One of these is the reduction of the maximum hot water delivery temperature in most buildings from 55°C to 50°C for personal hygiene fixtures. This has implications for gas continuous flow water heaters, which we look into on page 53 as part of this edition’s hot water technical theme. Enjoy the read!
Beverly Sellers
Editor, NZ Plumber bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz
While people come and go,
upcoming
former plumber switched to tutoring
diverse and niche mix of plumbing, gas and drainage services keep the pipeline of work flowing at Palmerston North-based Semtex, run by
and Hayley Nieper, who also own the Nuflow Manawatu franchise. A former engineer in the
Army, and having also worked as a plumber in Australia’s mines, Matt is currently getting ready for an offshore pipe rehabilitation project on the Maari oil field platform.
CEO’S REPORT
As New Zealand develops a comprehensive energy transition plan, we’re seeing tremendous progress for renewable gases across the world, including for our Trans Tasman friends. On page 16, you’ll see a feature on green hydrogen developments in New Zealand and what this could mean for the gas sector.
I met with Energy Minister Simeon Brown in July to discuss the energy portfolio and particularly the important role gas plays as part of a diverse and resilient energy sector. The reality is, we still have some sectors campaigning to electrify New Zealand and putting their heads in the sand when it comes to the fact that we continue to import coal from Indonesia, at enormous environmental impact, to help feed the electricity network rather than using our own natural resources, which include natural gas, biogas and LPG.
We are confident that hydrogen is a future energy force for New Zealand but this will start with the maritime and heavy transport sectors. We have seen the huge success of the hydrogen project in South Australia, which is producing green hydrogen and blending it with the natural gas reticulated network to supply around 4,000 homes.
I also spoke to the minister about the importance of having a gas centre of excellence in New Zealand to provide training in future fuels as we make the transition. Unfortunately, the training
centres across New Zealand are not meeting the industry’s needs in this space or in providing the commercial gas training that we desperately need.
We know that gas training is costly to deliver and, with the renewable gas changes ahead, we would like to see a training centre the gas sector could be proud of. At Master
“We still have some sectors campaigning to electrify New Zealand and putting their heads in the sand when it comes to the fact that we continue to import coal from Indonesia to help feed the electricity network.”
Plumbers, we are starting to investigate how we might create this.
In other news, Master Plumbers welcomes the government’s ‘granny flat’ plans to remove the requirement for resource and building consents for buildings under 60 square metres. The cost of construction is too high and anything that can be done to help build more dwellings by reducing unnecessary compliance and expense should be supported.
I’d also add that these plans effectively
pave the way to self certification for plumbing and drainlaying – they just limit it to a specific building size, which seems quite bizarre as a bathroom is a bathroom.
We continue to make progress with this coalition government to ensure our industry can move to a self certification model and increase productivity.
The government is progressing a requirement for building consent authorities to use remote inspections. Whilst Master Plumbers would like remote inspection technology to be utilised, and conducted a successful pilot in the Auckland and Marlborough regions, I would point out that this is not the same as self certification, as it still requires council oversight.
I believe the gas self-certification model should also adopt digital technology for better record keeping of work done.
Finally, it was a pleasure to attend the recent 2024 NAWIC Excellence Awards in Wellington. The event was a great showcase of female leadership in the construction industry and congratulations to Maria Contreras Huerta and Phoebe Coers for representing the plumbing sector among the winners.
I believe we still have a long way to go for female plumbers to become the norm rather than a small percentage of the workforce, but I believe we can make that happen if business owners lead the way and challenge themselves to be more inclusive.
Greg Wallace, CEO Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers
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REMOTE INSPECTION PLANS
Remote inspections to become ‘the default approach’ under government plans.
With a New Zealand home taking around 569 days on average to be built, the government plans to require councils to use remote inspections as the default approach to speed up the consenting process.
“Inspections are typically in-person, which can lead to long delays as builders are forced to wait sometimes for weeks for a spot to be available, which often means building work must stop in the meantime,” said Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk on announcing the plans in July.
“Remote inspections offer significant productivity gains that make it easier and cheaper to build. However, the use of remote inspections is currently inconsistent across the country, with some councils being reluctant to use it.”
Penk said reduced travel costs and time delays are among the key benefits of this approach, along with improved record keeping and documentation.
Consultation will open soon, giving councils and the sector an opportunity to provide feedback.
What s’ up
The government wants remote inspections to be the norm for all councils.
CONSULTATIONS
ON
THE FUTURE FOR APPRENTICE
TRAINING
AND THE WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY REGIME FEATURE IN THIS EDITION’S INDUSTRY
NEWS ROUND-UP.
WHAT WILL REPLACE TE PŪKENGA?
The government has committed to disestablishing Te Pūkenga and proposes replacing it with a vocational education and training system that restores regional decision-making and connections between Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and their communities.
Under the proposals, ITPs with a clear pathway to financial sustainability as standalone institutions would be given greater autonomy under Te Pūkenga from 1 January 2025, and would be reestablished as autonomous entities from 1 January 2026.
The remaining ITPs would be grouped into a federation, anchored by the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. “This would preserve ITPs’ local identities and maintain regional access while using educational programmes, academic and back-office support from the Open Polytechnic, so they do not have to do everything themselves,” said Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds in August.
The government also proposes disestablishing the Workforce Development Councils and establishing an industry-led system for standards setting, qualification development, workforce forecasting and industry training.
Provide your thoughts
Redesign of the vocational education and training system
Proposals for public consultation
The government is seeking feedback on its proposed reforms of the vocational education system.
Have your say on the proposed changes to the vocational education and training system by 12 September at www.education.govt.nz/ourwork/consultations/open-consultations/2024vocational-education-and-training-reforms
WORK HEALTH & SAFETY REGIME UNDER REVIEW
With the Health and Safety at Work Act now almost 10 years old, the coalition government is reviewing what's working and what needs to change. “Workers, organisations, and businesses spend a lot of time and money trying to comply with health and safety rules and regulations, yet New Zealand’s workplace fatality rate is far too high compared with countries like Australia and the United Kingdom,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden.
“While some people complain about too much health and safety regulation, others may point to New Zealand’s dismal statistics and complain there is not enough, and others still may complain that the entire system encourages or focuses on the wrong behaviour.”
Public consultation is now open. Feedback will inform advice to ministers on any improvements that could be made.
Have your say on the work health and safety regulatory system by 31 October at www.mbie. govt.nz/have-your-say/work-health-and-safety
ENERGY SAFETY TO FOCUS AUDITS ON GAS HIGH RISK DATABASE ENTRIES
WorkSafe – Energy Safety has identified some common errors with information entered in the Gas High Risk Database:
Incorrectly selecting the ‘Gas Fuel Cell’ box
Incorrectly recording the registration number of each practitioner involved (eg, where the registration number doesn’t match the name listed as doing the work)
Made up and/or false registration numbers
Incorrectly selecting the high-risk category
Errors with the property address where the work was carried out.
The regulator says it will be focusing its audit activities on ensuring all required information is correctly entered on the database. Persistent or deliberate failure to do so may result in compliance action being taken.
The correct certification of gasfitting work is critical as the information gives owners, consumers and regulators confidence that high-risk gasfitting work is safe and compliant.
For more information on gas certification, go to www.worksafe.govt.nz/ topic-and-industry/gas/installations-and-networks/certification
PEOPLE
BRANZ PUBLISHES THIRD EDITION OF PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE GUIDE
BRANZ has released the third edition of its Plumbing and Drainage Guide, which reflects the recent changes to the AS/NZS 3500 Standards series and amendments to New Zealand Building Code clauses G12 and G13.
The guide covers the general principles of the plumbing codes and standards for sanitary plumbing in Zealand.
“Issues such as backflow prevention, protection from scalding and explosion by hot water installations and the use of air admittance valves are explained in clear and simple text,” says BRANZ.
Available as a PDF and limited-edition print format. Order at www.branz.co.nz/shop/ catalogue/plumbing-and-drainage-guide_1062
Sharon Thompson has been appointed as WorkSafe’s new Chief Executive, taking over from interim Chief Executive Steve Haszard who left WorkSafe in mid-July.
“Sharon is well placed to drive the delivery of WorkSafe’s new strategy and operating plan, which sets out how we will undertake our role as Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary work health and safety regulator,” said WorkSafe New Zealand Board Chair Jennifer Kerr on making the announcement in June.
Sharon comes to WorkSafe from the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) where she led the operations and capability functions. Previous to this, she was Deputy Commissioner, Customer and Compliance Services at Inland Revenue.
“I look forward to the privilege of working with the WorkSafe team, and with government and sector partners, businesses and workers, iwi, unions, and everyone who can help influence better health and safety at work in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Sharon.
Energy Safety is cracking down on persistent or deliberately incorrect entries to the Gas High Risk Database.
PVC PIPE, HEAT PUMP AND GAS STANDARD UPDATES
New publications to be aware of:
AS/NZS 5395:2024 – Best environmental practice
PVC pipes and fittings
Specifies requirements for best environmental practice for PVC pipes, conduits, profiles and fittings.
SNZ PAS 5210:2024 – High-temperature heat pumps (supersedes SNZ PAS 5210:2021)
The objective of this publicly available specification (PAS) is to provide good practice advice and information to support the adoption of energyefficient heat pump systems for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. This PAS is limited to the most common systems available, which are those that utilise a closed mechanical vapour compression cycle using electricity.
SNZ PAS 5210:2024 supersedes the 2021 version, which focused on high-temperature heat pumps used to provide reticulated hot water for heating in institutional settings – for example, radiators in schools or office buildings. The revision extends the applications to domestic hot water heaters, commercial users of hot water, and process heating (water, air, or other substances) in industry. The field of high-temperature heat pumps is an area of active research and innovation, so the PAS has been updated with the latest information.
NZS 5442 (Int): 2024 – Specification for reticulated natural gas
The purpose of this specific interim standard is to allow the blending of biomethane within the reticulated gas network. The final and fully revised version of this standard is expected to additionally allow blending of hydrogen gas within the gas distribution network.
SELF-CONTAINED VEHICLES RULES UPDATED
Updates to the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023 come into force on 29 August 2024.
The amended regulations are:
Only permanently fixed wastewater storage tanks are required to be directly ventilated to the exterior of the motor vehicle
Self-containment certification authorities will refund levy payments to individuals whose vehicles fail their inspection.
More information on what is needed to certify a vehicle under the updated requirements, and where to go to get certified, is available on the website of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, as the regulator of the self-contained vehicle system.
CORE PGD COMPETENCIES UPDATED
In 2023, the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB) undertook a review of the core registration competencies for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in New Zealand to see if the competencies were still current and fit for purpose. This review included public consultation and discussions with the Waihanga Ara Rau workforce development council Technical Advisory Group.
Overall, the PGDB found the competencies were hitting the mark. However, it has decided to make the following changes:
Simplify descriptions used in the competencies
Modernise terminology
Re-order the competencies into a logical, consistent order
Introduce a competency relating to the efficient use of natural resources
Introduce a competency relating to working in a regulated occupation (this expands on an existing competency).
The changes have been approved by the Minister for Building and Construction.
Find the updated core competencies at www.pgdb.co.nz
Under the updated rules, only permanently fixed wastewater storage tanks are required to be directly ventilated to the exterior of the vehicle.
WATER REPORTS SHOW AREAS FOR CONCERN
The latest drinking water quality report from water regulator Taumata Arowai shows one in five treatment plants servicing council-operated water supplies do not have all the requirement protections in place.
Around 489,000 people in New Zealand are drinking from a public supply with no protozoa barrier – the lack of which was identified as likely factor in the Queenstown cryptosporidium outbreak last year.
Other areas for concern include high levels of E. coli notifications and a high number of long-term ‘boil water’ and ‘do not drink’ notices from suppliers.
“From a practical perspective, a multi-barrier approach is the single most effective way to avoid people getting sick from their drinking water,” said Taumata Arowai chief executive Allan Prangnell.
A first-ever network environmental performance report was published alongside the drinking water
report and is designed to provide a national picture of public drinking water networks. However, there were a lot of gaps in the data received, including low levels of reporting on well publicised water losses.
Taumata Arowai says it will work to ensure network operators prioritise collecting and monitoring the right information to better understand their network performance. “Without good data, we can’t have a good handle on the state of water infrastructure in New Zealand, and it’s difficult for operators to plan strategic maintenance or upgrades to aging networks,” said Prangnell.
The information in these reports has been combined in a Performance Summary of the Water Services System 2023
Find the reports at www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/ about/water-services-insights-and-performance
COLLAPSE OF AUCKLAND-BASED PROPERTY DEVELOPERS DU VAL GROUP & PLUMBING SUPPLIER FRANKLINS
As NZ Plumber went to print in August, Du Val Group had been placed into interim receivership. Established in 2013, Du Val is behind a number of apartment and large-scale residential projects in Auckland. Master Plumbers and other industry groups in the region have contacted members to offer support for any businesses owed money and/or outstanding retentions.
In the same month, Auckland-based plumbing supply chain Franklins European Bathrooms was placed into liquidation, with all its branches closing except Franklins Wellington, which remains open as normal.
A suite of reports, published by water regulator Taumata Arowai, gives
Members of Master Plumbers impacted by the Du Val interim receivership can call Master Plumbers for advice.
Caleb Basil turned up at an Auckland restaurant to unblock a toilet only to be told not to worry – but how would he like to judge some pies? Plumber and gasfitter Caleb featured on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp in July, alongside culinary experts Sid Sahrawat and Bruce Peden, judging entries ahead of the ‘night of nights for New Zealand pastry’, the 2024 Bakels Supreme Pie Awards. After all, nobody knows pies better than tradies, as reporter Rhiannon McCall noted.
Caleb hit his stride, tasting pies with every kind of filling, including lobster, potato and cherry wine sauce. “Probably won’t find that on a construction site,” he said. The pies were judged on the likes of visual appeal, even bake, flavour and consistency of fillings – something Caleb could definitely appreciate. “You don’t want it to fall apart when you’re driving in the van to the next job. Hot pie on your lap – that’s no good.” As he tucked into yet another gourmet pie, Caleb said he could do this all day.
And the eventual supreme award winner? A Sumatra style slow-cooked beef pie by Arlyn Thompson of Rangiora Bakery in Canterbury – the first time New Zealand’s best pie has been won by a South Island baker.
Cody Maxted from CM Plumbing was called out to an urgent job when the toilet at the Master Plumbers Christchurch office sprung a leak just before the long King’s Birthday weekend. “Our knight in shining armour came to our rescue with the fastest callout time ever,” says Master Plumbers People & Culture Manager Lisa Duston. “We are lucky that Cody was just around the road from our office. We really appreciated his help that night!”
Brian ‘Mouse’ Mead recently retired from Tuffnell Plumbing in Nelson after an incredible 50 years working as a plumber and drainlayer at the company. Now 66, Mouse gained his nickname in his apprentice years (“I wasn’t big and brawny”), and the name has stuck.
Over the years, he has been involved in hundreds of residential and commercial drainlaying projects in the top of the South. He’s also seen some significant changes, including the emergence of smaller diggers, saving the need for manual labour in compact spaces. Laser technology for laying drains has also been transformational, as has the shift from concrete and earthenware pipes to PVC.
Mouse has no plans to slow down in retirement, what with the ongoing management of the local doggy daycare centre he owns with wife Leanne, plus the cattle, pigs and chickens to look after on their lifestyle block – and restoring his 1971 Ford Falcon as time allows. Happy retirement Mouse!
WaterAid and the Wimbledon Foundation created this giant mosaic made from tennis nets, balls and racquets. The artwork highlighted how more than 1,000 children’s lives could be saved each day of the famous Wimbledon Championships if they had access to safe water, toilets and hygiene. Across the world, 703 million people – nearly one in 10 – are living without clean water close to home and 1.5 billion people – nearly one in five – do not have a decent toilet of their own. It took a team of artists from Sand In Your Eye nine hours to create the image on one of Wimbledon’s grass tennis courts next to the iconic Centre Court. The Wimbledon Foundation and WaterAid are working together to help make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene a normal part of daily life in communities and healthcare facilities across the world.
Photograph: WaterAid/Sand In Your Eye.
Brian 'Mouse' Mead (second from right) at his retirement do in August with wife Leanne (centre), previous bosses Kevin Harris (second from left) and Trevor Tuffnell (right). Christine Tuffnell, wife of Trevor's brother, the late Dennis Tuffnell, is on the left. Current manager Chris Downey was down with the flu and gutted to miss the send-off.
THE NEW APEX LEAD-FREE RANGE CHANGED FOR GOOD.
Since 1982, Apex Valves has maintained a commitment to innovation and exceptional customer service. In line with this, we are proud to be the first to launch a lead-free range of hot water control valves in New Zealand. Our new Lead-Free Range is better for your customers, better for your business and better for the environment.
Ask your local plumbing merchant for the Lead-Free Combi Pack and embrace the change for good today.
Visit www.apexvalves.co.nz to learn more.
TRAINING & EVENTS
Don’t miss out on these activities, events and training coming up on the industry calendar.
Apprentice Qualifications Roadshow
29 AUG – TAURANGA waihangaararau.nz/for-industry/ pgd-roadshow/
Scientists are working with industries on utilising green hydrogen to make them less polluting and more sustainable. NZ Plumber catches up on progress.
AUTHOR: MATTHEW LOWE
Green hydrogen production projects are ramping up domestically and internationally after being identified as a way to decarbonise a range of applications and industries.
Hydrogen of this kind is produced by the electrolysis of water, using renewable electricity, and creates lower greenhouse gas emissions than grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels without carbon capture.
New green hydrogen lab GNS Science, a Crown research institute, has been researching this area for many years and recently opened a new green hydrogen laboratory in Lower Hutt to further its work.
Michelle Cook, an energy materials scientist at GNS, is part of a 15-plus team, led by Professor John Kennedy, working on developing a hydrogen ecosystem that will enable industries to shift towards zero-carbon fuel.
DIDYOU KNOW?
NZ Post was the first to purchase a hydrogen-powered truck in New Zealand.
Photograph: GNS Science.
Michelle Cook from GNS Science is helping industries shift towards zero-carbon fuel.
“Green hydrogen will enable decarbonisation of some industrial processes and a large part of the transport industry,” she explains. “In some so-called ‘hard-to-abate’ sectors, hydrogen may be one of the few options to decarbonise.
“The decarbonisation pathways provided by green hydrogen will enable industries to reduce their emissions and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. This will make the industries less polluting, more socially acceptable, and more sustainable and future-proof.”
Focus on heavy transport
Michelle says the most immediate use of green hydrogen in New Zealand is for heavy transport. In the long term, it will likely feature in industrial processes such as steel making, domestic aviation, and as energy storage for grid stabilisation and remote power systems.
Besides its low carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels, other benefits of such an approach include the flexibility to use hydrogen in a fuel cell to generate electricity or to use it in combustion to generate heat, its high energy density by weight, and the ability to store energy over long time frames.
GNS already works with a number of companies investing in green hydrogen, such as Hiringa in New Plymouth and HW Richardson in Southland, both mainly focused on heavy transport.
“Green hydrogen will enable decarbonisation of some industrial processes and a large part of the transport industry.”
MICHELLE COOK GNS Science
It has also teamed up with a hydrogen consortium in the aerospace industry, including Air New Zealand and Airbus, and plans are being developed to one day use green hydrogen on some domestic flight routes.
Michelle says, in theory, green hydrogen can be used anywhere you would use electricity or combustible fuel for energy.
“However, there are practical, technical, and economical reasons why some uses won’t be feasible and industries and the free market will ultimately decide where green hydrogen is truly useful.
“In order to establish where the demand will be, we need to grow supply so there is green hydrogen available to those industries interested in using it.”
Costs must come down
The first set of green hydrogen-specific standards and regulations are also being developed in New Zealand, but the primary challenge in increasing uptake of green hydrogen in New Zealand is reducing the cost.
“There are several factors that influence the cost of green hydrogen but the most significant is the availability of relatively cheap and abundant renewable electricity,” notes Michelle.
“Aside from the electricity consumed, the cost of the green hydrogen technology itself is also quite expensive and there is a lot of work going on around the world, including at GNS, looking at various components of the equipment to bring these costs down, including reducing the amount of expensive materials required.”
Encouraging steps forward
Green hydrogen makes up a large part of the work GNS does under its Energy Futures research theme and its science roadmap over the next 10 years includes further work in this area across various parts of the value chain.
In addition, GNS is working on green ammonia, which is a good way to store green hydrogen because it can be stored and transported using established protocols and infrastructure at ambient conditions, whereas green hydrogen is generally compressed at high pressures or liquified at very low temperatures.
Some of the team’s recent successes have been Dr Vedran Jovic leading the development of new materials to replace rare and expensive ones used in green hydrogen production systems, and Dr Prasanth Gupta driving work to produce green ammonia through electrochemical methods for the first time in New Zealand.
Dr Vedran Jovic has led the development of new materials in green hydrogen production systems.
Photograph:
DUAL-FUEL INNOVATIONS
A dual-fuel programme for heavy vehicles that utilises hydrogen and diesel is off to an encouraging start with the first trucks producing between 30 and 40 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional units.
HW Richardson (HWR) is one of New Zealand’s largest privately-owned transport companies and has a fleet of more than 1,300 vehicles across Aotearoa and Australia.
In 2021, it created a new company, HWR Hydrogen, to explore options for decarbonising the trucking sector and has converted five trucks to a dual-fuel system.
Kim Hill, from HWR’s innovation division, mytransport, says the approach provides the heavy transport industry with a cost-effective, practical and riskaverse way to decarbonise, while avoiding stranded assets.
“This approach ensures a smooth transition to hydrogen without compromising operations,” she says. “These first trucks are demonstrating emissions reductions between 30 and 40 per cent by using hydrogen to displace the diesel required to fuel the truck.
“Alongside the dual-fuel programme,
we are also building a hydrogen production facility in Invercargill to support the dual-fuel truck requirements.”
The production facility will operate a 1MW electrolyser, capable of producing 450kg of hydrogen per day, and supporting about 30 dual-fuel trucks.
HWR is advancing its know-how through ongoing trials and plans to make its technology available to external companies in the near future.
“We are building a hydrogen production facility in Invercargill to support the dual-fuel truck requirements.”
KIM HILL HW Richardson
“Any new technology and industry comes with a cost to develop it, and initially this will be the largest challenge for the adoption of hydrogen,” notes Kim. “Other challenges include the upskilling of the workforce that will be required to support the new industry, the development of regulatory frameworks, and the education of the public around hydrogen.”
HWR has followed existing regulations on its development journey and, where standards are lacking, it has collaborated with agencies to shape standards and ensure operations are done safely. When no established guidelines exist, it has turned to the UK and Europe and adopted their standards as best practice.
In the short term, Kim predicts green hydrogen will be used in the heavy transport sector and in industries where it is a viable alternative to fossil fuels and electric, with mostly small-scale production sites and the movement of hydrogen to alternative locations as required.
Longer term, these will develop into hydrogen networks to support transport and industry needs, aiding New Zealand’s self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on carbon fuels.
Kim notes green hydrogen presents an opportunity for the plumbing and gasfitting industry. “As the world shifts toward sustainable energy sources, plumbers and gasfitters can play a crucial role in installing, maintaining, and optimising hydrogen-based systems,” she says.
Hydrogen tanks sit behind the cab of a dual-fuel truck.
Photograph: HWR.
The first green hydrogen refuelling network in Australasia launched in New Zealand this year and the company behind it is planning to expand its operations here and across the Tasman.
Hiringa Energy has focused on two key areas to commercialise green hydrogen, with the first being creating a chain of high-capacity refuelling sites to support the decarbonisation of heavy transport.
Four stations have opened across the North Island – in Wiri, South Auckland; Te Rapa, Hamilton; Tauranga; and Palmerston North – with plans to roll out more across the country and on the east coast of Australia.
Andrew Clennett, chief executive officer, says the New Zealand operation will also eventually expand to supply hydrogen to aviation and remote power applications.
The company’s second focus is partnering with industry in the development of renewable generation coupled with hydrogen production to supply green electrons and green hydrogen as feedstock to produce lowemission chemicals.
“These types of projects are typically referred to as ‘Power-to-X’, where renewable electricity is utilised to make hydrogen molecules and then other derivatives such as ammonia, e-methanol, eSAF [sustainable air fuel] etc,” explains Andrew.
Examples include Hiringa’s joint venture with Ballance Agri-Nutrients to install wind turbines and hydrogen production to make green ammonia and hydrogen for transport at Ballance’s plant at Kapuni, Taranaki.
“These projects all fit within an envelope of near-term commercial viability, where the solution is near parity with the incumbent fossil product and in sectors that are high emissions and driven to decarbonise,” he says.
“It is also important to note that our projects include an element of renewable electricity generation to provide the energy for the hydrogen production and help firm the electricity grid.”
“There is increasing consensus that, by the end of the decade, the combined truck plus fuel and running costs of a hydrogen fuel cell truck will be cheaper than diesel in a large number of heavy transport use cases.”
ANDREW CLENNETT CEO, Hiringa Energy
Andrew adds that green hydrogen adoption makes sense where the technology is the only, or most viable, decarbonisation alternative. Some of those areas include remote power, low-emissions aviation, hydrogen to enable high-capacity charging and production of sustainable e-fuels for shipping and aviation.
“The key challenge is growing early demand for green hydrogen to create scale and drive the costs down,” he continues. “For example hydrogen fuel cell trucks – being only in very early stages of manufacturing scale – are currently about twice the cost of a diesel equivalent to buy, and the fuel itself is around a 30 per cent premium to diesel.
“However, the relative efficiency of the fuel cell vehicle, combined with the vehicle manufacturing and hydrogen production cost reduction potential is substantial. Hence, there is increasing consensus that, by the end of the decade, the combined truck plus fuel and running costs of a hydrogen fuel cell truck will be cheaper than diesel in a large number of heavy transport use cases.”
He identifies two possible pathways where hydrogen may interact with the plumbing industry. One is in the reticulated gas network, where there is scope for a blending of biomethane and green hydrogen into existing gas supplies, and the other is the potential of distributed hydrogen to replace or supplement LPG and remote diesel generators.
Andrew says the latter would create an opportunity for members of the plumbing sector to learn skills to service this technology.
Hiringa Energy’s refuelling station at Wiri, South Auckland, is one of four in the North Island.
Photograph: Hiringa Energy.
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MINISTERIAL MEETINGS, A BUSINESS PARTNER FORUM AND MEMBER SUCCESS AT THE NAWIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS ARE AMONG THE LATEST HAPPENINGS AT MASTER PLUMBERS.
Advocacy update
At a meeting in June with Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk, Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace discussed the upcoming lead-free plumbing product regime and the government’s plans to enable ‘granny flats’ of up to 60sq m to be built without the need for a building or resource consent, which Master Plumbers supports. Greg also met with Energy Minister Simeon Brown to talk about the importance of renewable gases as part of the future energy mix.
In July, Master Plumbers provided feedback to the Minister of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on its recent early engagement on plans to remove barriers to overseas building products. Master Plumbers notes that earthquake resilience of products must be factored into any decision making before recognising overseas building product standards, and that New Zealand should formally recognise the Australian WaterMark scheme for plumbing products as this regime encompasses third-party independent testing.
“Plumbing products must be considered a higher risk, as they are underpinned by a public health requirement to provide safe drinking water,” says Greg Wallace.
Master Plumbers also has concerns about how MBIE will police compliance to ensure the credibility of statements made by overseas product suppliers.
In August, Master Plumbers welcomed the extension in the transition to the use of lead-free
WANT TO JOIN?
plumbing products from 1 September 2025 to 1 May 2026, as it will give manufacturers, merchants and installers time to plan and prepare.
“However, we want to see compulsory ‘lead free’ marking on relevant products or their packaging to allow consumers and tradespeople to easily identify that they are lead-free and compliant,” says Wallace.
Two major consultations are now underway on New Zealand’s work health and safety system and vocational education and training regime. Master Plumbers has surveyed members to help inform its feedback to the government on both issues.
Master Plumbers is here to support all businesses in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry. Members are Quality Assured and backed by the Master Plumbers Guarantee. We offer a wide range of business resources, health and safety, employment, legal and technical support, plus training and member discounts—and we advocate for our members as a collective industry voice. Get in touch today!
Contact 0800 502 102
OBITUARY
Master Plumbers sends sincere condolences to the family of Errol Lines, who passed away in July. Errol’s business, Lines Plumbing in Rotorua, has been a member of Master Plumbers since 1992. Haydon
membership@masterplumbers.org.nz Or call Haydon Mace on 027 555 3391
Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace was at Parliament in June for a meeting with Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.
Mace.
HOW PLUMBERS CAN USE TECHNOLOGY TO SOLVE CASHFLOW ISSUES
With long days on the tools, the last thing any plumber wants is to spend hours on admin just to keep their business above water. Keeping on top of the paperwork and invoices while in the field with multiple jobs on the go is a lot of pressure to handle.
By setting up your business to invoice every day you can solve cashflow issues, since, ultimately, you can’t get paid until you send the invoice. This is where systems like Fergus come into play. By collecting necessary information promptly, you can invoice efficiently and get paid faster.
Using tradie-tailored job management software can automate and streamline many admin tasks, making it simpler to understand and worth the effort of setting up correctly. The primary benefit is the significant amount of time it saves. Admin tasks, like invoicing, scheduling, quoting, and managing customer communications, can consume a large portion of the day. By automating these tasks, tradies can get back valuable time that can be better spent in the field or working on-premises. For small business plumbers, every hour counts, and productivity directly impacts profitability, so timesaving opportunities are crucial.
Job management software can also help reduce both the physical and mental load that comes with running a business. The physical demands of being a plumber who is always on the go are already huge, and adding admin tasks on top of that can lead to burnout. Automation reduces the need for manual input and constant monitoring, allowing tradies to focus on their real work without being bogged down by administrative burdens.
Who wouldn’t choose to offload boring admin tasks? Mentally, knowing that key business functions are being handled efficiently by reliable software can also ease stress and provide peace of mind. Overall job satisfaction and work-life balance can improve significantly for tradies, making running their businesses more enjoyable. When it comes down to it, it’s not about whether plumbers can afford to invest in job management software – it’s about whether they can afford not to.
BOARD BIO: SCOT PEARCE
Scot Pearce established Water To Waste Plumbing & Drainage in Henderson, Auckland in 2008, more recently setting up a new branch in Kumeu in 2024. The company is a full service plumbing and drainage provider, working mainly in the domestic market.
Scot began his career in 1995 as a Plumbing World employee, going on to become Warehouse Manager at the Henderson Branch before switching lanes to work as a plumber at Sumich Plumbing & Drainage and then Jeffries Plumbing until setting up Water To Waste.
The business has been a member of Master Plumbers since 2021, with Scot becoming part of the Master Plumbers Auckland/Northland Branch executive committee the following year. In 2020, he was selected for the NZPM Co-operative Future Governance Programme, receiving valuable mentorship and guidance from late NZPM Chair John DeBernardo.
Scot’s governance experience then extended to becoming a CBS Cooperative Board member from 2021-2023, and he continues to be an advisor to the Board. He also serves as Secretary on his local Business Improvement District (BID), West Auckland Business Association Board.
Scot now brings his strategic and industry experience to the Master Plumbers Board. “For me, it’s always been about giving back to those I feel deserve my time and effort,” he says. “As a family, we were given a hand up on multiple occasions by friends, family, neighbours and community groups, and I have never forgotten this.
“I’m in a position now where I feel I have the mental capacity and the background to be a significant contributor to the industry that I have made my life since those first days at Plumbing World sweeping the floor and unpacking boxes.”
Scot says he brings a “boots on the ground” outlook to the Board with a strong work ethic and “good old family values”.
He also enjoys business coaching and mentoring roles, and being a member of a professional networking organisation, where he has held many different leadership positions including new member mentor.
Scot would like to see more member businesses taking advantage of coaching and mentorship for a fresh perspective, along with greater engagement and involvement with all that Master Plumbers and Masterlink have to offer.
He believes the biggest challenge facing our industry is adapting to the fast-paced change in digital and mechanical technologies, with rapid growth in AI, 3D printing, robotics and drones.
“In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to be adaptive and open to new ideas,” he says.
Coers of Master Plumbers member business Rose Line Ltd in Rotorua received Special Merit in the Wahine Toa Tradeswoman Award category at the 2024 NAWIC Excellence Awards. Ka rawe Phoebe!
Get to know the new marketing and communications team looking after Master Plumbers and Masterlink.
Mel: I’m in charge of all things marketing and communications for both Master Plumbers and Masterlink. That includes lots of things you can see, like advertisements and events, and many you can’t, like strategy and planning. Ultimately our team is here to anticipate, identify and meet (exceed!) the needs of our customers in ways that support our growth and continue to level up the PGD industry. And our aim is to have fun while we do it.
Maddy: I work closely with Mel to help provide support to the marketing and communication efforts for both Master Plumbers and Masterlink. My tasks can vary widely depending on the needs of the day but recently I've been working on our social channels and creating promotional materials for branch events.
NAME: Maddy McGee ROLE: Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Why were you drawn to a job with Master Plumbers and Masterlink?
Mel: I was excited for the opportunity to work with kind, hardworking people who are committed to supporting excellence in the PGD industry. I’ve worked for government, not-for-profit and small business organisations. Master Plumbers/ Masterlink has been the most fun and challenging of them all!
Maddy: Before I took maternity leave, I used to work at Plumbing World Wellington where I started on the trade counter then moved into a sales-coordinator role. I loved working there and it helped me discover my passion for the plumbing industry.
I was very familiar with Master Plumbers and have been to a few conferences myself. I really believe in the importance of what
is done here and, having just recently graduated from my Communications degree, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it.
Tell us a bit about you
Mel: I’m from Toronto, Canada and now call Wellington home. I always thought I’d settle in Australia but then came here for a visit on a sunny January day and was immediately hooked. It’s true what they say about Wellington on a good day. When the weather turns bad, it’s the amazing coffee, food and people that keep me here.
Maddy: When I’m not working, my fiancé Scott and I manage a busy household with three kids, a very old Great Dane and a rescue cat. I love where we live in the Eastern suburbs but I'm actually Hutt Valley born and raised.
Where’s your top holiday spot?
Mel: Hawaii.
Maddy: In tracing my whakapapa, we found my marae is located in the Bay of Islands, so made the trip up a couple of years ago. Why we hadn’t visited earlier astounded me – such a stunning location and the food at the Duke of Marlborough is incredible. I felt right at home.
If you could invite one famous person (dead or alive) round for dinner, who would it be?
Mel: George Michael. I love him and his music. Maddy: I'm a Post Malone fangirly so I would probably just invite him haha, sorry Scott!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Mel: I love dancing and watching cooking videos. Not usually at the same time.
Maddy: My favourite thing to do on the weekend is brunch with friends or family.
We are blessed with awesome places to eat around Wellington, so I love going out for a good meal. Otherwise, I do like to craft, write and, once summer is back, I can't wait to swim at our beautiful beaches and waterways.
CATCHING UP WITH OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
Master Plumbers provides members with an extensive range of business resources in the employment, HR, health and safety, legal, technical and training space – and we couldn’t do it without the support of our Business Partners.
So, it was great to catch up with our partners at a mid-year Business Partners Forum in Auckland this July. The Ellerslie event centre was the venue for an evening of networking, canapes and drinks, with an advocacy update from Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace, and a presentation on AI technologies from Nick Allan, Head of AI & Business Development at sales consultancy Indicator.
Nick Allan outlining AI opportunities at the Master Plumbers Business Partners Forum in July.
THE POWER OF HALO TRADE GROUP’S BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICE
In these stressful economic times, having the right advice and support at your side is crucial.
You might have heard the phrase ‘Survive to 25’, suggesting businesses should just hold on until 2025 when things will hopefully improve. This mindset is misleading and counterproductive.
Instead of waiting for better times, address your immediate challenges directly with a business advisor at your side, who has the necessary plumbing business operational knowledge and expertise, and has your best interests at heart.
As a business owner, you know your trade inside out. But running a business involves more than technical know-how. It’s about navigating a complex landscape of challenges, from standing out in a crowded market to managing your team effectively and ensuring financial stability.
Engaging a business advisor isn’t about admitting you can’t do it alone; it’s about recognising the value to you of expert
operational plumbing business advice.
Here’s a brief overview of the outcomes you will gain:
Business leadership: Learn and apply best practice to enhance your unique leadership style, which will benefit your business and your team
Clarity and focus: A clear, strategic plan that aligns with your vision and goals
Streamlined operations: Efficient processes that free up your time
Increased revenue: Targeted strategies that boost your sales and marketing efforts
Successful projects: Well-managed projects that are completed on time and within budget to delight your customers
Empowered team: A team that is engaged and takes ownership
Financial stability: Optimise your cash flow with strong financial understanding Better decisions: Operational and financial know-how to empower your decision making.
Transform your business into a thriving, in-demand business. This is what Halo Business Advisory delivers to you – real, achievable results. Check out Halo Business Advisory’s successful businesses and what they have to say: https://halotradegroup.co.nz/customersuccess-stories
MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES
Great to see some Membership Milestone Award certificates being presented around the regions in recent months.
WELCOME
A very warm welcome to new Master Plumbers member businesses:
Problem Solved Drainage – Auckland
Imperial Plumbing Solutions – Wellington
Timeless Plumbing – Hawke’s Bay
Arrowtown Adams – Queenstown Lakes
Paeroa Plumbing – Waikato
Laser Plumbing Warkworth – Auckland
National Master Plumbers president Grayson Allen presenting Kevin Henderson of Optum Plumbing & Energy Solutions and Shaun Hardy of Hardy Plumbing & Gas with their Membership Milestone Awards at a recent Master Plumbers Queenstown Lakes event.
Three businesses in the Auckland region recently marked 30 years’ membership of Master Plumbers. From left: Rod Eden of Pukekohe-based Wharfe Bros Ltd; Brad Wilson and his now retired father Alan of Alan Wilson Plumbing Ltd in Waiuku; John Brooke of Papatoetoe Plumbing.
SIGN UP FOR YOUR MASTER PLUMBERS BUNNINGS POWERPASS
Sign up for the Master Plumbers Bunnings PowerPass by 30 September to receive a free Bunnings Pack, containing a flannel shirt, socks and water bottle!
Did you know that the exclusive Master Plumbers PowerPass from Bunnings gives members access to competitive trade pricing on over 50,000 products across the store? Use the PowerPass app to browse the range with your exclusive pricing, self-scan products and check out –avoiding the queues, so you can get back to business.
Already have a current PowerPass? Make sure you link your account to the benefits associated with the Master Plumbers PowerPass.
Discover the benefits of the Bunnings Trade PowerPass app at https://trade. bunnings.co.nz/powerpass-app
Go to https://bit.ly/4dAywu8 to sign up to the Master Plumbers Bunnings PowerPass programme, or to link your existing account to the exclusive Master Plumbers offer.
Sign up or link your existing account by 30 September to receive a free Bunnings Pack, which includes a flannel shirt, socks and water bottle.
Matt Nieper set up Semtex in Palmerston North in 2015 with his wife Hayley and the couple have since bought the Nuflow Manawatū franchise.
INVESTING IN OPPORTUNITIES
A diverse and niche mix of plumbing, gas and drainage services keeps the pipeline of work flowing at Palmerston North-based Semtex, run by Matt and Hayley Nieper.
AUTHOR: BEVERLY SELLERS
For his latest plumbing venture, Matt Nieper flew out to the Maari oil field, 80 km off the Taranaki coast. He and colleague Ryan Ahern spent five days on the platform scoping a project to rehabilitate several hundred metres of 600mm diameter steel pipe.
Before heading offshore, both underwent a comprehensive medical exam and specialist training, which included firefighting skills and BOSIET training escaping from a submerged helicopter. Once the project is signed off, the remaining crew will get similarly trained and ready for this fly in, fly out project, which is expected to take around a year to complete.
Having cut his teeth as a qualified plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer in Australia’s Northern Territory mines, Matt is well equipped to deal with tough challenges like this one. “I’m originally from Cromwell and completed my apprenticeship there before going to Australia,” he says. “When I returned to New Zealand, I joined the Army as an engineer on deployments here and overseas to rebuild infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.”
In 2015, while still based at the Linton Military Camp, Matt and his accountant wife Hayley established their aptly named Semtex plumbing business – joining Master Plumbers the following year for the networking and support – and they’ve called Palmerston North home ever since.
Semtex has grown to a current staff of 45, including a steady flow of apprentices, to service the Manawatū and Wellington regions with commercial construction and drainage projects, alongside domestic and
commercial maintenance. Matt has kept up his military connections, with Semtex carrying out maintenance work at Linton, and Army plumbers regularly coming to the business on a tour of duty to receive plumbing training and work experience on behalf of the Defence Force.
Work remains steady in the current economic climate, says Matt. “We’re fortunate that our projects are quite
long term. Work has just started on site for a new Summerset RMB hospital in Waikanae and we have another team working on 160 apartments on Courtenay Place in Wellington.”
Building relationships to create diverse work streams has been key to the success of the business, he adds, with maintenance contracts also providing regular work along with some new housing work.
Matt and work colleague Ryan Ahern recently spent five days on the Maari oil field platform to scope out an upcoming pipe rehabilitation project.
“Our
team has been essential to our success,” says
Purchasing Nuflow Manawatū
During the Covid lockdown of 2021, Matt and Hayley added another string to their bow by purchasing Nuflow Manawatū, which has expanded their specialist commercial and civil services to include cutting edge pipe relining and CCTV inspection technology.
Becoming a franchisee of this global company called for heavy investment in training and equipment, with the Manawatū team flying over to the Nuflow facility in Australia for a comprehensive ‘boot camp’ to get up to speed with Nuflow’s non-invasive plumbing solutions.
“The technology is still extremely niche in New Zealand, but a large percentage of plumbers in Australia regularly do pipe relining,” says Matt. “There are four Nuflow branches in Sydney alone.”
The team are currently underway with a project to reline 140 metres of wastewater trunk main for Manawatū District Council – effectively creating a ‘pipe within a pipe’ using an epoxy liner to bond to the pipe’s interior wall.
Matt sees a massive amount of pipe repair and rehabilitation work ahead for councils around the country as our ageing water infrastructure starts to fail.
“It must have been a tough job digging it by hand back in the day, sometimes four or five metres deep, and it’s lasted pretty well,” he says. “However, the fact
is that now almost every drinking water, stormwater and wastewater pipe in New Zealand needs a lot of work.”
In the spirit of knowledge sharing, Matt is very happy to talk to any other plumbers interested in learning more about pipe relining or mainline CCTV.
amazing
Matt. Team member Jesse Ornberg is shown here brazing a copper pipe for the new acute mental health unit at Palmerston North Hospital.
The Nuflow Manawatū team getting fully trained up to provide this pipe repair, maintenance and relining service to the region.
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OUT & ABOUT
There’s been plenty of action around the regions of late – including a visit to the Australian PICAC training facility by the Wellington Master Plumbers.
Local members of Master Plumbers and Registered Master Builders networking at the event in Plumbing World’s Kerikeri branch.
Northland Master Plumbers president Zane Britton volunteered to be a demonstrator model during Richie Patterson’s talk.
Graeme Millar celebrating his Southland Association Life Membership with his wife Debbie.
Celebrations in Southland
Graeme Millar of Millars Plumbing & Drainage in Otautau was awarded Southland Master Plumbers Association Lifetime Membership at the Association’s President’s Dinner event in June at the Ascot Hotel. Congratulations Graeme!
Rain didn’t stop play (but a fallen pylon did)
Torrential rain wasn’t going to deter members in Kerikeri from turning up to Plumbing World’s June event, held in partnership with Registered Master Builders. Plumbing World hosted the event as part of its 60-year celebrations, with food, drink and awesome prizes on the night – plus guest speaker Richie Patterson, three-time Olympic/Commonwealth gold medallist weightlifter. Richie, who now runs Manual Handling, entertained and informed with his talk on how to manage our most important vehicle – our bodies. Plumbing World had a second event planned for the next night in Whangārei, but it had to be postponed until late July due to a certain tumbling power pylon.
President’s Dinner for Queenstown Lakes
Everyone valued the time from Master Plumbers President Grayson Allen and CEO Greg Wallace at the Queenstown Lakes Branch President’s Dinner in June.
Aussie trip for Wellington branch
This April, a group of 28 Wellington plumbers and business owners enjoyed a trip to Melbourne to coincide with the ANZAC celebrations and a couple of sporting events. Leaving the capital on the early flight, they were collected for the first stage of their trip – a tour of the PICAC training facility and the Vinidex pipe factory.
"The PICAC facility is a $35 million purpose-built training facility set up as a joint venture with Australian Master Plumbers and a number of unions and other organisations,” says Wellington Master Plumbers president Scott Garvie. “The standard of build and the level of
training provided had us all wishing we could send our apprentices over for there for block courses – it was hard not to be inspired by that place.”
Marley New Zealand organised the visit to Vinidex, which is also part of the Aliaxis group. “It was great to see the large machines in action. We saw 100mm and 150mm PVC pipe being extruded, as well as their 250mm StormPRO ribbed piping.”
The tours were followed by a “civilised debrief” at a central pub.
The next day the group rose early for the ANZAC dawn parade before heading to the sold-out MCG stadium for an AFL match. “It was an amazing spectacle,” says
Scott. “Carlton and Essendon drawing at 85 apiece was a real highlight. After the final whistle, we walked across the road to watch the Melbourne Storm play the South Sydney Rabbitohs.”
Friday was a free day with a final night dinner on the Southbank river walk before a Saturday morning trip home.
“I find these trips are a great way to get close bonds between business owners and employees,” says Scott. “I now see people interacting more in our local merchants and wanting to come to different events. I believe it’s a positive use of branch time and look forward to planning more in the future.”
LPG learning in Waikato
Waikato branch president Mike Wilson and his FB Hall & Co team attended LPG Solutions training in Hamilton this July. The course provided them with a refresher on LPG installations, with a chance to troubleshoot reallife scenarios with presenter David Whitfield.
“David is a wealth of knowledge,” said Mike. “He makes the course interactive and a great time for all who attend. It doesn’t matter if you are the most experienced gasfitter in the room or a first-year apprentice.”
Email training@masterplumbers.org.nz if you’d like this course to be run in your region.
THIS EDITION’S UPDATE FROM THE MASTER PLUMBERS-OWNED MASTERLINK PGD APPRENTICE TRAINING PROGRAMME.
GEAR UP AND SAVE!
Masterlink apprentices can purchase quality tools and equipment at trade rates in an exciting new deal with NZ Safety Blackwoods. Visit any NZ Safety Blackwoods store, mention you're using the Masterlink Cash Account and show a recent payslip header as proof of your employment with Masterlink. It’s that easy!
MASTERLINK REPRESENTATION ON INDUSTRY ADVISORY GROUP
Masterlink Apprentice Training Manager Pete Shields recently accepted an invitation to represent Masterlink on the Tamaki Makaurau Industry Advisory Group.
Pete joins representatives from Unitec, MIT, Master Plumbers, the
PERKS OF THE JOB!
There are heaps of awesome perks for apprentices choosing to go through Masterlink, including a starter tool kit worth $2,000, a starter PPE pack and annual PPE allowance, and wages paid while attending block course – not to mention the mentoring support throughout the apprenticeship.
New apprentices completing the online Masterlink health and safety modules also earn themselves a Makita hammer drill kit – a great addition to the toolbox!
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB), EarnLearn, Rheem, Rinnai and Auckland plumbing employers on the group, which meets twice a year to discuss pre-trade and apprentice PGD programmes.
“We also cover industry trends for
current and projected workloads, training issues and initiatives, such as the Masterlink apprentice workshops and the recent Masterlink Introduction to Gas Workshop with Rinnai,” says Pete. “Having EarnLearn and the PGDB around the table is helpful as it gives good context around these organisations and what they do for the industry.”
Masterlink apprentices can now enjoy trade rates at NZ Safety Blackwoods.
New Masterlink apprentice Andrei with his well-earned Makita hammer drill kit.
WOMEN MAKING WAVES IN CONSTRUCTION
Women working in all areas of the construction industry were recognised for their outstanding contributions at the 2024 National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) Excellence Awards, held in Wellington in July. The awards celebrate top female professionals working in on-site and office-based roles.
Congratulations to Waikato-based Masterlink plumbing apprentice Maria Contreras Huerta, who took out the
coveted Apprentice Excellence Award! It has been a big year for Maria, having also been selected in April as the overall Plumbing World Scholarship winner at the 2024 New Zealand Plumbing Awards – a win that saw her featured on RNZ Checkpoint and even having a song written about her on Three Now’s Seven Days
Maria is also one of six apprentice members on the newly established Apprentice Representative Group, set up in 2024 to give plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices a voice in the plumbing industry.
“The awards night was honestly pretty amazing – just being placed as a finalist next to these women would have been enough,” says Maria, who is in the final year of her plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeship at Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas.
“These women are making a huge impact in construction and paving the way for the next generation. I’m so proud to be representing the plumbing industry and all the female tradies, showing that hard work pays off and not giving up on what you love even when it gets hard.”
Masterlink apprentice Georgia Simeon was also recognised as a finalist in the
Apprentice Excellence category and Master Plumber Phoebe Coers, who runs Rose Line Ltd in Rotorua, received Special Merit in the Wāhine Toa Tradeswoman Award category.
Master Plumbers chief executive Greg Wallace says this recognition is testament to Maria, Georgia and Phoebe’s dedication and drive, and to the growing impact of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“The NAWIC Excellence Awards provide an unmatched opportunity to showcase women who are thriving across the construction industry as a whole –and we are very proud to see plumbers recognised among the winners on the night,” says Greg.
“New Zealand has a shortage of plumbers and it is great to see women – who make up half our population –increasingly considering plumbing as a viable and rewarding career. With the current percentage of women in construction at just 12%, we’re missing out on a wealth of talent. By challenging all business owners to improve their recruitment strategies, we can tap into this potential and bring about a positive change.”
The assembled group of 2024 NAWIC Excellence Award finalists and winners.
Masterlink plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentice Maria Contreras Huerta took out the top apprentice award at the 2024 NAWIC Excellence Awards in July.
Masterlink milestones
WELCOME
Nau mai haere mai to the Masterlink whānau:
Olle Skogstad
Flow Plumbing, Wellington
Cooper Robinson
Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton
Kayl Kiesanowski
J&M Group, Christchurch
QUALIFIED
Completing Level 4 qualifications is a huge deal!
A big congratulations to: George McDonald, Tyler Ritchie and Sam Bentham in Plumbing, Drainlaying and Gasfitting
Maxwell McCurdy and Matenga Taihuka in Plumbing and Drainlaying
Troy Haronga, Jedric Haymes and Joshua Tihema in Drainlaying
Chavawn Matthew in Roofing.
Ezekiel Shanly
BOI Plumbing & Gas, Kerikeri
Fintan Hobbs
IMAX Plumbing & Gas, Wellington
Ryley Topliff
Rawlings Plumbing, Queenstown
Declan Weal
E&J Contractors, Taupō
Nicole Parkinson
Air Conditioning and Plumbing, Foxton
Michael Cox
Armstrong Plumbing & Drainage, Tauranga
Oliver Link
No Pressure Plumbing & Gasfitting, Wellington
GET IN TOUCH
Ryan Jones
On Point Plumbing & Gas, Christchurch
Hunter Jenner
ON Plumbing, Christchurch
Joshua Ford
The Plumbing Collective, Tauranga
Max Talmage
C&G Plumbing, Gisborne
Teina Toeke-McIntyre
Armstrong Plumbing and Drainage, Te Puke
Francesco Artolli
Auckland Plumbers Group
Anthony Harrison-Lumb
Aquacraft Plumbing, Christchurch
WELCOME TO BALWEEN KOHLI
Masterlink welcomes Balween Kohli to the role of Business Administrator, joining the friendly Masterlink admin team.
Balween has a background in management studies and most recently worked in a payroll and HR administration role at Moore Wilson’s.
“I was raised and bred in Mumbai, India, where I lived with my family –my dad, siblings and grandmother,” she says. “I was lucky enough to be raised in the outskirts of the city, in a small town away from the hustle and bustle. After spending my teenage years in Mumbai, I decided to move to New Zealand in my twenties for a different lifestyle. I absolutely adored the beautiful greenery here and decided to call New Zealand my home.
“I love the outdoors and keeping myself active on a walk or a hike in my free time. I like going to gym most days and I also love cooking.”
Hosts and apprentices can contact Balween with any admin queries: admin@masterlink.co.nz
Darren Kippen being presented with his Masterlink Certificate of Completion and pounamu by Masterlink Regional Manager Bob McCoy (right). Shout out to Scott Garvie (left) of Scotties Potties in Wellington, who has hosted Darren throughout his Masterlink plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeship.
Balween Kohli is here to help hosts and apprentices with their admin queries.
SISTERS ARE DOING IT!
A motivated group of female Masterlink apprentices in Auckland have started connecting online each month to share tips, tricks and personal experiences along their training journey. They would love other wāhine from around Aotearoa to join them. Contact Master Plumbers and Masterlink People & Culture Manager Lisa Duston on 0800 502 102 if you would like to be part of the group.
Gurmeet Grewal was among the 10 Masterlink Outward Bound Scholarship recipients to have recently completed the 16-day Building Leaders challenge. “I would definitely recommend the course to other apprentices because it helps you to become a better version of yourself,” he says.
BACK FROM OUTWARD BOUND!
Ten Masterlink apprentices returned from their 16-day Outward Bound adventure in mid-July. The Outward Bound Building Leaders course is custom designed to make the experience relevant to the construction industry, and brings together apprentices from Masterlink, Registered Master Builders and BCITO.
“It was a life-changing experience for me,” says Masterlink apprentice Gurmeet Grewal. “I have learnt a lot from it, like leadership skills, teamwork, pushing limits, never giving up, getting things done in a timeframe, discipline, self-acceptance and determination. I am going to apply all these learnings in my personal and professional development.”
Masterlink is grateful to Methven Caroma for funding the 2024 Masterlink Outward Bound Scholarships.
Read more about the Masterlink participants’ Outward Bound experiences in the next edition.
MADEIN GERMANY
NIEDAM YNAMREG
The new Auckland-based group, from left: Alana Ziebe, Sian Hancy, Caitlyn Zwart (online), Hera Aruera and Mpho Mugabe.
Trusted!
Comply to current & future standards
Hansen Easy Fit Compression Fittings
Hansen Easy Fit ID Compression Fittings
Hansen True Fit Threaded Fittings
Hansen True Fit Tank Fittings
Hansen Full Flow Ball Valves
Hansen Fastflo Valves
Hansen Easy Fit Poly Fittings
DUST EXTRACTION AND CONTROL
Take time to consider ways to control the risks of dust on construction sites.
The current debate around the dangers of silica dust and whether engineered stone should be banned provides a good opportunity to consider what can be done about the wider risks of dust on construction sites.
Silica dust from engineered stone isn’t the only danger – wood dust particles can cause an allergic lung reaction such as asthma, making it harder to breathe and also potentially leading to serious long-term illness.
Dangerous particles that are too small to be seen can hang in the air for hours after the work has finished. Controlling the levels in air by engineering means or isolating the worker from the work are the priorities for control – for example, through using power tools with dust-extraction devices.
If these controls are not practicable, wearing an appropriate respirator may be required. Respiratory protection only works for the individual wearing it, so by reducing and controlling the dust on site, more people are protected and there is less reliance on respiratory protection, which can be ineffective if not used correctly.
Very basic models of on-tool extraction have a disposable bag that can be directly attached to a sander or other power tool. Other models have an inlet in the tool and a hose that carries the dust to a purpose-designed vacuum device. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems may also be an option. Some manufacturers design entire systems that fit together. The hood or inlet must always be designed for the tool or the LEV and be as close as possible to the source of the dust.
Exhaust ventilation systems usually have filters in the vacuum part. Where filters are available for low, medium or high hazards, use the one appropriate for the purpose. Low-level filters are adequate for lowerrisk dusts, but a higher level of protection is required for wood or silica dust.
The system must have enough suction to deal with the level of dust produced. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance. For systems with filters, consider models that include prefilters or have a built-in filter cleaning mechanism such as a back-flushing feature.
Find good information on the WorkSafe website: www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/dust
Dangerous dust particles can hang in the air long after the work has finished.
In a first for New Zealand, InterGroup is cleaning and separating waste sand and aggregate at its new Auckland resource recovery facility with the aim of providing these materials back to the construction industry for reuse.
AUTHOR: JACK COTTRELL
Anew resource recovery facility opened in Auckland’s East Tamaki this June. The InterGroup facility, which is the first of its kind in New Zealand, allows for liquid waste from construction and drainage to be recycled instead of delivered straight to landfill.
The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission has found that waste from construction makes up between 40 to 50 per cent of all waste sent to landfill –around 4.4 million tonnes annually from construction and demolition sources.
InterGroup has already invested in a number of dewatering plants that go some way toward reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill. However, these plants are limited in their capability to support recycling and reuse.
This is where the new facility shines – not only reducing volume, but also allowing for the cleaning and separation of sand and aggregate material from
hydro excavations, road sweepings and stormwater catchpits.
InterGroup spokesperson Sam Clive says the company is committed to improving waste diversion both in its own activities and across the sector.
“In terms of wet weight and volume, about 66,000 cubic tonnes of waste can come through the facility,” he says. That waste comes from InterGroup itself, along with waste from Auckland Council, and from local businesses.
InterGroup partnered with Irish company CDE Group to bring the resource recovery facility to New Zealand, having already worked with CDE processing equipment.
Waste separation and reuse
Waste generated by street sweeping and hydro-excavation activities pose the biggest challenges when it comes to disposal, as a result of the mixed materials with different contamination classes.
“The facility takes waste from all these sources and separates it into component parts, which can be reused in both the facility itself and also in new constructions,” says Sam.
Slurried waste is dumped into the hopper and then processed in several steps. The first is to filter out ferric metals, which are then withdrawn from the slurry and sent for recycling. The next step uses high pressure water jets to wash out sand, silt, and aggregate, along with removing the water from the waste. This water can make up 50 to 70 per cent of the weight of the slurry, and it is immediately recycled for use in the facility. Step three divides the remaining particulate matter into two categories – aggregate and fine or organic matter. Aggregate is sorted into three different sizes for use in roading and construction projects. Fine matter is filtered into its component parts: cleanfill, sand for re-use, organics for composting, and contaminated material to be disposed of safely.
Slurried waste on the hopper.
The material sent to landfill is much lighter and cleaner. From beginning to end, the process takes less than 20 minutes.
Sam says that some of the recycled materials are already in use, and there are plans to make more available.
“Our idea is that water be made available to hydro excavation companies to refill their tanks. It’s working towards that, we’re not currently there yet.
“And between the sand and aggregate, those are the reusable products that we’re hoping to recover and then provide back to the industry for reuse,” he says. “The large aggregate is perfect for drainage.”
Capacity to service Auckland market
Sam says InterGroup built the resource recovery facility after the rising cost of the New Zealand waste levy made it worthwhile.
“We saw that once the levy reached a certain point, it would become economically viable to invest a significant amount of money to build this facility. The levy’s done what it’s supposed to do, which is to incentivise positive change through innovation.”
Intergroup also saw an increasing desire from their customers to divert from landfill.
“In terms of wet weight and volume, about 66,000 cubic tonnes of waste can come through the facility.”
SAM CLIVE InterGroup
“I think that’s the interesting thing about what we’ve done,” says Sam. “We haven’t built a solution for our company; we’ve built a solution that has enough capacity to service the Auckland market.”
Sam says the planning and construction process for the facility was reasonably
straightforward thanks to their partnership with CDE, which handled the manufacturing and design facility.
“CDE have a lot of experience with this kind of facility. It’s a pretty smart bit of kit –it’s got all the sensors and computers built in so it’s largely autonomous. On day one, the stone product that came out was remarkably clean, and everyone was very excited. We got it tested, and there’s no contaminants.”
From start of design to switching on the resource recovery facility took just 18 months.
InterGroup has already been recognised as a leader in this space, winning the Stormwater Innovation Award at the 2024 Water New Zealand Stormwater Conference. This award was specifically due to the resource recovery facility’s use in removing rubbish and foreign matter from stormwater catchpits.
“Road sweeping can push rubbish and contaminated liquids into stormwater drains,” says Sam. “Treating the material removed from the stormwater catchpits makes a great impact on sustainable outcomes.”
Opportunities for expansion
Sam says InterGroup is exploring where it might build similar resource recovery facilities in other parts of the country.
“InterGroup already has dewatering facilities in Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch. So, we would be expanding on those to grow.”
In the meantime, there are now options for companies in Auckland looking at reducing the amount of hydro excavation material they send to landfill.
“There is further capacity available at East Tamaki,” says Sam. “We don’t have concerns about how much material we can process; we could even look at storing unprocessed waste and loading it in off peak.”
InterGroup partnered with Irish company CDE Group to bring the new resource recovery facility to New Zealand.
Small aggregate chips produced from the new facility.
Slurried water going through the separation process.
Exploring ways to minimise construction and building waste is a passion for Dr Terri-Ann Berry, director of the newly formed Environmental Innovation Centre (EIC).
Dr Terri-Ann Berry has partnered with experienced Master Builder Nigel Benton to develop practical environmental solutions for the construction industry. The team at the Environmental Innovation Centre (EIC) will write a regular column on practical advice for managing construction waste and other environmental issues for the building industry.
What happens to on-site plastic waste?
The answer is not pretty, with most construction industry plastic waste ending up in landfills. Currently, construction waste represents 50% of the waste filling up New Zealand’s landfills, with plastics as a major contributor. In Auckland alone, approximately 25,000 tons of plastic waste end up in landfills annually.
Construction plastic is detrimental to landfills as, with its low density, it takes up a lot of space and will not break down for hundreds of years. This occupies valuable land that could be used
for more sustainable purposes. When not sent to a landfill, it often ends up in waterways, contributing to environmental pollution, and posing long-term hazards to ecosystems.
Plastic construction waste
1 x = 634,000 plastic bags
The Environmental Innovation Centre team, headed by Dr Terri-Ann Berry (front row, right).
Is there anything you can do about it?
Yes! Essentially, to reuse or recycle plastic, it must be sorted into plastic types – a bit like your domestic waste. Unfortunately, there are a lot of different plastic products in the industry, so how could anyone know which ones to sort where?
To address this, BRANZ has funded a project where Dr Terri-Ann Berry and her team partnered with six contractors to trial a practical new plastic sorting system. An example of one of these trials was with Master Builder Nigel Benton, who was alarmed at sending skip after skip of construction and demolition waste to landfill.
Nigel and the EIC team (then known as the Environmental Solutions Research Centre, or ESRC) undertook a trial to reduce waste on-site at a new project to build eight terraced townhouses in West Auckland. They aimed to divert 90 per cent of waste generated on-site from the landfill. Similar developments typically produce approximately 16 tonnes of waste –equivalent to about eight cars!
To prepare staff and subcontractors for this multi-build project, EIC delivered training on the ‘how-to’ of waste sorting. Bins were clearly labelled and included pictures for quick reference. The sorting system meant plastic could either be sent back to the supplier or sorted into the right types for recycling.
The results were excellent. A total of 22.4 tonnes of materials were collected and audited, of which 18.4 tonnes were recycled or repurposed, including 830kg of plastic waste, a third of which was soft plastic. Most of the soft plastic was recycled by Hamilton-based SaveBOARD. Best of all, the target was exceeded. “We were able to repurpose 91 per cent of all construction waste from one site,” Benton said. “There was a mega amount of plastic used.”
Got plastic waste? Get it sorted!
Sorting is the key, so the main plastic waste streams on-site can be either returned to the supplier or recycled, preventing them from going to the landfill. As an example of how this can be done, find above a decision tree EIC has developed for Scaffolding, Access & Rigging NZ (SARNZ) to help their members and other participants in this industry.
These decision trees will vary between different industry subsectors and regions in New Zealand and EIC is working on making more bespoke material.
Here is the process in 5 steps:
1. Identify plastic waste streams – common ones include soft plastics, polypropylene, polystyrene, pipes, food, and drink waste
2. Return to the supplier – check if your supplier will take it back
3. Find local recyclers/ transport options
4. Set up a recycling area with signs and bags
5. Train your staff to use the signs to identify plastic and sort it in the right condition. Currently, EIC is developing an education hub for construction companies with a series of resources to make it easier to divert plastic waste from the landfill. This includes training videos, a plastic catalogue, signage and bags. EIC will keep readers updated on progress with construction waste trials, focusing on key plastic waste streams, including suppliers with take-back schemes, recycling options, and case studies of companies successfully diverting waste from the landfill.
If you have any questions you would like answered, please contact ta@environmental-innovation.nz
This example of a plastic waste ‘decision tree’ has been developed by EIC for Scaffolding, Access & Rigging New Zealand.
CLOSING the flood gates
Drainlayer Mike Bourke has come up with a smart solution to prevent groundwater infiltration into gully traps, as NZ Plumber discovers.
With extreme rainfall events becoming more frequent in New Zealand – the June floods in Wairoa being a recent example – gully traps are becoming increasingly susceptible to surcharge from excess stormwater entering the wastewater system.
Having been called out on many a remedial job, self-employed drainlayer and builder Mike Bourke turned his mind to finding a compliant solution to protecting gully traps.
The result is the Leak Proof Lid. Made from recyclable, UV-resistant uPVC, the unit acts like a one-way valve, allowing water to flow out of the sanitary sewer drainpipe, but preventing water from getting in.
A vent cap allows air to circulate to ensure the water can flow and the interior of the Leak Proof Lid stays dry and moisture free. A flotation ball inside the vent cap stops water getting into the wastewater system in heavy rainfall or flooding.
Several options are available to suit the size and shape of the existing gully trap –whether it has inlet pipes below the gully trap grate or coming in over the top.
With his passion for finding innovative solutions to technical challenges, Mike spent several years formulating his idea, securing a patent, and getting a prototype made and tested at the Manukau Institute of Technology laboratory.
Plastics engineer and product designer Ray Pryor partnered with Mike to develop the product and together they have established their EcoGuys business with a focus on sustainable solutions for the industry.
The Leak Proof Lid is now all set to launch in stores this October.
Plumbers and drainlayers can register their interest in the Leak Proof Lid at https://ecoguys.nz
This photo of a public loo shows the issue when heavy rainfall enters a gully trap, and how the Leak Proof Lid can help.
XGT / 18V LXT 3,600 lm LED Worklight
(Skin only)
A powerful work light that can be used with 18V LXT batteries or 40Vmax XGT batteries. The ML005GX provides a white light that is comparable to daylight & is equipped with 40 LEDs. It is easy to move around the work place using the sturdy folding carrying handle.
The ML005GX has 3 brightness modes: low (900 Lm), medium (1,800 Lm) and high (3,600 Lm) and it is possible to tilt the light 240 degrees (-30 degrees to 210 degrees). The ML005GX is water and dust resistant and suitable for tough working conditions. www.makita.co.nz/products/model/ML005GX
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATING: HOT WATER FUTURES
The installation process for heat pump water heaters is very similar to traditional outdoor water heaters, as Rheem explains.
Heat pump water heating is providing New Zealand homeowners with a cost-efficient, sustainable way to heat their water. By using heat from the surrounding air, heat pump water heaters need less energy to create hot water than traditional heaters that rely purely on gas or electricity.
To put this in context, Rheem’s latest heat pump water heater – the Rheem AmbiPower 280e – can save over 70 per cent of water heating energy costs compared to traditional electric water heaters.
Water heating is the third biggest energy use for NZ homes, using more energy on average than even personal EVs*. Reducing water heating energy consumption is a clear way for homeowners to substantially lower their overall household emissions, as well as their monthly energy bill.
How they work
How do heat pump water heaters use less energy to produce the same result? It’s all about how they make use of the natural heat in our air. Heat pump water heaters have a fan that
draws outside air into the cylinder through inlet louvres. An evaporator is then able to absorb the heat from the air and transfer it into the water through a heat exchanger.
The cold air is finally discharged through the air outlet louvres and released back into the atmosphere. This process continues until the required water temperature is reached – which means readily available hot water for the household.
Even on cloudy or cold days, heat can be drawn from the surrounding air – but the efficiency of the water heater increases as the surrounding ambient air temperature increases.
The Rheem AmbiPower heat pump water heater range will operate when the ambient air temperature is between -6°C to 43°C, which means the electric element will operate when the ambient air temperature falls below -6°C or rises above 43°C. In short, heat pump water heaters will provide homes with hot water, no matter what the conditions.
Installation advice
The good news for plumbers is that installing heat pump water heaters is almost no different from installing traditional outdoor gas or electric water heaters and can, in fact, easily replace them.
It’s also a common misunderstanding that a refrigeration engineer is needed on site to assist the plumber when installing a heat pump water heater, but this is not the case – the Rheem Ambiheat and Rheem AmbiPower models are ready to be installed by a plumber ‘out of the box’.
A couple of differences when installing heat pump water heaters are worth noting, however – and the first is the weight. Heat pump water heaters are heavier than traditional cylinders, so you will need two people to lift the cylinder into place.
Plumbers will also need to ensure there is sizeable clearance around the cylinder (the precise measurements are in the installation manual), as heat pump water heaters need access to fresh, ambient air.
If a water heater is installed in a corner of a building, for example, the cold exhaust air may recirculate through the water heater, which will decrease the unit’s efficiency.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Head to https://rheem. co.nz/products/home/heat-pump-water-heating if your customers want to make the change to a heat pump water heater, or speak to your local dealer. You can also head to your MyRheem Pro account, where you’ll find specific training courses for installing Rheem heat pump water heaters.
*Rewiring Aotearoa, “Electric Homes: The energy, economic, and emissions opportunity of electrifying New
economy.” Released March 2024.
Zealand’s
Plumbers need to ensure the correct clearance around heat pump water heaters to maximise efficiency.
Homeowners and the plumbing industry can benefit from the rise of energy-efficient hot water heat pumps for existing homes, say Black Diamond Technologies.
AUTHOR: JON LEYLAND
The current cost-of-living crisis is hitting homeowners in the pocket, especially as electricity prices surge. As a result, hot water heat pumps are becoming more popular to reduce energy bills, and the market is seeing a lift in enquiries for existing homes. This interest in hot water heat pump technology presents an opportunity for plumbers and gas fitters to diversify their business offerings. Retrofitting existing water heating systems with a hot water heat pump offers numerous benefits and is more viable than it may first appear.
What about capital cost?
There’s no denying there is a higher capital cost for homeowners to invest in a hot water heat pump for domestic hot water heating. Most installations cost around $6-10k, including the product purchase – a significant investment for most households. However, there has been an increase in finance options available, with banks offering 0%2% interest loans for adopting renewable energy products. In many cases, the return on investment is under five years.
Repurpose existing electric cylinders
By repurposing an existing cylinder, homeowners can benefit from capital cost savings on retrofits while reducing waste. An example in the market is the Black Diamond AquaCore Hot Water Heat Pump, designed to integrate easily with existing or new hot water cylinders.
Black Diamond Technologies provide bespoke training for all their hot water heat pump offerings.
The AquaCore Hot Water Heat Pump is designed to integrate easily with existing or new hot water cylinders.
A hot water heat pump has a life expectancy over 10 years, so the end user can benefit from the cost savings for most of the system’s lifetime.
The AquaCore offers fast hot water recovery even with an existing cylinder. This is because, when hot water is drawn from a cylinder in the home, it takes water from the top. A traditional electric system uses electric immersion elements to heat cold water, which is at the bottom of the cylinder. This means it can take hours for hot water to be available at the top of the tank, where it is drawn off.
With an AquaCore system, water is heated to 62°C by the indoor unit and pumped directly into the top of the cylinder, so hot water is ready to use immediately.
Installation and training
Split-type hot water heat pumps require the ability to install refrigerant pipework. In all cases, whether all-in-one or split-type systems, there is a service requirement during the unit’s lifetime, and this presents an opportunity for the plumbing industry to diversify its business in this field.
For every 1kW of electrical input energy, a hot water heat pump provides 3.2kW* of heat output –a third of the cost to heat hot water.
Training is key for smooth installations, and Black Diamond Technologies have bespoke training for all their hot water heat pump offerings, including Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan. Look out for further information on training dates around the country.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jon Leyland is National Sales Manager – Hot Water Heat Pumps at Black Diamond Technologies Ltd, the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi Electric hot water heat pumps and hydronic solutions in New Zealand. Additionally, they offer the Black Diamond AquaCore Hot Water Heat Pump under their own brand. As a locally owned and operated company, they provide nationwide training and support services. Their mission is to help create a sustainable future for homes and businesses by offering a diverse range of renewable heat pump technologies.
This diagram shows how the Black Diamond AquaCore Hot Water Heat Pump can be integrated with an existing hot water cylinder.
SEISMIC RESTRAINT OF STORAGE WATER HEATERS
With recent updates to G12/AS1, this is a good time to review its guidance on the seismic restraint of storage water heaters.
AUTHOR: NICK HELM
In its latest Building Code update, MBIE published amendments to the compliance paths for clause G12 Water supplies. Among the changes, Acceptable Solution G12/AS1 was updated to clarify the requirements for the seismic restraint of storage water heaters.
The Building Code requires all building elements to be adequately supported against earthquake forces. In the case of storage water heaters, the objective is to prevent the storage tank from toppling, moving away from the wall or sliding along the wall during an earthquake.
Table 1: Number of straps required to seismically restrain water storage heaters according to G12/AS1
This minimises damage due to movement and increases the chance of keeping the plumbing connections intact so building occupants can use the water following a seismic event.
Restraints and fixings
G12/AS1 provides seismic restraint methods for water heater storage tanks with a capacity up to 360 litres in light timberframed construction – those designed according to NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings. Storage tanks with a capacity greater than 360 litres are outside the scope of G12/AS1 and may require an Alternative Solution for building consent purposes.
Storage water heaters should be restrained using 25×1mm galvanised steel straps that are tensioned when fixed in place. Each strap should be fixed to the wall framing at both ends using 8mm coach screws with either a single 30×2mm thick washer or two 20×2.5mm washers. The coach screws must penetrate the framing timber by at least 50mm. In retrofit situations, additional timber framing may be needed to ensure there is adequate strap fixing.
Figure 1: G12/AS1 requires
However, strapping alone is insufficient to prevent movement. During an earthquake, a strapped cylinder can still rock from side to side, parallel to the face of the wall. To prevent this, storage water heaters should be further restrained using two 50×50mm vertical blocks on either side of the storage tank’s closest point to the wall.
The blocks must run the full height of the storage tank and be fixed to the wall framing using 100×3.75mm nails at 600mm centres maximum. A similar restraint system should be used when the water heater is located in a corner between two walls.
Strap locations
Straps should be located at the top and bottom of the tank no more than 100mm from the top and bottom edges of the cylinder. Storage tanks with a capacity greater than 200 litres require a third strap located at the centre of the cylinder (Figure 1a).
Straps should not be located where they may obstruct, damage or otherwise clash with the water heater’s inlet or outlet plumbing or controls. However, this requirement sometimes led to confusion –how to place a strap within the required 100mm distance from the top or bottom edge and still avoid the plumbing connections and controls. Some water heater designs make the clash unavoidable.
The recent G12/AS1 update clarifies the situation. Where it’s not possible to achieve the 100mm maximum strap distance, straps should be placed within the top and bottom 25% of the cylinder.
In this situation, tanks with a capacity less than 200 litres require an additional strap located at the centre of the cylinder (Figure 1b). Tanks with a capacity greater than 200 litres require two additional straps (a total of four) placed evenly between the top and bottom straps (Figure 1c). Table 1 summarises these requirements. At least three straps are always required, regardless of tank capacity, where the storage water heater is located more than 12m above finished ground level.
Some water heater designs may require different strapping arrangements, especially where the tank has an uneven vertical weight distribution such as those with an integrated heat pump. Where fittings and pipework connect to the water heater through the floor or another support structure, at least 50mm of clearance should be provided between the fitting and floor or support structure. This reduces impact damage to the fitting if the storage tank should move slightly during an earthquake.
For full details, see www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance
The Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board recommends it is always best practice to install a safe tray, and many major HWC manufacturers require a safe tray in their installation instructions.
Guidance from the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board on the need for safe trays when replacing existing cylinders.
AUTHOR: PLUMBERS, GASFITTERS & DRAINLAYERS BOARD
Any new HWC installation must comply with the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC), which includes the need for a safe tray. The uncertainty arises when replacing existing cylinders, where the existing cylinder has no safe tray.
Safe tray requirements for new HWC installations
NZBC G12/AS1 says:
5.2.3 Safe trays
Performance E3.3.2: states that; Free water from accidental overflow from sanitary fixtures or sanitary appliances must be disposed of in a way that avoids loss of amenity or damage to household units or other property. An acceptable method of preventing water damage is to locate a safe tray below the water tank (see Figure 4). The safe tray shall incorporate a drain with a minimum diameter of 40mm. Where the tank overflow discharges into the safe tray, the diameter of the safe tray drain shall be greater than the overflow pipe from the tank and comply with Paragraph 5.2.2.
Safe tray ‘best practice’ for HWC replacements
Clause 42A (2) of the Building Act 2004 outlines that building work cannot be any less compliant than before the work began. So, if an existing HWC does not have a safe tray, it is not always mandatory to install one when replacing it.
However, the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board recommends it is always best practice to install a safe tray.
The NZBC G12/AS1 has further requirements that are relevant as to whether a safe tray should be installed:
6.11 Water heater installation
6.11.1 Water heaters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6.11.2 Where heating units, sacrificial anodes, thermostats, pipework connections, valves, or other accessories being components of a storage water heater are installed, they shall be accessible for inspection, maintenance and removal.
6.11.3 Storage water heaters shall have:
a) Safe trays complying with Paragraph 5.2.3
b) Connections compatible with the pipe material used, and
c) Drain pipes (for every storage water heater of more than 45 litres capacity) which:
i) have a conveniently located isolating valve, and terminate with a cap or plug suitably located to easily empty the vessel for maintenance, or ii) terminate outside the building with a cap only.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Many major HWC manufacturers include in their installation instructions that a safe tray must be installed. This means the G12/AS1 requirement that water heaters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions cannot be overlooked.
Should any failure occur and damage be caused to any part of the structure or components of the building, it is likely the manufacturer would not cover any damage that arose as a result of the installation instructions not being followed.
It is also possible the homeowner's insurer would be unwilling to cover property damage should a leak occur where a safe tray was not installed – and this may be something to advise homeowners of when discussing with them the need for a safe tray if one wasn’t previously installed.
The November 2023 update to NZBC G12/AS1 provides greater flexibility in seismic restraint locations, so as not to clash with the safe tray.
Photograph:
Hot water delivery temperatures
Maximum hot water temperatures to household personal hygiene fixtures have been lowered from 55°C to 50°C to reduce the risk of scalding injuries. Our Q&A looks at what’s changed and how this impacts gas continuous flow water heating systems.
Q1: What has changed for hot water delivery temperatures?
A: Changes to Acceptable Solution G12/AS1 have been made as part of a 2023 plumbing and drainage Building Code update.
The changes to G12/AS1 include lowering the maximum hot water temperature delivered at the tap for most buildings from 55°C to 50°C. This applies to personal hygiene fixtures in new buildings and new plumbing work.
It does NOT apply to the hot water used for kitchen or laundries, or to the temperature of hot water in the storage tank.
Q2: When did this change take effect?
A: The amended G12/AS1 took effect on 2 November 2023, with a one-year transition period, which ends on 1 November 2024. After this date, the previous version may no longer be used as a means of compliance.
Q3: What does this mean for gas continuous flow water heater installers?
A: The standard type of gas continuous flow water heater currently available on the New Zealand market is the 55°C model.
Currently, the installer can adjust the unit to deliver hot water at above 55°C if desired by the client for, say, washing dishes in the kitchen.
In this instance, the installer adds a tempering valve to the unit to ensure hot water delivery is not above 55°C for personal hygiene taps and baths.
However, the updated G12/AS1 cites Australian standard AS 3498:2020 Safety and public health requirements for plumbing products – Water heaters and hot-water storage tanks for instantaneous temperature limited water heaters (Table 8B, page 38).
AS 3498:2020 states the appliance must be factory set to deliver water at 50°C. The installer may only adjust the water heater up to a maximum of 55°C to allow for 4°C of heat loss.
In other words, the installer must select a 50°C model for delivery of hot water to personal hygiene fixtures.
Q4: What’s the issue?
A: A 50°C model provides no scope for consumers wanting hotter water at the kitchen tap. If they want this, the installer will have to use a different high temperature model and install a tempering valve for the bathrooms.
For the installer, this means making sure to select the right model, depending on the client’s needs.
For the supplier, this means holding greater stock levels in order to stock both models.
Any product or installation price increase as a result of the change is likely to end up with the consumer.
Q5: What’s the solution?
A: Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ, together with New Zealand gas appliance suppliers, is engaging with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to address this issue as a matter of urgency. Master Plumbers will keep the industry informed of updates as soon as they come to hand.
With a complete range of RWC BEECO Valves including RPZD backflow preventers and double check valves, and RWC dual check valves and hose connection vacuum breakers. RWC valves are the premier choice for backflow in the New Zealand plumbing marketplace.
Allproof Industries founder Ian Jackson with son Adam Jackson and daughter Jacinta Robertson, who are both directors of the company.
Locally owned and operated for 37 years, Allproof Industries manufactures and distributes drainage, insulation and passive fire protection products from its Auckland production facility, with an emphasis on quality and sustainability. NZ Plumber takes a tour of this proudly family run business.
AUTHOR: BEVERLY SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBIN HODGKINSON
At 87, Ian Jackson remains passionate about Allproof Industries, the Auckland-based company he set up with his wife Maureen in 1987. “Our father still provides a lot of support and drive, and has an amazing vision for the business,” says son Adam Jackson, who has been General Manager since 2016.
“There are quite a few generational plumbing businesses that continue to be run by the families who started them but not so many New Zealand manufacturing businesses in our industry that are still owner-operated and run by the original founder.”
At over 8,000sq m, the North Shore head office, manufacturing and distribution facility is well sized to accommodate the company’s diverse range, which encompasses pipe insulation, building and exterior drainage products and passive fire protection solutions. With another distribution warehouse in Christchurch, Allproof employs over 130 staff in New Zealand and also has branches in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Diverse product range
“Allproof originally grew out of my parents’ Jackson Plumbing business,” explains Adam. “It began as a distributor and supplier of waterproofing products for the plumbing industry and went on to distribute floor waste drainage products. As the number of products in this category grew, we started manufacturing in the 1990s.
“As sometimes happens, we had an appetite to make more and expanded into other building drainage products for bathroom, roof and balcony. This then evolved into manufacturing exterior drainage products for surface water applications.”
Allproof’s core manufacturing capability is stainless steel fabrication and plastic injection moulding for its extensive range of products, all made on-site. The moulds are manufactured and maintained in the engineering workshop and tool room, where drainage products are also production engineered.
Next to this is the stainless steel fabrication workshop. “Our speciality here is drainage products for the plumbing and drainage industry and we also manufacture and assemble fire collars for our passive fire protection systems in this building,” says Adam.
Quality of output
Making such a broad variety of products is no easy task, and he stresses that Allproof takes quality very seriously. “Controlling the quality of output is critical and a number of
areas in the building are dedicated to quality assurance and control. It takes a lot of work for the team to maintain the expected level of quality, and we pay a great deal of attention to this part of our business.”
Similarly, research and development play a significant role, with an internal team focused on all aspects of new product development from product design and prototyping to tooling, testing and certification. “We have 3D printing for prototyping and CAD programmes for design and development,” says Adam. “By having engineers, product designers and CAD operators on our staff, in many cases we can 100% control the creation of product from start to finish.”
Sustainability measures
Whilst the plastic raw material manufacturing industry is mostly overseas, Allproof uses locally recycled polypropylene for the majority of its drainage products. This aligns well with the sustainable approach to all its operations.
“Sustainability is no longer an option but a requirement – and it’s what our customers expect,” notes Adam, explaining that Allproof has installed solar panels to help power the facility, provides onsite recycling, limits its packaging to the essentials, and runs a fleet of EVs and HEVs for its territory managers and sales staff.
“Our products are also made to last,” he adds. “Our ability to directly control the quality of what we produce here in New Zealand sets us apart from companies who import product. We are proud of our local manufacturing capability and focus and we believe it makes a real difference.”
ALLPROOF FACTORY TOURS
Allproof encourages specifiers and installers of its product to book a factory tour. “It’s often an eye opener for visitors to see the amount of work that goes into making the finished product they pick off the shelf,” says General Manager Adam Jackson. “We enjoy educating our customer base in how our products are made.”
Book a tour by contacting Allproof at info@allproof.co.nz
Ritter R290 hot water heat pump from Waterware
Waterware’s innovative Ritter hot water production solution has been implemented in about 30 aged care facilities across New Zealand, showcasing the company’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability.
The Ritter system features the R290 hightemperature heat pump. This innovative component manages all phases without electrical boosting, achieving a critical storage temperature of 65ºC. Adjusting recovery power and storage capacity helped Waterware overcome implementation challenges, such as ensuring sufficient amperage. Its cylinders with built-in electrical backups minimised downtime during the transition. Waterware’s
Straight MDPE joiner added to Buteline Mainline
proprietary Pure Flow software streamlines the specification and performance modelling of renewable domestic hot water systems, generating equipment schedules, cost estimates, and operational carbon impact models. This reduces engineering hours, enabling quicker, more cost-effective designs.
Feedback has been excellent, enhancing collaboration, improving design accuracy, and strengthening relationships with consulting engineers.
Scan the QR code here for the complete story
The Mainline range has been a part of Buteline’s offering for over a year now, and Buteline have had a lot of positive feedback from plumbers about variations of fittings that could be included. Buteline is pleased to announce that a straight MDPE to MDPE joiner is now available. This fitting is available in two options:
SPE20: Mainline Inline Coupling MDPE 20mm x MDPE 20mm
SPE25: Mainline Inline Coupling MDPE 25mm x MDPE 25mm.
Be sure to use the Pexline tool for crimping both sides of the fitting, and always remember to use Buteline Amalgamating tape or Denzo tape to protect the rings if buried underground.
The SPE20 and SPE25 fittings are available at plumbing merchants or contact your Buteline sales representative to learn more: www.buteline.com/nz/contact-us
SPE20
SPE25
New 300mm addition to Allproof commercial channel range
The new 300mm clear opening Commercial Channel drain from Allproof is NZ made from 100% recycled polypropylene using clean solar energy generated on site through an installation on Allproof’s main production facility. The channel provides excellent catchment of surface water, allowing the system to service large areas. It comes in a 150mm depth for optimal performance while minimising excavation.
The use of recycled polypropylene provides a lightweight channel drain that improves the installation experience while reducing labour costs and embodied carbon through logistics.
All grate options are designed to be heelproof for pedestrian safety and to be mobility tyre and bicycle tyre friendly. Grates are secured with fixings to prevent damage through vehicular movement and unauthorised access. Grates are designed to cater from foot traffic to commercial vehicle traffic, depending on the grate selected. Channel edge rails and grates are available in 316 marine grade stainless steel, galv or cast-iron.
Schwank infrared radiant heating technology
Unlike forced air systems, Schwank heaters from All Controls heat objects instead of the surrounding air to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency. By heating objects, Schwank heaters can save more energy and decrease heat losses.
Schwank offers a variety of heaters, covering almost every individual application. Utilise infrared radiant technology with SCHWANK: Infra Radiant Tube Heaters – A series of ceiling mounted infrared radiant heating systems for large, tall and all spaces in between Luna/Terras Outdoor Patio Heaters – Outdoor gas-fired and electric infrared heaters specifically designed for outdoor commercial and hospitality establishments
Supra/Primo High Intensity Heaters – Perfect for industrial and commercial buildings, logistic facilities and workshops with ceilings up to 20m.
Contact All Controls sales@allcontrols.co.nz for more information
Under the bonnet with Makita
Introducing the Makita ML012G 40V Max XGT LED Work Light, the ultimate solution for automotive illumination. Engineered for efficiency, its long 630mm light bar ensures expansive coverage, illuminating every corner with precision. The padded telescopic hook securely mounts under car bonnets, facilitating hands-free operation.
Designed with convenience in mind, its folding mechanism collapses the light to a compact size, enabling effortless storage and portability. Experience versatility with three stage brightness settings and three distinct modes for upper or lower bar illumination, adapting to various working conditions seamlessly.
Crafted with high durability in mind, the ML012G features XPT construction, enhancing resistance against dust and water, ensuring longevity even in challenging environments. Illuminate your workspace with confidence and precision, whether in the garage or out in the field, with the Makita ML012G Work Light. Elevate your automotive tasks to new levels of efficiency and clarity with Makita.
Rinnai
Efinity™
Electric Continuous Flow Water Heater
Rinnai are excited to introduce the Rinnai Efinity™ Electric Continuous Flow Water Heater to their Hot Water range. Suitable for various 3-Phase Power applications, from medium-density one-bathroom apartments to commercial office lunchrooms and restroom sinks, the Rinnai Efinity™ ensures efficient and reliable hot water supply across various environments.
Rinnai revolutionised New Zealand’s hot water market in the 1990s with the first electronically controlled Gas Continuous Flow system. Now, their latest Efinity™ Electric Continuous Flow Water Heater offers unparalleled performance, user comfort, and energy efficiency. Designed with customer satisfaction in mind, the Efinity™ delivers precise water flow control ensuring accurate temperature at the tap and the continuous supply of hot water.
To suit site requirements, Rinnai offers 3-Phase Power models in both 18kW and 26kW with 50°C and 60°C max output temperature options and a user-friendly touch-screen interface that enables adjustment of desired temperatures and flow rates, offering precise control over water temperatures.
Find out more at https://rinnai.co.nz/commercial/efinitycontinuous-electric-flow
Luna outdoor patio heater.
Rheem AmbiPower: new HPWH range
Rheem has introduced a new range of cost-effective, sustainable heat pump water heaters to New Zealand households. The AmbiPower MDc-180 and the AmbiPower 280e utilise the latest water heating technology to ensure homeowners can reliably and efficiently heat their water. By utilising heat from the surrounding air, heat pump water heaters need less energy to create hot water than traditional water heaters that rely purely on gas or electricity. This means that both AmbiPower models can save your customers over 70% on their water heating energy costs, as well as lower their overall household emissions.
Head to www.rheem.co.nz/products/ home/heat-pump-water-heating to learn more or speak to your local dealer
New from Felton
All Pressures Shower Mixer
Watts™ Hydroguard™ from Hydroflow
Watts™ Hydroguard™ is a residential water filtration unit, suitable for mains supply or rainwater harvesting, which provides sediment, CTO (Chlorine, Taste and Odour) and UV filtration to remove contaminants, odour and bacteria to make water safe for the home. The Hydroguard range features both 10 and 20-inch filters with or without UV filtration to offer the correct level of protection for the home and budget.
A cost-effective and reliable All Pressures Shower Mixer is available in all collections (excluding Tate). Supplied with three coloured Venturi jets for optimised performance on a range of pressures.
Designed, machined and assembled in NZ
Superior flow
Improved temperature control
Proprietary Felton F5 cartridge with anti-scald and flow limiter.
Felton Collection accessories
New accessories in the Felton Collection range: 32mm waste (with and without overflow) 40mm waste without overflow
Overflow trim rings suitable for 23-25mm overflow hole.
High-quality solid brass and available in all finishes (chrome, black, brushed nickel, brushed gunmetal, brushed bronze and brushed gold).
Features:
Pre-assembled unit for easy installation
High quality, NSF-certified filter cartridges
High absorption activated carbon filtration
Weather-proof enclosure with lockable lid for safety and tamper proofing (UV models)
Stainless-steel fittings for extra strength and reliability.
New Generic PDF Invoice Reader from Fergus
Check out the latest innovation from Fergus: easily import almost any supplier or subcontractor invoices. No more tedious manual data entry – just unprecedented efficiency gains. With Fergus’s new Generic PDF Invoice Reader, as well as extensive direct integrations with over 80 NZ trade suppliers, you can import and match invoices to the right jobs. This ensures you’ll never miss charging out a cost and cuts your admin time in half. Fergus allows you to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional service and getting customer invoices out quickly and accurately. To learn more or sign up for a free trial, visit https://fergus.com
DRAINAGE SOLUTION FOR OFFICE KITCHENETTES
OBJECTIVE: Provide plumbing for office kitchenettes where gravity plumbing is not available CHALLENGE: The office refit had to be completed with minimal disruption to adjacent tenancies
SOLUTION: Sanifast & Sanialarm Interlock
In the heart of Auckland’s CBD, at popular commercial high-rise 34 Shortland Street, three tenancies recently underwent new office fitouts, which included brand new kitchenettes. In each of these instances, the kitchenettes were to be placed in locations where there was limited access to traditional gravity plumbing.
As the office building is fully tenanted, the work had to be completed with minimal disruption to adjacent tenancies, meaning there could be no noise, dust, or water loss to neighbouring amenities. This, combined with the limited access to the existing gravity plumbing, meant a unique solution was needed.
After consulting SFA, the contractors specified the Sanifast greywater pump. Sanifast provided the perfect pumping solution in place of gravity plumbing, with each unit able to pump wastewater from the new kitchenettes to the old wastewater mains, all without the need to disrupt neighbouring tenancies during the building works. Each of the
three Sanifast greywater pumps were paired with a Sanialarm Interlock to provide tenants with added peace of mind in the event of an issue.
“The Sanifast greywater pump has been designed for busy office kitchenettes and, with its easy plug and play connectivity to a Sanialarm Interlock alarm system, it’s an ideal plumbing solution for this inner-city office project. The addition of the Sanialarm interlock provides tenants with the necessary peace of mind against potential flooding.”
Andrew Roberts, Hydraulics Plus
SANIFAST
Sanifast is a powerful and compact greywater pump, which is ideal for light commercial use. The unit is designed to receive and pump away wastewater from a dishwasher and kitchen sink, handling temperatures between 40°C-75°C, making it ideal for busy office kitchens.
Sanifast uses small internal float switches to detect wastewater levels, which it then pumps up to 7m vertically, 100m horizontally, or a lesser combination of both. The easy-to-service pump ensures businesses can operate with minimal disruption and comes complete with a built-in high-level alarm, large tank capacity and an integrated carbon filter and anti-flood valve. Additionally, the Sanifast can be connected to the Sanialarm Interlock for added peace of mind and water and power isolation.
SFA greywater pumps allow plumbing fixtures to be installed in areas where access to wastewater pipes and conventional gravity drainage is limited, increasing the design possibilities for installing additional facilities in existing buildings.
HEALTHY BUSINESS CHECKLIST
Is your business set up to survive and thrive through challenges and change?
Use the easy-to-follow checklist at business.govt.nz to step you through some actions you can do now to keep your business strong.
The checklist helps you identify your risks, prepare a business continuity plan, create a cash buffer, and build strong relationships.
Find the Healthy Business Checklist at www.business.govt.nz/business-performance/health-business-checklist
Green List HIRING PATHWAY
Discover the benefits of using the Green List pathway when hiring overseas plumbers and gasfitters.
AUTHOR: IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND
Immigration makes a vital contribution to New Zealand’s economy, workforce and community. It provides employers with access to key skills by ensuring employers can hire migrant workers when there are no New Zealanders available to do the job.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the main temporary work visa that employers can recruit and employ overseas workers on. It involves a three-step process. Employers must:
1. become accredited
2. apply for a job check
3. support a migrant application for an AEWV.
Plumbing and Gasfitting on the Green List
The Green List helps to address ongoing skill shortages by providing a clear, prioritised, occupation-based offer of residence where it is particularly important to attract people in the current labour market context.
The Green List only contains a limited number of highly-skilled roles that have been identified as being in high demand globally and in ongoing shortage in New Zealand. It also includes roles that have been identified as a specified skill, hard to fill, or nationally significant.
In recognition of the need for highly skilled, experienced and qualified people in the construction and infrastructure trades, the Government has included Plumbing and Gasfitting trades on its Green List.
There are a couple of benefits to using the Green List pathway: Occupations on the Green List exempt employers from having to go through the process of advertising for the purpose of the job check. However, to be exempted, the employer must be recruiting workers who meet the Green List criteria. For Plumber and Gasfitter roles, a migrant needs to hold Certifying, Tradesman, or Journeyman registration with the New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
Any plumber or gasfitter employed through the Green List receives a Work to Residence visa, meaning after 24 months on that work visa they may be eligible to apply for residence.
Twelve months on a provisional licence will be accepted toward the overall 24 months duration and for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) purposes, provided registration is complete on application for the residence visa.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, visit the links below or call the Immigration New Zealand Customer Service Centre on 0508 558 855.
Dealing promptly with customer complaints is vital, says disputes resolution specialist Trevor Slater, who has 9 simple steps to help put things right.
AUTHOR: TREVOR SLATER, SIMPLY RESOLUTION
You have just finished the contracted work for Mrs Smith and have done a wonderful job. Upon arrival back at your office, your administration manager greets you with: “Mrs Smith has just called and is not happy and wants to make a complaint.” How you respond, especially in the next 24 hours, is vital to resolving this problem.
Receiving a complaint is stressful, time-consuming and energy draining. To minimise all of these side effects, you need to have a good complaint handling process and a resolution focus.
Here are some simple steps that will help you deal with the complaint.
1. Don’t panic – stay calm! Complaints can make you angry and frustrated. Reacting negatively is not the way to respond. Just take a breath and follow the process.
2. Make an appointment to see your client as soon as possible, preferably face-to-face. People can often be more aggressive via email. Meeting in person will defuse this and will also show you are genuine about resolving their problem.
3. Clearly establish what your client’s complaint is and what they want done. Often a person will not clearly state what their complaint is and what outcome they want. You can’t resolve a complaint if you don’t know what the client wants. Simply ask them what they want done. This is just a question to understand at this stage – it doesn’t need an immediate response. However, if your client has an unrealistic expectation about the outcome he or she is seeking, such as a large financial payment, you must let them know this is not possible. Otherwise, you will create an expectation that can’t be met. Silence alone is not sufficient to reduce the expectation.
4. Tell your client what actions you are going to take to try to resolve their complaint. Check this is OK with them and that you are on the right track.
5. Do what you say you will and when you have promised to do it. If you can’t do it promptly, let your client know why and when you will be able to do so.
6. Try to see their side of the story. For example, “If I were Mrs Smith, what would I want to fix this problem? How would I like to be talked to and treated?”
7. Don’t look to blame someone or argue which person is ‘right’. The basis of good complaint resolution starts when you understand that it is not about who is right and who is wrong – it is about a complaint that needs to be resolved.
8. Look at options for resolving the problem. Too often we think there is only one answer when in fact, if we turn our mind to it, we can find many options and alternatives. This will increase the likelihood of an agreement.
9. Once you have reached an agreement, confirm in writing that it fully resolves their complaint and ask for confidentiality.
Two final comments.
Firstly, early action with a view to resolving the complaint is best. If you ignore a complaint, the person complaining will get more fixed in their position. Plus, it is simply not professional to ignore a complaint.
Secondly, sometimes it is better from a business point of view to agree to your client’s resolution request rather than to debate or negotiate. Yes, this will feel unfair. However, settling a complaint, especially one that is not of high value, is less time- and energyconsuming. If you do so, just ensure your client agrees to keeping the agreement confidential.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Trevor Slater is a highly experienced dispute resolution practitioner with expertise in complaint handling. He holds a Masters Degree in Conflict resolution, is an accredited mediator and has run workshops and training in many countries. Trevor works with the great team at Simply Resolution, delivering dispute resolution services across many areas. www.simplyresolution.co.nz
emBARK on your journey today
Caroma Invisi II® Inwall Cistern Collection
Caroma’s Adjustable Flushpipe is the new standard for all back inlet concealed Invisi Series II suites.
Caroma’s market leading Contura, Urbane, Liano, Accessible Care 800 and other concealed toilet ranges incorporate both the Uni-Orbital Connector for flexibility with the waste set-out, and Adjustable Flushpipe saving valuable time on site!
That's the Caroma Difference.
Understanding health and safety jargon
Navigating health and safety acronyms and technical terms can feel like deciphering teenage slang. But fear not! Let’s break down some of the common jargon.
AUTHOR: REBECCA MOSS, HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING ADVISOR, MASTER PLUMBERS AND MASTERLINK
Your business and its people
PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) –
Contrary to the term, this is not a singular person, this is your business. The business has the primary duty to ensure the health and safety of workers and others affected by the work it carries out. Officer – These are the big decision makers within the PBCU: a company director, a partner or a CEO. Officers have an important role in leading health and safety culture. Officers have a duty of due diligence to ensure their business complies with its health and safety obligations.
Worker – Your employees. Workers are also contractors, employees of labour hire companies, apprentices, even volunteers. Workers must take reasonable care to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others.
HSR (Health and Safety Representatives) – These are elected champions of health and safety in the workplace, representing workers’ health and safety interests. HSRs can receive specific training to be able to carry out additional functions.
Legislation, regulations, and guidelines
HSWA (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015) – New Zealand’s health and safety legislation covering all workplaces.
ACOP (Approved Code of Practice) – Think of these as ‘minimum standards’. They set out WorkSafe’s expectations about how to comply with legal duties of the HSWA and regulations. There are ACOPs for things like asbestos removal, noise management, load lifting rigging, and manual handling.
GPG (Good Practice Guidelines) – Information set out by WorkSafe to provide practical guidance to manage risk associated with certain work, including working at height, managing site traffic, and excavation safety.
PIN (Provisional Improvement Notice) – A written notice issued by an HSR to a person or PCBU asking them to address a health and safety concern in the workplace. A PIN notice can only be issued by an HSR who has completed specified training.
On the job
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Anything worn by a person to minimise risk to their health and safety. For example, safety boots, hi-vis clothing, gloves, safety harness systems, respiratory protection.
SSSP (Site Specific Safety Plan) – A tailored planning tool designed to address key information, hazards and risks associated with a particular project. Usually shared with other PCBUs to promote collaboration and ensure safety and compliance across a project.
TA (Task Analysis) – A job planning document that breaks a task down into the steps, identifying the hazards and associated controls for each step. Useful for ensuring everyone involved understands how a task will be completed and what safety measures need to be implemented.
SDS or MSDS (Safety Data Sheet or Material Safety Data Sheet) – A key source of information about hazardous substances, providing comprehensive information on a substance’s properties, hazards, emergency response and safe handling instructions.
Understanding these health and safety terms is not simply learning the language. Whether you’re an officer or a worker, it’s about more than compliance – it’s about showing your genuine commitment to each other’s safety and wellbeing. So, next time you gear up with your PPE or review your SSSP, remember, safety isn’t just a checklist – it’s a promise we make to ourselves and our team.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rebecca Moss is Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor at Master Plumbers and Masterlink. Members, their teams, Masterlink hosts and apprentices can call Rebecca for health and safety advice. To be connected to wellbeing support, call Rebecca on the confidential 0800 Wellbeing number, available in the member log-in at www.masterplumbers.org.nz
“Safety isn’t just a
checklist
– it’s a
promise
we make
to ourselves and our team.”
How to give an honest reference check
When it comes to reference checks, balanced feedback – pointing out both strengths and areas for improvement – helps keep things fair and professional, advises Lisa Duston.
AUTHOR: LISA DUSTON, PEOPLE & CULTURE MANAGER, MASTER PLUMBERS AND MASTERLINK
As someone working in HR, I know how important honest reference checks are when recruiting. They help us get a clear picture of a candidate’s skills, work ethic, and team fit, helping us avoid costly hiring mistakes.
In plumbing, where technical skills and reliability are essential, accurate references are key. Honest feedback builds
trust between companies, boosts our industry’s reputation, and ensures we hire professionals who can deliver quality work. Clear feedback also helps candidates grow by highlighting areas for improvement. However, giving honest reference checks isn’t always easy. Personal feelings can influence feedback, so it’s important to stay objective and stick to the facts. To avoid
awkward conversations, frame questions carefully. For example, asking, “Would you hire this person again?” can open more in-depth discussions. Similarly, if giving a reference, it’s better to say, “There are good things about this person, but I wouldn’t hire them again because of specific reasons,” to maintain professionalism and clarity.
In our tight-knit industry, a negative reference can strain relationships. It’s important to handle these situations with care, keeping things professional. We must also be careful about confidentiality, only sharing information that’s legally allowed and relevant to the candidate’s job performance.
New employers need to know as much as they can about recruits to make informed decisions. Most understand and appreciate honesty. To handle these challenges well, follow best practice: be specific and objective, focus on clear examples of the candidate’s work and behaviour, and respect confidentiality by sharing only what’s appropriate and relevant.
While honest reference checks are very useful, they need to be done carefully to balance transparency, objectivity, and legal concerns. By sticking to best practice, we can make better hiring decisions and support the growth of our industry while avoiding potential pitfalls.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Master Plumbers HR team understands the challenges and complexities involved in restructuring and is here to support members. Contact People & Culture Manager Lisa Duston—details in the member log-in at www.masterplumbers.org.nz
Pumping iron
Iron-rich foods help boost your health and energy levels.
AUTHOR: KELLY HYLAND
Are you coming out of the winter blues but still feeling weary?
When was the last time you had your iron levels checked? Despite New Zealand’s taste for beef and lamb, thousands of us are not getting enough iron – a common nutrient deficiency worldwide.
Iron is not a mineral to miss out on. It is essential for making haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, as well as myoglobin, a protein found in heart and skeletal muscles.
Oxygen binds to the iron-part of these proteins and is transported from the lungs to your body (haemoglobin) or stored in your muscle cells (myoglobin). Iron also supports our immune system – fighting off infections – and helps our body get the energy it needs from food.
Not surprisingly, when we are low in iron – particularly when we can’t make enough healthy red blood cells (iron deficiency anemia) – we can feel and/or experience:
Tiredness/fatigue/weakness
Headaches
Irritable and grumpy
Frequent infections and slow wound healing
Feel the cold easily
Poor concentration
Pale skin, brittle nails
Pregnant women, vegetarians, vegans, frequent blood donors, young children, and people with gastrointestinal disorders are more at risk of low iron levels. However, it is something we should all be aware of.
Luckily there are plenty of things we can do to optimise our iron intake:
Eat a variety of high iron foods:
• Lean red meat*, shellfish, liver, kidney, poultry and fish
• Wholegrains (breads/oats/brown rice), fortified breakfast cereals/spreads, spinach, silverbeet, beans, peas, legumes, tofu, nuts and dried fruit
Eat meat with vegetables/salads to enhance iron absorption
Include vitamin C foods to enhance iron absorption from plantbased sources
Space tea between meals – wait at least one hour either side.
Be aware of low iron signs/symptoms and discuss any concerns with your GP.
*Limit red meat intake to 350g-500g cooked/week. The information in this article is not intended to replace advice and information given to you by medical professionals. This article cannot provide readers with all the information necessary to diagnose and treat a medical condition or nutritional problem. Those who are unwell or have concerns should always seek advice from their GP.
Lead-free
Tell your customers you meet the standard. New Zealand is introducing new standards for lead in its drinking water. The new regulations proposed by MBIE will limit the lead content in plumbing products to a weighted average of no more than 0.25%.
Cimberio ball valves, with their distinctive green handles, are lead-free* and DZR.
Cimberio lets you meet tomorrow’s standards, today. And, tell your customers about it. For a top-quality, lead-free* ball valve you can rely on, choose the green product with the green handle from Cimberio.
hydroflow.co.nz/products/cimberio-lead-free
*Lead-free products are classified as having a weighted average lead content of no more than 0.25%. Refer to MBIE’s “Building Code update 2022 – Lead in plumbing products”
HOW TO CREATE A THRIVING ONLINE FOLLOWING
Whether you’re just getting started online or ready to turn your audience into a connected, thriving community, here’s how you can create a network and engagement marketing strategy to build a loyal online following.
AUTHOR: GEORGIA GIBBONS, SIDEKIT
At SideKit, we are very passionate about making quality connections online, and believe nurturing these through engagement and interaction is the key to business success. We’re not alone either – online brand and community building is now a key strategy for creating long-term customer loyalty and business growth.
There is great power in community, with 80 per cent of brands* reporting their online community initiatives helped them achieve their goals in 2023.
What is an online community?
Communities are followers that share common interests, values, and even goals that relate to your business. A plumber’s online community may look like email subscribers for extra deals, social media followers to keep up with your day-to-day operations, or a live web chat or enquiry form to answer customer queries on your website.
These online followers have an additional means of engagement with a business, giving you a deeper understanding of their wants and needs. Nowadays, being present in just one area of online marketing isn’t enough – a website alone won’t cut it.
Growing a loyal online following allows you to connect with your customers across multiple touchpoints and channels, such as Facebook, Google, email – even SMS – to reinforce your brand and message.
The power of an online community
We now have access to a never-ending supply of information online, and with this comes the challenge of standing out from the crowd. The rise of online communities offers customers personalised and highervalue experiences with your business. Think about what platforms you can use for customers to be the first to know about promos, see behind the scenes of your business, or have their questions answered.
Building trust and loyalty
Customers thrive on trust and authenticity, and when they feel their wants and needs have been listened to, this builds trust. A unique connection with your business and offering could be the deciding factor between you and your competitors. Fostering trusted and authentic connections demonstrates to potential customers you care about tending to their needs.
Customers choose their trades based on personal recommendations, reviews or local visibility** – prioritising customer service shows your customers you care about them. When a customer enquires or expresses a concern, make sure you have someone on the team to respond and act immediately. Consider an auto-response for after-hours queries, thanking them for their message and promising to get back to them soon. In return, your network will sing your praises when the time is right, bringing you more sales.
Businesses with an authentic message and a face behind the business generally
attract more customers. Launching your business to the next level by growing your online following requires a consistent and authentic approach. When engaging with your community, endeavour to provide them with value, whether it’s helpful tips for getting the most from an appliance, notifications about sales and promos, or a handy reminder that a yearly service is due. As a result, businesses with communities built around trust and authenticity often experience greater customer retention.
How to build an online community
Your brand is the foundation
Building a successful community requires a commitment to engaging with your connections and delivering consistent messages through your business.
Invest in your customers
Knowing and understanding your customers to pre-empt what they want is key. Find meaningful ways to connect with customers outside of your traditional mediums. These can include quality, reliable products and services, showing your appreciation through discounts or giveaways, or aligned contributions to the local community or charity that go a step towards making the world a better place.
Engage
Engagement includes sharing your own online content, supporting others, and engaging directly with your customers. Our best tip for growing your connections is reciprocity. When you give, others tend to give back. Support local businesses and partners by engaging with their social media content or even considering a strategic partnership, such as product or service collaboration, event or giveaway.
Customer connection and community is the ultimate business strategy – not just transactionally, but integral to business success in 2024. We wish you luck in building your online following!
*CMX 2023 Community Industry Trends Report
**Consumer Renovation Guide 2021
Need more ideas for your marketing? Talk to marketing@sidekit.nz
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RENOVATE TO RENT
If you’re considering a ‘renovate to rent’ project, it’s important to understand the tax implications before you begin, as Brett Crombie explains.
AUTHOR: BRETT CROMBIE, STRAIGHTEDGE ACCOUNTING
Buying an older, neglected property to renovate and rent out has been a common pathway toward financial prosperity for many Kiwis. Those skilled in the trades are especially well placed to build wealth in this way, given they are able to save money by doing a lot of the renovation work themselves.
It is wise to consider the tax side of things before embarking on this type of project. A recently issued Technical Decision (TDS 24/02) from Inland Revenue highlighted one lesser-known tax implication of this type of ‘renovate to rent’ project.
The issue was decided by the Tax Counsel Office (TCO) and involved the degree to which the costs of renovation could be deducted for income tax purposes.
In this case, the taxpayer bought a block of flats that was quite neglected. After buying the flats, they replaced the kitchen units, added dishwashers and heat pumps, replaced the bathroom fittings, carpets and vinyl, repaired and repainted the walls, and cleaned and repaired the roofs.
The taxpayer then claimed the expenses as a tax deduction on the basis that the work was done to bring the property back to its original condition.
Inland Revenue’s Customer and Compliance Services (CCS) disagreed with this, saying the work done went beyond ordinary repairs and maintenance, and the amount spent on this work was part of the cost of acquisition of the property. In other words, they argued the taxpayer received a discounted purchase price because the properties were not in good order at the time they were bought.
In the end, the TCO decided in favour of Inland Revenue, stating that the expenditure was part of the cost of acquiring the property, and was therefore a capital cost which cannot be deducted.
This case highlights the sometimes murky boundary between what is a capital (non-deductible) expense and what is a revenue (deductible) expense. It is safe to conclude that if you are taking on a ‘renovate to rent’ project, where you are receiving a discount because significant repairs are needed, there is a strong chance these repair costs cannot be fully deducted for income tax.
Given that the ability to deduct expenses can make a critical difference to the viability of such projects, thinking about this issue and talking through your plans with your accountant at the outset may help avoid surprises down the track.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brett Crombie is a trade specialist accountant at Straightedge Accounting. For assistance developing a business plan, or for tax and accounting services, contact Brett on 021 301 022 or email brett.crombie@straightedge.nz
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TRADES TRAINING
ICE IN THE SOUTH
With the launch of two new specialist trades training facilities in Dunedin and Christchurch, ICE is helping meet apprentice demand in the South Island. NZ Plumber provides an update.
AUTHOR: LISA ONLAND PHOTOGRAPHER: TREV HILL
he South Island is home to the first specialist trades training facility in New Zealand to incorporate all three Skills Group brands under one roof – ICE for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying, Etco for electrical and E-tec for specialist electrical. And soon it won’t be the only one of its kind.
TIndustry Connection for Excellence (ICE), the notfor-profit organisation that began as a collaboration between industry stakeholders and Skills, opened their Dunedin campus in Bradford this June and will be opening the doors of their brand-new Christchurch training facility in Hornby in early September. Both training campuses have been extensively renovated to create state-of-the-art, purpose-built
training facilities. Antony Russell, general manager of ICE, says the organisation has drawn on its experience building previous training facilities to continually improve. “Each campus that we’ve opened, we’ve made improvements based on our learnings from the last one. We’ve invested heavily into these buildings, and they are the most modern and well-equipped PGD training facilities in New Zealand.”
Positive for the regions
ICE started in East Tamaki, Auckland, in 2016 and expanded their operations to the lower North Island in 2021 by opening a dedicated training facility in Ōtaki, north of Wellington. The Dunedin campus is the first of their facilities located in the South Island, with Christchurch
Career starters
A new Skills Hub opened in Dunedin this June, delivering plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying training through ICE, electrical training through Etco and specialist electrical through E-tec. Another is due to open in Christchurch this September.
to follow. Combined, the Dunedin and Christchurch campuses will have the capacity to accommodate up to 1,280 plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices.
“This is a real positive for the regions and allows us to meet the significant apprentice training demand across the South Island,” says Antony. “The travel factor and the lack of training options was something
that stood out between the North and South Islands. It’s great to be able to have a presence in the South Island and create something new, something modern, using the best quality gear and equipment so that we can equip our apprentices for success.”
At an open day for the Dunedin campus held in May, suppliers, current and potential students, employers, and Master
Plumbers members were given the chance to tour the new facility. “The feedback was, it’s more impressive than anything they’ve seen in a training provider. And subsequently, we’ve seen a real uptake in enrolments,” says Antony. “There’s a lot of excitement in the region. It’s fantastic to be able to support the PGD industry in the Dunedin and Central Otago area.”
Master Plumbers and Masterlink General Manager Rhys Nimmo (right) and National Sales Manager Garry Ivill (left) with Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich at the opening ceremony in August.
An upstairs kitchen and lounge area provides ample space for apprentices to eat and relax between classes.
Both facilities also feature large roofed pits where drainlaying apprentices can practise tasks.
Features at the Dunedin and Christchurch campuses include new workshop tools and equipment and modular bathroom pods for the plumbing apprentices.
The Dunedin campus began as an existing facility in need of modernisation. It has since been completely renovated and is now open for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying practical training. At the time of writing, stage two of the build was nearing completion and will see Etco and E-tec training added, creating the group’s first Specialist Trades School.
The Dunedin facility can currently deliver into the second year of the fiveyear plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeship. “As we continue through the programme, we’ll be able to accept a wider range of learners at different stages of their apprenticeship,” explains Antony. “We are the only Level Four apprenticeship training facility in Dunedin. Anyone based in the area prior to this would have needed to travel to Invercargill or Christchurch for training.”
Quality tutors and equipment
The Christchurch location – which many will be familiar with as the old Placemakers building – was essentially a blank canvas. An aboveground drainlaying pit, fully fenced and roofed, has been constructed outside the building and the classroom renovations are well underway. From
there, the focus will be the practical set up, putting the most modern equipment in place for course specific delivery.
Features at both the Dunedin and Christchurch facilities include large roofed drainlaying pits, modular bathroom pods, new hand and battery tools, new workshop equipment, multiple 4+ assessment sets for each task, large bright touch-enabled displays and class sets of laptops.
“We’ve invested heavily into these buildings, and they are the most modern and well-equipped PGD training facilities in New Zealand.”
ANTONY RUSSELL General Manager, ICE
Planned future development for Christchurch will include the addition of gasfitting training facilities in line with the twin container set up currently used in the East Tamaki campus in Auckland.
“All in-house equipment is new and industry-standard,” says Martin Kelly, Senior Programme Developer at ICE. “The online component of our programmes includes additional learning activities
featuring videos, animations, and interactive scenarios to support trainees’ knowledge development. We are also initiating a new project to explore the potential of augmented reality devices for gathering evidence during on-the-job assessments.”
Both campuses will have two dedicated tutors on staff with extensive on-the-job experience. “Taking people from the industry and stepping off the worksite and into the classroom doesn’t happen overnight. It’s fundamentally a very different environment,” says Antony. “We have our vision of what quality training looks like and how to effectively support our apprentices and employers, and we need our tutors to be trained effectively to support this vision.”
With the incoming PGD qualification changes coming into effect in January next year, ICE is already geared up to accommodate the new course system separated by trade and looks forward to rolling out a cleaner, more efficient training process.
Come September, when the Christchurch campus opens, ICE will have doubled the number of specialised PGD training facilities in the region. South Island based apprentices will have wider choice as to where they complete their training – and won’t have to travel as far to do so.
Together, the Dunedin and Christchurch campuses will have capacity to accommodate 1,280 plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices.
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“WE NEED A SENSE OF PRIDE”
NZ Plumber chats with Apprentice Representative Group member George McCallum-Clark about his career choice and what changes he’d like to see for apprentices coming through into our trades.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about you?
A: I’m 21 years old and coming into the third year of my plumbing, gas and drainage apprenticeship through Te Pūkenga. I’m employed by AquaPro Plumbing and Drainage in Christchurch. I started my apprenticeship straight out of the Army.
Q: Why did you initially choose the Army?
A: I knew the Army would teach me what real hard work was, how to be disciplined, respectful and work within a team. All these attributes I could take with me and use for the rest of my life. I was in the Army for two and a half years – 18 months as a trooper in Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles and a year as a driver in 3rd Transport.
Q: How did you get into plumbing?
A: My end goal after I left the Army was to get a trade under my belt. I always knew the Army wasn’t a career for me, but a trade was something I could do for the long term. I was tossing up between building or plumbing initially but was driven to plumbing after a lengthy conversation with my grandfather, who was an electrician for 40+ years. It is a career that really appealed to me and where I can drive my own personal success.
While I was still in the Army, I started organising meetings for job interviews. I called Keith’s office at AquaPro after it was recommended by a mutual friend and asked for a meeting to discuss the opportunity of a plumbing apprenticeship. I was greeted and handed him my CV. Within 10 seconds he asked me if I really had all my full truck licensing and if I could start on Monday. I was very thankful for the opportunity Keith had offered me. We sat down and he started to explain the apprenticeship programme, and told me about the plumbing, drainage and gasfitting apprenticeships. I walked into the office hoping to get my hands on one apprenticeship but somehow left with three, which made me both ecstatic and slightly intimidated.
Q: What are the top 3 challenges for PGD apprentices as you see it?
A: Firstly, the unknown. Very few of us know when our block courses will be, what the future of our apprenticeship will look like,
and when we will be able to become tradespeople. Secondly, the lack of contact with our apprenticeship management. I know many apprentices are left not knowing who to contact and, when they are contacted, the information and assistance they receive is sub-par and often leads to more confusion. Thirdly, a lack of pride. Many apprentices and plumbers I work with are regularly exposed to the stigma that tradespeople only got into the trades because they were too unintelligent or motivated to become an accountant, doctor or other ‘respectable’ career. I think apprentices need to be told and shown that what they have chosen as a career is something they can take pride in and that will give them purpose to turn up to work each morning.
Q: How do you think the ARG can help with solutions?
A: I hope the ARG can provide viewpoints, opinions and experiences to apprenticeship providers to allow for a new apprenticeship programme to be structured and designed around the needs of apprentices and the industry.
George McCallum-Clark is one of six apprentice members of our industry’s Apprentice Representative Group.
Photographs: Steve Meadows.
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GIVING BACK
Veteran plumber Craig Goodhue downed tools six years ago to educate future plumbers. NZ Plumber speaks to Craig about his career, the move to tutoring and his recent industry contribution award.
AUTHOR: DAWN ADAMS
Craig Goodhue has spent over 35 years in the plumbing industry. He was on the tools until six years ago and loved the job – with IPL in Onehunga – but it was time for a change.
An obvious next step was to give back to new plumbers starting out. Craig began lecturing in Unitec-Te Pūkenga’s Trades and Services Department. His focus is on teaching Level Four Plumbing.
Newbie advantage
Being fairly new to the tutoring role gives Craig an advantage. He knows what it’s like to be on the tools and shares this recent experience with students. He believes the fact he looks and sounds like a plumber helps him relate to his students.
Craig regularly visits former boss John Ingleton at IPL – where he gets to sit in the vans and see new tech the team are using. He also keeps up with others in the industry to stay current with trends.
Continuously improving his skills and knowledge is important to Craig. He is doing a diploma in teaching this year and will begin an adult and tertiary education course next year. On studying he says, “I’ve never considered myself as academic, but it’s all a matter of application.”
Addressing challenges
Craig acknowledges some of the changes to apprentice training have presented and will continue to present challenges. He says he supports the new training model launching in 2025 but is aware he needs to be prepared and organised for his students to ensure they are not held back.
He teaches a wide variety of students – some straight from school, some new to New Zealand. They are a diverse range of learners, and he factors this diversity into his teaching methods. When explaining concepts to students, the team tries to present information in different
As a former plumber, Unitec tutor Craig Goodhue is well equipped to share his experience and knowledge with apprentices.
“I like to think we should be working closer with industry to meet the students’ needs.”
ways to appeal to each learner’s best way of learning – using colour coding to explain concepts, for example.
Craig loves watching people achieve and grow, saying: “Building that relationship with them is certainly a driving factor for me.”
The empathy and pastoral care the students receive from the teaching team is what really shines through, he adds.
Outstanding contribution
Last September, Craig was recognised among 11 winners of Te Whatu Kairangi 2023 – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards for advancing approaches and outcomes of work-based learning.
On the award announcement, Unitec Head of School, Trades & Services Lee Baglow described Craig as “a jewel in the school’s crown… a committed academic professional, highly skilled tradesperson, and empathic human being.”
For Craig and his wife Emma, the award ceremony meant a trip to Parliament in Wellington, where he gave an acknowledgement speech – something he never imagined he’d do. The experience was quite humbling, he says, and he appreciated the recognition.
Click here in the digital version of NZ Plumber to watch a video with Craig: issuu.com/nzplumber
With typical humility and heart, Craig says the award reflects the entire Unitec team, who have pushed him beyond what he ever believed he was capable of. “We’ve got a very dynamic team… I couldn’t do it without the help of my academic advisor and the leadership staff.”
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Craig and his wife Emma Addy at Parliament in 2023 to receive his Te Whatu Kairangi 2023 – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Award.
Award-winning newly qualified plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer Cameron Gray is taking some time to travel round Europe before stepping back onto his chosen career path.
AUTHOR: LISA ONLAND
Having worked solidly since leaving school at 16, Cameron Gray is currently enjoying a taste of the travelling life on a one-year working holiday visa.
“As much as I love the trade, it feels nice to have a break and go see the world,” says this 23-year-old newly qualified tradesman plumber, gasfitter and
drainlayer. “And I’m already so excited to come back and get back into it.”
When NZ Plumber caught up with Cameron, he was in the German city of Bonn with a packed itinerary ahead, travelling around Europe in the company of German friends he met in New Zealand. “There’s all these trips I have lined up for the next three months by car, plane and train – Italy, France,
Czech Republic, Turkey, Portugal.” Aside from this, the plan is to have no plan.
Career path decisions
Cameron has worked hard to get where he is, starting his apprenticeship at 17 and going on to sit his Tradesman Drainlayer registration exam in 2022, followed by his Tradesman Plumber and Gasfitter exams last year.
Cameron Gray says he has become a better plumber thanks to the quality of on-job training received at Optiplumb in Hamilton.
During high school, he always knew he wanted to go into the trades, but it wasn’t until he took part in the Wintec Trades Academy in Year 12 at Hamilton Boys High School that he decided on his specific career path.
“I did a term of plumbing, a term of electrical and a term of building. The plumbing course wasn’t anything like what I expected plumbing to be. And that’s when I decided, okay, I’m going to do plumbing.”
Exemplary work ethic
Duncan Leask, managing director at Optiplumb in Hamilton and Cameron’s employer for the past two years, says his dedication and work ethic shone through.
“Cameron really ticks all the boxes when it comes to an outstanding tradesman. There are not many individuals his age that hold the practical plumbing skills and maturity that he has. He is very passionate about our trade and committed to ensuring that he is at the top of his game knowledge and experience wise.”
Cameron is equally positive of his time with the company. “Joining Optiplumb, it was absolutely the best thing for me,”
he says. “I feel like before I came to Optiplumb, I was a decent plumber but over the past two years it really helped me become a far greater plumber.”
His efforts were acknowledged at this year’s NZ Plumbing Awards where he was selected as the Plumbing Finalist for the 2024 James Douglas Medallion.
Pride in the trades
Cameron’s advice for anyone working through their apprenticeship? Stick at it. “It’s hard, working full time, especially from a younger age out of school, especially with people a lot older than you. It was a shock. But I just knew I had to stick at it and, you know, it wasn’t all roses, but in the end, I wouldn’t change it for anything.
“I’m not gonna go out there and say, ‘Oh, plumbing is easy’,” Cameron says. “It takes a special kind of person. And I have a lot of respect for plumbers and all the trades. Especially now, coming to Germany, I haven’t met one plumber or electrician or builder. I don’t think that the trade worldwide gets what it deserves. And it makes me proud to be part of it.”
TRANSFORM
HWC SPACE
Cameron is the Plumbing Finalist of the 2024 James Douglas Medallion.
10 MINUTES WITH...
CHRIS WILSON
plumber and race car enthusiast
A shared love of classic cars, hot rods and early race cars sees Chris Wilson and his wife Margo regularly touring New Zealand to catch up with fellow enthusiasts and attend events.
Chris Wilson plans to do the Targa Road Race in his Mark I Ford Escort RS2000 race car this October.
Photograph: Steve Meadows.
Can you tell us about your Auckland plumbing business?
I set up Chris Wilson Plumbing in 1980 with my wife Margo, who runs the office. We have been a member of Master Plumbers ever since. Our son Bill and de facto son-in-law Wade Williams also work in the business, which specialises in high-end housing work. Wade came to us through Masterlink and has just completed his registration exams in plumbing and gas, with drainlaying to follow. Over the years I have brought 12 tradesmen into the industry. Carl is our current Masterlink apprentice.
That’s 44 years in business! Any plans to retire?
Yes, we’re making plans for Bill and Wade to take over the business, so I can work full time around our lifestyle block and on my car projects. I do two to three hours’ work on those most evenings.
What are your current projects?
We have a love of classic/hot rods and early race cars. I have a fully functioning workshop with a hoist, mills and lathes. I make everything myself and if I can’t, I build a pattern and get it made. I have a Mark I Ford Escort RS2000 road-registered race car that’s minutes away from certification. The plan is to do another Targa Road Race in it. We’ve already done four in my previous Escort.
My other project is a 33 Coupe that I bought unfinished from a guy in New Plymouth. It’s a genuine hot rod kit set out of America. When I finish building it, it will replace our V8 Ford Bonus truck for cruising around New Zealand.
The truck isn’t the best riding but it’s the most reliable and economic. It came over from America as a cab and chassis after the war to be assembled in Wellington. I found it in a million bits and reassembled it.
Margo and I spent seven months touring
the South Island in the truck, flying in and out over that time and attending various car-related events like the Kaikoura Hop and the Waimate Street Race, meeting all kinds of people. We also go to the Beach Hop in Whangamata and the annual Americarana in New Plymouth –sometimes in Margo’s 1957 Oldsmobile. Before I was into cars, I used to build boats after work. I built three yachts and a launch from scratch. We sold the launch when we moved from Albany to our lifestyle block.
Do you enjoy rural living?
It’s a neat community. What you do to help is returned in spades. I was on the board of trustees when our son was in the Scouts, and those kids are now in their thirties and playing their part in the community. Our daughter Sarah used to swim at the local pool. She went on to play water polo at school, club and then New Zealand level – all from a community fund-raised pool! I now maintain the school they went to. What you put in, you get back out.
Margo’s prize-winning 1957 Oldsmobile and the V8 Ford Bonus truck on show at the 2024 Orewa Beach Rodders Beach Festival, which raises funds each year for Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Tying the knot
“Note the clever knot tying skills used to stop this dodgy repair from blowing apart!” says Mark Keenan, who sent in this photo. “Interestingly this house was only recently purchased and had been given a pretty positive report by a builder. He obviously hadn’t bothered looking under the house where he would have seen all the super dodgy homeowner plumbing.”
Tiny trouble
Can you top these? Send your dodgy photos to the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz
Can’t touch this
“I was asked to change a faulty hose...” says Karl Savage of Hiflo Oamaru of this well dodgy photo. “I refused to touch it and recommended turning it off and starting again.”
Pity poor Darren Hare, who was tasked with removing and replacing this pipework from a tiny home.
“Signed off by local council,” says Darren.
Worser and worser
“The more you look the worse it gets,” says Craig Ferguson, who sent in this wee gem. “A good thing we are undergoing renovations at this property to make it safe for the new owners.”
Send your dodgy photos to the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz. The bigger the file, the larger we can show it on the page.
