NZ Plumber August-September 2020 by NZ Plumber

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF

A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0

ELECTION SPECIAL!

Party perspectives on plumbing issues

LOVING IT First home at 21 for goal-focused apprentice

MASTERS OF DRAINAGE PRICING FOR PROFIT Specialists at the top of their game

How to get it right

FUTURE OF GAS

Is hydrogen tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rockstar?

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A few words EDITOR

Volume 72, Number 4 MAGAZINE TEAM CEO Greg Wallace EDITOR Beverly Sellers 03 543 2008 bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz PRINT Blue Star 81 The Esplanade, Petone Wellington 6141 DESIGN ICG Designer – Julian Pettitt ICG Senior Account Director – LauraGrace McFarland www.icg.co.nz SUBSCRIPTIONS NZ Plumber is published six times a year by Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ. Members and Certifying tradespeople receive all six editions. If you wish to opt out, please email bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz To order an annual subscription, go to www.masterplumbers.org.nz MAILING LIST For enquiries, or to update your details: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz Non-Master Plumbers’ members with address detail changes should notify the PGD Board direct, giving their registration number here: registration@pgdb.co.nz TO ADVERTISE Contact Alton Anamani advertising@masterplumbers.org.nz

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 ©NZ Plumber 2013. Registered as a Newspaper, GPO, Wellington, ISSN 0111-4379. NZ Plumber is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication, unless initially specified otherwise. All letters and other material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled ‘Not for Publication’. Views expressed in articles in NZ Plumber magazine are not necessarily those of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc, or of the Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication, the publisher and the Editor take no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this information. Publication of advertising material implies no endorsement of either a product or service.

Let’s hear it for the drainlayers OUR MAGAZINE MIGHT BE CALLED NZ PLUMBER BUT WE’RE HERE FOR ALL THREE TRADES OF PLUMBING, GASFITTING AND DRAINLAYING. When we talk about the plumbing sector in our pages, it’s usually shorthand for the entire plumbing, drainage and gas industry. Many tradespeople are qualified in all three trades and many businesses offer all three services. Some, however, take pride in providing a more specialist focus, offering their clients a broad range of services within their particular trade. These include New Zealand’s drainlaying businesses fulfilling residential and commercial client solutions for stormwater and wastewater drainage installation and design. It’s a challenging, complex and often underrated field, which we aim to do some justice to in a profile showcase starting on p50. We are always keen to hear from readers if you have particular topics you

want to know more about. If you’re a drainage specialist and there’s a specific subject you want to read about in the magazine, please let us know and we’ll do our best to address it. Our main feature this edition applies to every type of business in the plumbing industry. With the election coming up in a couple of weeks, Master Plumbers ran a survey of the major political parties to get their views on key issues for our sector. Turn to this edition’s main feature on p16 to find out what they had to say.

Beverly Sellers Editor, NZ Plumber, bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz

Over to you Email us your letters and feedback to be in to win our $50 letter prize. Send your letters to the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz We couldn’t resist publishing this great piece of email feedback. Thank you!

GREAT MAG!

I was just having a read through the new issue of NZ Plumber and thought I’d drop you a line to say what a great read it is. It’s got it all in there from financial to product news, meet the team, the awards and I particularly liked the ‘Never thought I’d be a plumber’ article. I get so many e-mails and info overload that I can’t always keep track of what’s important/going on in the industry. NZ Plumber keeps me up to date and in the know.

This publication uses vegetable based inks and environmentally responsible paper produced from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, Mixed Source pulp from Responsible Sources.

Paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

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A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0

16 9

WHAT’S UP

9 10 13 14

COVID-19 & wastewater Funding for trials

FEATURES

Pre-election promises

Major party views on key plumbing industry issues

Updates

In and around the construction sector

This edition’s dose of positivity

Training & events

ON THE TOOLS

Face-to-face and online options

City from scratch

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Progress for the Drury South Crossing project

TECHNICAL THEME:

28 34

GAS

Standards updates

Changes for AS/NZS 5601 and AS/NZS 3500

Fuel of the future Could hydrogen be the rockstar?

Domestic LPG installations

How to get it right first time

38 40

Technical Q&A Gas flue terminal clearances

Products What’s new on the scene

MASTER PLUMBERS

43 44 48

Member benefit Free business advisor sessions

Bulletin News round-up from Master Plumbers

Member profile Catching up with Peter Jackson MNZM

Masters of drainage

BUSINESS SMARTS

Resilience building

Tips for business owners

Breathe freely: help at hand

New resource to help protect workers from respiratory hazards

Pricing jobs for profit

Specialists on top of their trade

Make sure you’re doing it right

CAREER STARTERS

Lifelong learning

Why Mark Watkins is an award-winning trainer

Full throttle

Apprentice Sam Hutterd is ticking off some major goals early in his career

AND FINALLY...

10 minutes with….

Reenactment fan Cameron King

Dodgy plumbing The wrong stuff

Overcoming obstacles

How dyslexia support has helped Matt Taylor get qualified

Partner profile: simPRO

The value of strong industry partnerships

Masterlink messages

How Masterlink can help you make the most of the government’s Apprenticeship Boost funding

Branch profile Waikato Master Plumbers mark half a century

Partner profile: Plumbing World

Initiatives on the go

Keeping it private

Cover story

On page 76, Masterlink plumbing and gasfitting apprentice Sam Hutterd talks about achieving some of his life goals, including making a great career choice and buying his first home at the age of 21.

What you need to know about recent privacy law changes

HR advice

Proper process for business restructuring

Cover photograph by Glenn Jeffrey.

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Reports CEO

CEO’S REPORT

Just as we were about to go to print, a new spoke on this issue at select committee. Both the COVID-19 outbreak was confirmed in the Construction Industry Council and the Specialist Auckland region, resulting in a move to Level 3 Trades Federation are in 100% agreement with for the region and Level 2 for the remainder of us that the current MBIE proposals do not go the country. Our industry has comprehensive far enough to ensure consumers have assurance protocols in place for all Alert Levels, and we need around the products they purchase. to follow these as any changes occur. As you will be aware, the Government has Master Plumbers has been in talks with made available subsidies of up to $16,000 per government officials about potential ways for the apprentice employed. As an industry, we must construction industry to remain active at all Alert lead the way to ensure our workforce is capable of Levels, including Alert Level 4, and we will keep delivering the requirements for the New Zealand members informed of any construction industry. decisions around this. The numbers speak for The most important themselves, with only 19% thing for now is to ensure of the plumbing, gasfitting “We need an Act that reflects the safety and wellbeing and drainlaying industry modern communication methods of your family and staff. currently employing and deals with issues in a robust Protocols are great in these apprentices. manner whilst also taking a times—but, as I often say, We have to change practical, sensible approach. ” common sense is best. this percentage and get With the election members and industry coming up, Master investing in training to Plumbers asked the major give this generation the political parties for their same opportunities that position on some of the key you were all provided. issues for the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying Changes to the apprentice training mechanism industry, so we can understand their perspectives. through RoVE are well underway. Graham Burke, It has been very disappointing that both Labour President of the Specialist Trades Federation, and National have not addressed the review of will be ensuring the plumbing industry is well the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act, represented on the construction Workplace which is now seven years overdue. Although this Development Council (WDC), and we are also may seem like an administrative matter, its delay hopeful to have a plumbing, gasfitting and is costly. Unfortunately, the Plumbers, Gasfitters drainlaying subcommittee, which will feed our and Drainlayers Board have to work under the specific requirements to the WDC. disciplinary provisions of the current Act, which On a final note, in October we will have our means they are spending in excess of $70,000 annual half-yearly meeting, now called the on investigation and legal fees to deal with a Master Plumbers Forum, with representatives prosecution. The only winners are the lawyers. from all our associations and branches across We need an Act that reflects modern New Zealand. I am really looking forward to communication methods and deals with issues connecting in person with our presidents and in a robust manner whilst also taking a practical, other delegates. sensible approach. We also asked the political parties for their Greg Wallace, CEO thoughts on building product compliance and we Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ

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What’s up

WASTEWATER AS COVID-19 EARLY WARNING TOOL

A WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM COULD BE THE WAY TO CONTAIN FUTURE COVID-19 VIRUS OUTBREAKS. Earlier this year, ESR scientists detected the COVID-19 virus in wastewater at sites around New Zealand. As a result, MBIE has now given this crown research institute $1.6 million funding into further research over the next 18 months. “The work we will now do to progress our initial research will help develop an earlywarning monitoring tool, specific for New Zealand’s unique conditions, which could have the ability to make a huge difference in keeping our communities healthy and safe,” says ESR Research & Development Manager Dr Brent Gilpin. Wastewater testing offers the potential to identify if the virus is circulating in the community, as the virus causing COVID-19 can be excreted in faeces a few days before people show any symptoms.

“A robust and targeted sewage surveillance system could allow us to detect a new outbreak before people start to consider getting tested,” says Dr Joanne Hewitt, Head of ESR’s Environmental Virology Laboratory. “This could then allow a very targeted and localised testing, tracing and isolation response at a point when the outbreak can be much more easily contained. While this testing and contact tracing gets underway, a heightened, localised increase by the public in physical distancing, hygiene and isolation by anyone feeling sick, could in itself be sufficient to stamp out an outbreak.” The project team also includes University of Otago, University of Auckland, Cawthron and international partners working together with the water and waste industry.

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What's up INDUSTRY NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR.

COVID-19 & CONSTRUCTION AS NZ PLUMBER WENT TO PRINT, COVID-19 ALERT LEVELS HAD BEEN RAISED AS A RESULT OF CASES OF COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION.

On 12 August, Auckland moved to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand to Alert Level 2. It’s a fast-evolving situation and by the time you read this, the situation will no doubt have changed again. For plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers, the most important thing is to follow the COVID-19

WDC APPOINTMENTS MADE

The review of vocational education (RoVE) is making headway, with appointments made to the six Workforce Development Council (WDC) interim establishment boards, who will come up with the name and governance model for each WDC, as well as finalising coverage and process for members to be appointed to their boards. The aim is to have all six WDCs up and running in 2021. They will take over some of the main functions of current ITOs, including making sure training qualifications meet industry standards and courses taught are relevant and up to date. The Construction & Infrastructure WDC establishment board members include Specialist Trade Contractors Federation President Graham Burke, who will represent subcontractors, including plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.

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construction industry protocols on the CHASNZ website. These are living documents that are updated as needed. Staying up to date is the key to staying compliant in your business. For members of Master Plumbers, the best way to keep up with the latest news is by being part of the Master Plumbers Facebook Group. Go to facebook.com/groups/MasterPlumbersNZ to request to join. The COVID-19 area in the member log-in of the Master Plumbers website also provides current information, guidance and resources. Find the COVID-19 Construction Industry Protocols at www.chasnz.org /covid19

DI d

You Kno

In a world first, a complete house has been printed in one piece on site using a fixed 3D concrete printer. The two-storey house is 8m tall, has a floor plan of 90sq m and took just three weeks to print. Project partners C3PO printed the house, which is on show by appointment at the Kamp C Centre for Sustainability and Innovation in Construction in the Belgian town of Westerlo. This first house is a test to showcase the technology and to see if it lasts the course of time.

The world’s first house to be printed in one piece on site using a 3D concrete printer.

Q U I C K FA C T S

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESSES

According to Stats NZ, between 2011 and 2019 small businesses contributed more to the construction industry’s operating profit than medium or large businesses. Small construction business (1-19 employees)

Large construction business (100+ employees)

Operating profit increased by $1.25 billion to $1.97 billion, contributing 37% of the construction industry’s operating profit Accounted for around 40% of all construction businesses

Operating profit increased by $273 million to $728 million, contributing 14% of the construction industry’s operating profit Accounted for less than 1% of all construction businesses

Comprised more than 26,000 businesses employing around 90,000 people in 2019

Comprised more than 100 businesses employing around 40,000 people in 2019

New cross-connection consent process for Wellington Cross connections of wastewater and stormwater pipes have occured in Wellington, causing diluted wastewater to overflow into the sea, especially during heavy rainfall. To help prevent this, Wellington City Council and Wellington Water have changed the consent process for connections into the public main. In future: all connections must be inspected and verified to be correct

drainlayers must produce evidence to show correct connections have been made dye testing must be carried out to prove correct connections if compliance cannot be established through inspection and documentation, additional information such as TV video evidence will be required.

$761M FUNDING FOR COUNCIL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES Wellington is a high-profile example of the damaging impacts of an ageing water infrastructure network, with recent media reports of burst mains water pipes and collapsing wastewater pipework causing sewage to overflow into the harbour. Infrastructure New Zealand has welcomed the government’s $761 million of investment as an incentive for local councils who opt in to the government’s wider water reform programme—which would see councils paying for infrastructure

maintenance and renewals but losing their water provision role to a small number of publicly-owned, specialised water service providers. “The reforms are required because over one million Kiwis do not have access to clean drinking water today, our wastewater systems are degrading the environment and our inability to deliver water services ahead of demand has been a critical handbrake on the release of land for housing,” said Infrastructure NZ CEO Paul Blair in July.

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What's up INDUSTRY NEWS

BUILDING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

A year after an explosion destroyed this Christchurch home, WorkSafe has laid charges. Image ©Stuff.

Charges laid for Christchurch gas explosion A year on from the explosion at a Christchurch home, WorkSafe has laid charges against an individual and a company, with a court date set for 18 August, as NZ Plumber went to print. The explosion reduced the house to rubble, damaged neighbouring properties and injured several people. We will provide an update in the next edition.

WETBACK WARNING

In its June InfoBrief newsletter, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) provided a safety warning from Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) on boiling liquid expanding vapour explosions (BLEVE) from wetbacks. In the past 10 years, FENZ has attended 30 BLEVE incidents, caused by boiling liquid expanding in a capped-off wetback when the fire was in use. It noted that an alarming number of these had caused serious harm to the occupants. To avoid BLEVE when disconnecting wetbacks, the PGDB advises plumbers to: Remove the wetback completely where possible, and not simply disconnect the pipes If the wetback can’t be removed (such as wetbacks on some old chip burners), recommend to the client that they consider upgrading their woodburner Be vigilant to ensure all apprentices are given sufficient supervision and guidance when dealing with wetbacks.

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The Government’s newly announced Building for Climate Change programme will take a national approach to helping ensure the building sector is doing its bit towards achieving NZ’s climate change goals. The programme has been described by the NZ Green Building Council as “a huge step towards tackling climate change” and one the membership organisation has been long pushing for to address what it calls “our woeful Building Code”. It’s not a quick fix—the programme will run for the next 20 to 30 years, but it is an acknowledgement of the major part the building and construction sector plays in mitigating harmful emissions. The programme will start with testing ideas among the sector. Actual initiatives aren’t due to be launched until next year, with ‘adjustments’ to be made to the Building Act and Building Code. The initial focus will be on how new buildings can be better designed, constructed and operated to reduce emissions and withstand a changing climate. The Government has also signed up to a joint initiative with Australia, Canada and the United States to develop Building Code responses to climate change here in NZ.

Find more information at www.mbie.govt.nz/buildingand-energy/building/building-for-climate-change/

TRANSITION PATHWAY: CERTIFYING PLUMBER TO CERTIFYING DRAINLAYER New Zealand registered and licensed Certifying Plumbers with at least four years’ full-time experience in drainlaying work can now apply to have their skills and knowledge assessed to become registered with the PGDB as a Certifying Drainlayer. Applications can be made through the Skills Organisation, under Category C of its Skills Recognition process, at a cost of $1,495 inc GST. Find out more at skills.org.nz/skills-recognition/plumbinggasfitting-drainlaying/certified-drainlayer/

BATHROOM • HEATING & COOLING • PLUMBING • COMMERCIAL

Some things that have made us smile in the last little while. The Wanaka-based Better Building Working Group has a new CivilShare app that enables users to list surplus materials, fixtures and fittings from demolition and building sites for potential reuse. The group has been granted just over $15,000 by the Queenstown Lakes Regional council to promote the app, which could see locals trading everything from surplus timber and Gib to ex demo materials. Users can list what they have or request things they need.

Mittens, Wellington’s celebrity tom cat, was recently awarded the Key to the City by the Mayor. On his travels about town, Mitten has been known to stop at the Master Plumbers and Masterlink office, making himself comfortable on the office chairs and by the heater. So famous has this feline become that he now has his own Facebook group, entitled The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens.

GRANT HEATING SYSTEMS… WORLD CLASS! Grant have been heating homes around the world by designing and manufacturing reliable and premium quality heating products for over 40 years. In New Zealand, Waterware have proudly partnered with Grant over the past 4 years and have successfully positioned the diesel boiler range as leaders in the market. Grant’s award winning range of boilers are of premium quality and high performance, boasting whisper quiet operation and clean burning efficiency. Their ability to develop innovative technologies has led Waterware to offer a range of Indoor, Outdoor, and Boiler House models available in outputs from 26kW to 70kW. The industries’ well-known, reliable and popular Riello burner models continue to be used in Grant boilers, which are also part of Waterware’s extended product offering. To view Waterware’s full product catalogue of Grant boilers including product specifications, visit waterware.co.nz or feel free to contact one of our Technical Specialists on (09) 273-9191 or email technicalteam@waterware.co.nz to talk about the options for your next project.

Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing in Auckland says he normally sends in photos of DIY disasters for our dodgy plumbing pages, but thought this time he would send some of a plantroom just completed by the company’s plumber and gasfitter Darren Fitzgerald assisted by Torin Bell and Masterlink apprentice Trent Davis. Thanks Dale—we love to see pride in a job well done.

RADIATOR SOLUTIONS European designed and manufactured, our range offers a high quality finish and their durability make them an ideal choice for home life. Delivering a lower running cost, keeping you and your family warm and comfortable on a daily basis matters to us. Call us today to discuss a solution that meets your requirements.

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What's up CALENDAR

TRAINING & EVENTS IT’S GOOD TO SEE EVENTS AND COURSES GRADUALLY RETURNING TO THE INDUSTRY CALENDAR—WITH WEBINARS NOW A POPULAR OPTION.

Associated Tradesperson Training FACE-TO-FACE & ONLINE AUCKLAND, HAMILTON, ROTORUA, WELLINGTON, CHRISTCHURCH & DUNEDIN. etco is now offering Associated Tradesperson (ATP) courses for registered plumbers and gasfitters to gain EWRB registration in order to undertake prescribed electrical work. The course combines 1 week face-to-face at a training centre and an online learning component. The cost is $900+GST. Master Plumbers members enjoy a 20% discount. https://portal.etco.co.nz/courses-list/

Estimating & Tendering for Plumbers 14 OCT WELLINGTON masterplumbers.org.nz/training

Construction Risk Management Building Code: online learning ONLINE Building Code online learning modules from MBIE, providing an introduction to the NZ building system for tradespeople and homeowners. Modules focus on the Building Code, building performance requirements and building consent compliance. The brief videos come with an optional knowledge assessment. www.building.govt.nz/buildingcode-compliance/online-learning/ 014

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WEBINAR RECORDING Recording of Construction Sector Accord’s first webinar in its ‘Towards High Performance’ series. Presented by Accord Steering Group member Rick Herd, Chief Executive of Naylor Love. www.constructionaccord.nz/news/webinars/ For all 2020 Master Plumbers training opportunities, go to www.masterplumbers.org.nz/training

NEED MORE HANDS? Your business could receive up to $16,000 for each new apprentice Government Apprenticeship Boost support available now

Masterlink can help you grow your own plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers Call us today 0800 502 102

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Feature 2020 ELECTION

PRE-ELECTION

PROMISES

Master Plumbers surveyed the key political parties ahead of the 2020 election to get their views on some of the most significant issues for the plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting industry. NZ Plumber presents the responses.

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Feature 2020 ELECTION

Labour

National

These responses were provided on behalf of the Labour Party.

These responses were provided by National Party Building & Construction Spokesperson Tim van de Molen.

The government review of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act is 7 years overdue. Will you commit to completing the review within 12 months of the election?

Labour is committed to working with the construction sector and supporting people in trades to thrive. That’s why we’ve launched the Construction Sector Transformation Plan for sorting out the construction sector’s long-term challenges around risk, overly complex contracts, skills development and much more. It is also why we have got the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act review well under way. So far, the review has identified a range of issues with the overall functioning of the Act. We will continue to prioritise work in this area.

If I am Building & Construction Minister, this piece of work will be prioritised. Technology, processes and products continue to evolve. Completing this review will help achieve important productivity gains for the sector, whilst ensuring consistent and high standards are adhered to. Engagement with the industry will be crucial to ensuring a broad range of perspectives are taken into account. Our role is to consolidate those views into a workable change to the legislation that maximises the benefits but maintains appropriate controls and standards.

Do you support selfcertification for plumbers and drainlayers to align with gasfitters?

Labour is committed to making trade work more fair and efficient and cutting down on red tape where we can. We are investigating whether plumbers and drainlayers can be self-certified as part of our building system work plan. It is just one part of our broader building system reform programme, which includes the Construction Sector Accord Transformation Plan, the Construction Skills Action Plan, and Building Law reforms.

I am currently engaging with a range of stakeholders to better understand this issue and a possible solution. The underlying intent is to remove bureaucracy and compliance cost as well as enabling more timely completion of work. The current inspection delays that most of you are experiencing needs to be urgently addressed— it’s simply not good enough.

The Government is making changes to the Building Act that will strengthen the regulation of building products, including plumbing products. These changes are designed to lift the efficiency and quality of building work and provide fairer outcomes if things go wrong. The bill currently before Parliament introduces a new registration requirement for product certification bodies to ensure the quality of the product certification scheme. We’re also introducing a new manufacturer certification scheme for modern methods of construction, allowing Kiwis to make the most of the new methods of construction and support the building sector’s growth. We believe these changes are sufficient to strengthen regulation of building products.

This would be part of the review of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006 that would be carried out during the first 12 months.

There is currently no regulatory regime for plumbing products being sold in NZ. Do you support compulsory standards and third-party verification of building products?

Please note: Master Plumbers also sought feedback from NZ First and ACT but no response was received.

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Green These responses were provided on behalf of Green Party Building & Construction Spokesperson Gareth Hughes.

The purpose of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006 is to ensure that the health and safety of members of the public is protected by ensuring the competency of the person completing the work; and that there are adequate regulations for the profession to ensure that services are performed with reasonable care and skill. The Green Party agrees with MBIE in that we would like to ensure that the Act is fit for purpose and in line with best practice.

DO IT ALL ONLINE.

The Green Party supports lowering business costs and having consistency across the trades. However, this would need to be balanced with ensuring that public health and safety remains the paramount concern.

With the pwGO app on your phone, The Green Party agrees with the noted concerns around public health and safety by Master Plumbers.

the team in black has your back wherever you go. Choose from over 8,000 products, order online and get it delivered without leaving the site. pwGO frees you up to get on with the job, so download it today.

Feature 2020 ELECTION

Employers need longterm, sustainable support to take on trade apprentices. Do you support continued measures, beyond the existing Trades & Apprentice Training Package, to assist employers?

Are there any other initiatives you are proposing that will benefit our sector or the wider construction industry?

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Labour

National

These responses were provided on behalf of the Labour Party.

These responses were provided by National Party Building & Construction Spokesperson Tim van de Molen.

Labour is committed to supporting trade apprentices. We see it as an essential part of our COVID-19 response to help people get the skills they need for the jobs we need to rebuild New Zealand. That’s why we’re removing the cost of trades training in critical industries and have made all apprenticeships free from 1 July to get people the skills they need to help rebuild New Zealand. Furthermore our apprenticeship boost policy gives businesses additional support to take apprentices on and keep them going. Starting in August, businesses can access $16,000 to help pay the cost of each apprentice for the first two years. And that is not all. We have also expanded Mana in Mahi, created a new regional apprenticeship scheme supporting displaced workers, provided extra support for group training schemes and increased the number of places in Trade Academies.

There has not been enough focus on developing the workforce across a range of trades. Apprenticeships are such a key part of developing this pipeline of talent. However, many businesses feel there are too many barriers for them to take on apprentices. My intent will be to reconsider the current model and explore where improvements can be made to grow participation in the trades. Promoting the fantastic career opportunities available to our young people through apprenticeships is an area that also needs more emphasis.

The Government has worked closely with the industry through the COVID-19 response. Our support for small businesses through the wage subsidy and small business loans have been a significant lifeline for businesses in the construction industry. Our reform of the sector will lift the quality and efficiency of our building system. Our trade and apprenticeship packages will ensure the future of the construction workforce. Our investment into 8,000 more public homes and $15 billion dollars’ worth of infrastructure will provide certainty and create construction industry jobs as we all work to recover and rebuild from COVID-19.

The National Party is firmly aligned with the broader construction industry. We know you’re hard working Kiwis who are playing a vital role in our economy. Your contribution will be even more important as we navigate our recovery from COVID-19. Our strong focus is on rebuilding the economy, creating jobs and encouraging investment. We want to enable your industry to get on and do the work. Government shouldn’t be telling industries how to operate—our role should be to give you the platform to succeed, then get out of the way so you can get on with it!

Green These responses were provided on behalf of Green Party Building & Construction Spokesperson Gareth Hughes.

The Green Party supports opportunities that help people into employment and retraining opportunities, and will continue to support these initiatives in government.

#21

ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.

The Green Party believes that everyone deserves a safe, warm, affordable home, and better urban planning and building practices can lead to healthier communities and better environmental outcomes. The Greens believe that the Building Code should be updated to require stronger energy efficiency and sustainability standards, encourage prefab buildings, and facilitate low-impact construction practices.

Design a beautiful bathroom that gives elderly or disabled people all the confidence and independence they need. The Plumbing World Accessible Living range meets New Zealand safety standards and is backed by warranties you can trust. So put your confidence in us. Visit us online or talk to our team in-store.

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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

On the tools

CITY FROM SCRATCH Building Auckland’s 361ha Drury South Crossing development has included 11.5km of water supply pipes, 5.7km of wastewater pipes, and 8km of stormwater drainage—and this brand-new population centre is expected to contribute $2.3 billion to the economy. AUTHOR: SAM DAY

ashington DC, Canberra, Brasilia. These three capital cities have one thing in common: each was constructed completely from new; their centres designed in a matter of months. This is unusual. Towns and cities generally evolve over time. Walk down the high street of your average New Zealand town, and you’ll find Edwardian villas metres away from post-war state houses and Eighties office blocks. South Auckland’s Drury South Crossing development has taken the city-fromscratch route. The largest industrial and residential development in New Zealand

to date, Drury South is expected to be completed by 2027 and will ultimately be larger than Napier. Its paramount position in the ‘Golden Triangle’ alongside SH1—close to the key markets of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, which generate about 52% of New Zealand’s GDP—makes it the perfect location for businesses. The 361 hectare development is expected to contribute $2.3 billion to the economy, employ 6,000 people in the distribution, food processing, tech, manufacturing and logistics sectors and provide ‘affordable’ housing for 2,000 Kiwis (70% of the development’s houses will be priced to sell for less than $800,000).

23 PROJECT

SPOTLIGHT

28 TECHNICAL

THEME: GAS

37 STANDARDS UPDATES

38 TECHNICAL Infrastructure pipework for Drury South Crossing is on a massive scale, with stormwater pipes of up to 2.4m in diameter.

Q&A

40 PRODUCTS nzplumber

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On the tools PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

The new Drury South Crossing residential, commercial and industrial development is expected to have a population of more than 60,000 within 13km of the industrial zone.

Infrastructure to meet demand The population of Drury South is anticipated to grow to more than 60,000 within 13km of the industrial zone. To meet this demand, the development’s scale is gigantic: five million cubic metres of soils are to be shifted as part of the earthworks, which also includes the laying down of 11.5km of water supply pipes, 5.7km of wastewater pipes, and 8km of stormwater drainage. Building a completely new city is no easy task, and a number of technical challenges have required novel solutions from Tonkin & Taylor, the site’s engineering consultants. Drury South lies on primarily flat and impervious land, which creates problems with clearing both stormwater and wastewater drainage.

Supersizing the stormwater network The stormwater network needs to manage large overland flows, as well as large piped flows. This called for Tonkin + Taylor to design extraordinarily large pipes of up to 2.4m in diameter. These pipes feed through trenches up to 4-5m deep that require trench shields, installed using open benched excavation techniques. Once the stormwater passes through these pipes, it is finally discharged into a large manmade wetland that functions as a dam. This wetland plays an important role in future-proofing the new city, which

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is designed to cope with a ‘once every 100 years’ flood event. As and when Mother Nature unleashes her worst, large flows of water are able to spill overland to benefit the wetland and its wildlife, which includes at-risk short-fin and long-fin eels, as well as several other species of native fish.

Wastewater innovation

“This is one of the first times in our modern history where our geographic isolation is a clear competitive advantage.” STEPHEN HUGHES CEO, South Drury Crossing

The flat Drury South site and expected activity from industries that will generate low amounts of wastewater (such as warehouses and food processing plants) means there is potential for significant build-up in wastewater pipes due to insufficient flushing velocity. An innovative solution was found that uses flushing stations to release swashes of water through the plumbing network at regular intervals to flush the wastewater pipes, which are up to 6m deep and 475mm in diameter. The design of this system earned Tonkin + Taylor civil engineer Caitlin Cairncross Water New Zealand’s TRILITY Young Author of the Year Award in 2019.

Physical works well underway Over the past three years, substantial physical works have been carried out at the site. The Ramarama interchange, which will serve as the primary arterial road into Drury South from the south, has been completed, as has an extensive piped potable water network throughout the

The Ramarama interchange, which will serve as the primary arterial road into Drury South from the south, has been completed and construction of roads and services for the first phase of the development are well progressed.

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On the tools PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

The 10-year vision

An overview of the development, which is due to be completed in 2027.

site. Well over one million cubic metres of earth have also been cut and filled, and construction of roads and services for the first phase of the development (covering about 65 hectares of the site) are well progressed. COVID-19 hasn’t hindered Drury South’s progress or its vision. Although no physical work was completed during the lockdown, design and consenting activities were able to continue and development of the site is now in full swing once again. Stephen Hughes, CEO of South Drury Crossing, is optimistic for the future of the site, saying: “This is one of the first times in our modern history where our geographic isolation is a clear competitive advantage.” Even in the midst of the uncertainties of a post-COVID world, New Zealand’s newest city promises an exciting future for the Auckland region and New Zealand as a whole.

Over the next decade, more than two billion dollars of infrastructure investment will be poured into Drury South Crossing, with planning for town centres, a school, two railway stations, hotels, and retail and community facilities already taking place. In addition to these focal community points, more than a fifth of the 170 hectares of available commercial land has already been sold. Stephen Hughes, Drury South Crossing CEO, has had enquiries about obtaining land from a diverse range of companies, including one interested in constructing a 10,000 square metre data centre and a US film studio looking to establish sound stages and production facilities. The development will make good use of the site’s natural environment—key to its evolution is the restoration and enhancement of the Hingaia and Maketu streams. The heart of the city is intended to function as a residual floodplain, but with a difference: residents will be able to make use of over 90 hectares of open spaces, which includes cycling trails, walking tracks, and recreation areas, all of which have been designed with valuable input from local iwi Ngāti Tamaoho.

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On the tools GAS

TECHNICAL THEME

A first-of-its-kind test facility in Australia is looking at how hydrogen might be used in existing gas infrastructure to power homes. NZ Plumber takes a look. AUTHOR: CLARISSA VAN EMMENES nzplumber

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“Renewable hydrogen can be created by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.”

Evoenergy’s Canberra hydrogen test facility is focusing on testing up to 100% hydrogen in the existing gas network.

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On the tools GAS

TECHNICAL THEME

n the global race for more efficient fuel sources, hydrogen has become something of a rockstar. Easily transported, hydrogen also produces no CO2 when combusted and can be stored or blended with other fuels—attributes that have put it in the spotlight in recent times, with current global demand exceeding 70 million tonnes per year. In Australia, Evoenergy has made a solid start in the race for the fuels of the future by partnering with the Canberra Institute of Technology to build a first-of-its-kind hydrogen test facility, which focuses on testing up to 100% hydrogen in the existing gas network. Results from testing will enable Evoenergy to gain a clearer understanding of how hydrogen will impact existing gas infrastructure to power homes, and move it closer to rolling out hydrogen as a renewable gas source on a large scale.

Phased approach The test facility incorporates an electrolyser producing renewable hydrogen using solar panels, a small replica network, representative customer piping, storage for hydrogen and a small replica distribution network. According to Evoenergy Gas Manager Bruce Hansen, the key to using hydrogen is to implement a staged approach that is compatible with the current network and existing appliances.

NET-ZERO EMISSIONS

This test project is in line with the ACT government’s netzero emissions target for 2045. Approximately 22% of the ACT’s total greenhouse gas emissions currently come from natural gas use, but per capita natural gas consumption has been falling since 2011 due to more efficient houses, the uptake of more efficient gas appliances and rooftop solar power.

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DID YOU KNOW?ut

bo There is a as piping g f 5,000km o berra, 85% under Can nylon. of which is

“As the cost of electricity comes down through the use of renewables and the demand for electrolysers increases, hydrogen will become more viable. The fact is, hydrogen gas is where solar was 30 years ago.” BRUCE HANSEN Evoenergy Gas Manager

FACTS AND FIGURES

Hydrogen: is the most abundant element in the universe is an odourless and colourless gas that burns with air to provide heat contains almost three times as much energy as natural gas emits only water when used as an energy source can be stored in existing gas pipelines until required, essentially turning the network into a giant storage battery.

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Phase one of the project tested the distribution piping and valves on 100% hydrogen pressure hold and check for leakage. It also focused on the broader Safety Management System for gas networks to test its adaptability to hydrogen. Phase two focused on testing the distribution piping, regulators, meters and customer piping with different blends of renewable hydrogen and natural gas to gauge how the equipment performs on different blends. The goal with this blended method of testing is to examine the impact of hydrogen on the gas network, and in

particular, at what percentage hydrogen can be introduced into the current network without any significant impact. “It’s not feasible to make a full switch to hydrogen at this stage,” he says. “There are challenges we need to overcome, such as changes to infrastructure and adapting appliances but by introducing a mix of hydrogen into the system as soon as possible we can start to reduce emissions.” Once the optimum levels have been determined, hydrogen can be introduced into the existing network to ensure a smooth, affordable transition for customers. Evoenergy has had to make sure that

On the tools GAS

TECHNICAL THEME

The small-scale gas distribution system at the test facility replicates the gas pipes and pipefittings commonly found within Evoenergy’s gas distribution system.

Dream or reality?

putting something different into the system was not going to cause leaks, cracks and deterioration. It has also had to train and educate gasfitters and installers about how the current gas network would be serviced if transporting a different product.

Testing results The facility has been operational since December 2018 and to date has provided valuable data about how hydrogen affects existing infrastructure. So far, testing has determined that the existing gas network is readily adaptable to hydrogen. The next step will be to investigate the process of

actually producing hydrogen. According to Bruce Hansen, testing had shown that existing buried pipes were compatible with hydrogen gas. “We’ve been injecting 210 kilopascals, or about the same pressure as you put in a car tyre, of pure hydrogen into our test system without any issues. What that tells us is there are fewer safety issues with this product than with natural gas.” He says the company is confident that hydrogen gas could contribute about 10% of overall supply by 2030 and that Evoenergy is joining with industry partners to continue exploring its potential.

The development of the hydrogen industry in Australia represents an opportunity to create new growth areas in the economy and has seen a ripple effect in New Zealand, with several firms, such as the Ports of Auckland and Kiwirail, taking advantage of potential opportunities for hydrogen in our own energy future. Proving the viability of hydrogen as a clean gas energy source will have a profound impact on customers and the broader energy industry. The use of hydrogen as a household energy resource aligns with the green energy targets set by the ACT Government, including reaching 100% renewable electricity by 2020 and reducing emissions to zero by 2045. However, the question about whether that goal is achievable will depend on policymakers. A new hydrogen economy that will support the energy transition will not happen overnight. Evoenergy’s Bruce Hansen is confident that hydrogen gas could contribute about 10% of overall supply by 2030. “We could easily have a 50% renewable gas, including 10% hydrogen, ready to go in the network by 2030. Around 70% of Canberra is connected to the gas network, so there’s a massive opportunity here for an existing network to be given a purpose which fits with the government’s long-term plans. “We can make it work with a comprehensive business plan, government policy and technical collaboration.”

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On the tools GAS

TECHNICAL THEME

LPG installations:

SIZE IT RIGHT

Get domestic LPG gas installations right first time and avoid future problems that could cost your reputation. David Waite of Rheem has some simple tips.

uring the cold winter snap, did you get customers calling for help about squealing water heaters, showers fluctuating between hot and cold, and underperforming fires? It’s most likely due to poor pipe sizing, defective regulators or too small a bottle. You may get away with this during the warmer weather when demand is low because there’s no heating load or nice, warm, ambient inlet water temperature. In winter, however, this can be a major problem and cost money and reputation— all due to poor installation planning. Some installers think they can get away with using smaller pipes just because it’s LPG and that by upping the pressure, they can overcome the lack of volume. This, of course, won’t work because it does very little for the volume supplied to the unit. In fact, it’s more likely to overpressure the appliance regulator, causing damage. If the bottles or bottle regulators are too small, they may fail or won’t deliver the amount of gas required for a sustained period of time—especially as it gets colder. As stated in LPG Association Code of

Practice LPGA COP No 2: Installation and maintenance of twin 45kg LPG cylinder systems (Nov 2019): Consideration should be given to ensure that the demand of the appliances to be connected to the system can be supplied by a cylinder. As a guide on NZ LPG (ULPG) mix, a 45kg cylinder is capable of supplying a continuous duty cycle of 1kg/hr or 50MJ/ hr for the duration of the LPG supply. An instantaneous demand of up to 6 kg/hr or 300 MJ/hr can be supplied for short periods, up to approximately 10 minutes, provided sufficient relaxation time is allowed between each high draw event to equate to 1 kg/hr continuous draw over time. NB: in winter/colder climates, the gas in the bottle won’t gas off or vaporise at the same rate as in summer/warmer climates. These are all factors that may need to be rectified on existing installations not performing as expected. Remember, a return call will always cost more to fix than if it was done properly in the first place.

Quick tips

A 500mm*

Minimum clearance to ignition sources Radius A B

1. Find the total load required 2. Calculate your pipe sizing using the correct piping chart, either with gas installations Standard AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 or the one for the piping product you are using—don’t guess or assume!

800mm min.

800mm max.

Location of cylinder under a building

3. Buy the correct regulator in kg/hr (as a good guide, take the total load in MJ÷50 = kg of gas required) 4. Ensure appliances and bottle station are suitable at the start and check the location complies with AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 or any applicable regulations 5. Always install an adequate condensate drain at bottles 6. Once appliances are installed never assume that they are set at the correct pressures. Always check and set if necessary. Most of the above also applies to natural gas installations, except that the bottle station is not required.

Exchange cylinder mm 500 1500

In-situ fill cylinder mm 1500 3500

Find LPGA COP No 2: Installation and maintenance of twin 45kg LPG cylinder systems (Nov 2019) at www.gasnz.org.nz/ lpga/lpg-safety (under LPG Safety).

*This distance is measured from the top of any cylinder valve

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About the author: David Waite is a Certifying Gasfitter with almost 60 years’ experience in the industry. He’s been with Rheem for over 15 years and is part of the technical services team, which provides free plumbing and gasfitting advice. Previous to this he ran his own company, Go Gas, a successful Auckland-based gasfitting business.

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On the tools BUILDING CODE & STANDARDS

REVISIONS TO PLUMBING & DRAINAGE STANDARD SERIES

Stay up to date with latest changes for gas, plumbing and drainage Standards.

In New Zealand, Building Code clauses G12 and G13 give the requirements for plumbing and drainage work. Using the AS/NZS 3500 Standard is one way of doing work that’s ‘deemed to comply’ with these requirements. The Standard comprises five parts that cover water services, sanitary plumbing and drainage, stormwater drainage and heated water services—together with a glossary of terms (Part 0). Parts 1-4 were comprehensively revised and republished in 2018. Further revisions have now been proposed, with public consultation held during July and August. The glossary of terms is also being updated, with definitions throughout the series relocated to the glossary. The revised versions are scheduled to be published in 2021. MBIE intend to publicly consult about citing these as means of compliance with the NZ Building Code in 2022.

New Zealand representation on AS/NZS 3500

AMENDMENT TO GAS INSTALLATIONS STANDARD An amendment (Amendment No 3) has been published to the gas installation Standard AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Gas Installations – Part 1: General Installations. The amendment, published in April, includes a minor editorial change to Clause 6.3.1, together with a significant update to Appendix R – Spillage Tests for Flued Appliances. Appendix R is a normative appendix that can be used as a means of compliance for installers of open-flued gas appliances. This latest update to the Standard includes a new baseline conditions test that must be performed as part of the normal spillage test requirements. It is intended that both the baseline and spillage tests will be carried out during the commissioning of each appliance. Open-flued gas appliances are often affected by mechanical ventilation, wind gusts and external air temperature

variations, and any of these conditions can have a major impact on the safe operation of an appliance. The introduction of the baseline condition test establishes a set of parameters for the appliance environment prior to it being operated, thereby enabling the actual appliance operating conditions to be measured more accurately. With the advent of more powerful kitchen rangehoods and extract fans, and improvements in building construction techniques, ventilation conditions in modern and renovated houses have changed significantly over recent years, and this has increased the risk of negative pressure conditions with possible flue spillage. The introduction of this more rigorous testing regime is intended to provide a safer outcome for installations with open flued gas appliances.

Master Plumbers puts a huge amount of time and effort into the development of the AS/NZS 3500 Standard. New Zealand members on the Standards Australia committee for this Standard are Jon Lewis from Master Plumbers, Ross Wakefield from MBIE, Richard Aitken from Water NZ and Sam Wood from the PGDB. “The video meetings we had over the COVID-19 lockdown were well worth the time spent,” says Jon. “Working with the other New Zealand members is very rewarding, as we are all working to the same common goal to ensure NZ interests within the AS/NZS 3500 series and how they affect the work we undertake here are kept in alignment with good trade practice.”

For regular Building Code updates, subscribe to MBIE’s Codewords enewsletter at www.building. govt.nz/about-building-performance/newsand-updates/codewords

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On the tools TECHNICAL ADVICE Copyright in AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 is Standards Australia Limited and Crown copyright, administered by the New Zealand Standards Executive.

Reproduced with permission from Standards New Zealand, on behalf of New Zealand Standards Executive, under copyright licence LN001382.

Copyright in AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 is Standards Australia Limited and Crown copyright, administered by the New Zealand Standards Executive. Reproduced with permission from Standards New Zealand, on behalf of New Zealand Standards Executive, under copyright licence LN001382.

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LEGEN D: I = M e c hani c al air inl et M = G a s m eter P = El e c tr i c it y m eter or fu se b ox S = S tr u c ture T = Flu e ter m inal Z = Fan - a s s i ste d a p p li an c e o nly

S e e N ote 1

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T S

Technical Q&A

S had in g in d i c ate s pro hi b ite d area for flu e ter m inal s

Q A

are the gas flue termination FIGURE 6.2 (in part) LOCATION OF FLUEWhat TERMINALS OF BALANCED FLUE,clearance requirements ROOM-SEALED, FAN-ASSISTED OR in OUTDOOR the vicinityAPPLIANCES of a rangehood extraction system?

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Clearances in gas installations Standard AS/NZS 5601 from openings into buildings can present an issue for some— especially when it comes to 6.9 flue termination. New homes increasingly have fewer plain walls where appliances such as continuous flow water heaters can be situated to meet the required clearances from any opening into a building. Opening windows and doors will often be in the vicinity of where you may want to install your appliance. The table in Figure 6.2 of AS/NZS 5601 provides clearance requirements for the location of flue terminals of balanced flue, roomsealed, fan-assisted or outdoor appliances. J and N relate to clearances from openings into a building (as per ‘Opening into a building’ and ‘Door’ in the diagram above). If we were to look at a rangehood with a fan working where the ducting terminates outside on the wall or in the soffit, it would be highly unlikely that any products of combustion would enter the opening. However, when the fan is not on, it’s just another opening into a building where fumes or gas can enter. Imagine a water heater situated too close to this opening and unburnt gases entering the extraction ducting and eventually reaching the workings of the rangehood. You may think it’s impossible and come up with a number of reasons why, but it is just another opening into a building that needs to be considered in the same way as a window or door. Remember, always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions as they may vary from AS/NZS 5601.

About the author: Rod Miller is a member of the national Master Plumbers Board and runs Plumbing Hydraulics & Drainage Consulting Ltd. Members of Master Plumbers can contact Rod on the Master Plumbers Technical Helpline. Contact details are available in the member log-in at www.masterplumbers.org.nz

AS/NZS 5601.1:2013

In this regular column, Master Plumbers technical support specialist Rod Miller answers common plumbing, gas and drainage queries. (b)

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New 28mm Buteline fittings Buteline has eight new 28mm brass fittings in its fittings range:

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The 28mm range has been recoded for ease of use (eg, Equal Tee 28mm x 28mm x 28mm that was coded as ‘T305’ is now ‘T28’). Refer to www.buteline.com/nz/buteline/fittings for the new codes. The Buteline NZ Product Wallchart has also been updated. Buteline is available at all good plumbing merchants. www.buteline.com/nz/buteline/fittings 040

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Rinnai has some exciting new developments in the trade upskilling space. For many years, Rinnai has supported plumbers and gasfitters with technical courses and short modules in the Learning Hub within its TradeSmart website, where tradies can keep a track of modules completed. Short, introductory how-to videos are now also available in the Learning Hub. Some of the latest are: New extra efficiency EF26 domestic INFINITY® (released in March 2020) Five videos on the new N Series high efficiency commercial INFINITY® (released in January 2020) All videos are also available to view on the Rinnai YouTube channel. Make sure you subscribe to the channel, so you get notifications as more modules are published: www.youtube.com/user/RinnaiNZ

On the tools PRODUCTS & SERVICES

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Dux now offer CPD courses online “Training isn’t like it used to be.” This was a message consistently heard when Dux conducted focus groups around the country with plumbers in late 2019. In response, Dux has spent a considerable amount of time in developing an online learning platform for plumbers. This isn’t just product training—it is genuine upskilling. Two courses are currently available: Hot & Cold Potable Water Surface Water Drainage. This will be extended to include grease management and wastewater traps in the next few months. Courses take around 1 to 1.5 hours and are made up of modules that should take 10-15 minutes, allowing you to finish the course in stages. Modules contain a mix of slides, videos, diagrams, short interactive quizzes, and handouts for you to download and refer to later. To request access, scan the QR code or visit www.dux.co.nz/cpd-online today.

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Our Partners

Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Partners for their support: PLATINUM PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS

A Group SFA Company

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Master Plumbers MEMBER BENEFIT

Need business advice? Access free mentoring sessions through the Skills Business Advisor Programme. Master Plumbers members are eligible for 8 free sessions with a business advisor through the Skills Business Advisor Programme for a period of 6 months. Advisors have a trades background, having run successful businesses, so they have specific knowledge of the sector. Sessions are faceto-face or online/phone based, depending on location and availability. Find out more at skills.org.nz/employers/business-advisor-programme

To register your interest, email ambition@skills.org.nz

44 BULLETIN 48 MEMBER PROFILE 50 MASTERS OF DRAINAGE

PARTNER PROFILE: SIMPRO

58 MASTERLINK MESSAGES

60 BRANCH PROFILE 62 PARTNER PROFILE: PLUMBING WORLD nzplumber

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THE LATEST HAPPENINGS AT MASTER PLUMBERS.

Steady, hot & strong We have been blown away by the response from members to the joint Rheem and Master Plumbers campaign to stand with Kiwis in times of need. More than 70 Master Plumbers member businesses have put their hands up to install Rheem water heaters in households going without hot water as a result of COVID-19 economic impacts. There has been an incredible response to the campaign, which sees Rheem donating water heaters and Master Plumbers members volunteering to install them. The first winner is a family in Marton, who recently bought their first home after finally saving enough for a deposit, only to find the HWC was unfit for use and needed complete replacement, which they were unable to afford. The family was using the local pools to shower until the COVID-19 lockdown put a stop to that, at which point they had to boil the jug for their hot water. A further setback came with the discovery of a leaking roof. “After paying for two repair callouts we still have leaks and may need a new roof, leaving our family including our four year old without hot water for the foreseeable future on our single income,” said father David in

BEST IN BRAND: $200 PREZZY CARD PRIZE This edition’s Best in Brand prize goes to Ultimate Plumbing & Gasfitting in Whakatane for some sharp looking Master Plumbers and Master Gasfitters branding side and back on their work vehicles. Love it guys! WANT TO WIN? For a chance to win the next $200 Prezzy card prize, send us a photo or two of how you’re using the Master Plumbers brand in your business. Email Cat Marshall by 14 September: cmarshall@masterplumbers.org.nz

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his entry form. “Being able to wash our hands and dishes and bathe without having to boil the jug or brave the freezing cold water or wait in line would be a luxury we would be so grateful for.” Palmerston North Master Plumbers member company Semtex Plumbing & Gas, owned by Matthew and Hayley Nieper, came to the rescue, volunteering to complete the installation of the donated Rheem HWC for “one very, very grateful” family in July. Master Plumbers Business Partner Apex Valves also helped out by donating a valve kit. “All going well, they will be able to have hot showers tonight,” said Hayley as their plumber Conrad finished up the job. “The house is on tank water and the tank had an

issue with the lid, so we ended up replacing that at the same time.” We’ll bring you a round-up of other winner stories in a future edition of NZ Plumber.

This Marton family can now enjoy hot showers again, thanks to the Rheem and Master Plumbers campaign to help families in need due to COVID-19 economic impacts. Hayley and Matthew Nieper of Semtex Plumbing & Gas, who put their hands up to help, with their plumber Conrad carrying out the installation work.

Master Plumbers

UPDATES

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR BRIAN FOLEY Congratulations to Brian Foley, who was awarded the rare honour of Master Plumbers Life Membership at an Otago branch meeting in July. A second generation former owner of Foleys, Brian served on the Masters Plumbers national executive for 20 years and was also National President from 1996-97. We will profile Brian in the next edition of NZ Plumber.

Lead in tapware lobbying With the 2020 release of a Massey University study into lead and other metals leaching into drinking water from tapware (see the last edition of NZ Plumber for more details), Master Plumbers is once again urging the government to introduce a mandatory third-party verification scheme for plumbing products sold in New Zealand, similar to WaterMark in Australia. CEO Greg Wallace has being raising awareness of the issue in the media and it

is also the focus of the Master Plumbers’ submission on the government’s Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which was out for public feedback in July. Other specialist trades, including electricians, are also calling for more robust and enforceable regulation to protect consumers against substandard construction products coming into New Zealand that pose a potential health and safety risk.

Brian Foley (right) being presented with Master Plumbers Life Membership by son Craig Foley, who is the current Chair of the national Master Plumbers Board.

MASTER PLUMBERS TRAINING Our face-to-face training courses had to be postponed until social contact restrictions were lifted. Happily, our timetable is now back up and running, with a mix of online and inperson training. Check out what’s available at www.masterplumbers.org.nz/training

CANTERBURY CATCH-UP

Canterbury Master Plumbers Association members got together in early July for a post-lockdown catch up. It was also a great opportunity to celebrate their Kava Cup win for the Association’s help on the Kowhai Rest Home Project!

OBITUARY From left, Johnny Gardner of Inline Plumbing, Master Plumbers BDM Sam Timlin, Marc Taylor of Taylor & Sons Drainage, Paul Olsen of Whitehead Plumbing & Gas and Hamish Baldwin of Aquatec Plumbing.

From left, Rob and Stu from Dux, Penny from Plumbing World and Canterbury Master Plumbers President Mike Diver of Peter Diver Plumbing & Drainage.

It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Master Plumbers Hawkes Bay executive member Darrin Lee. Darrin was a strong member of the Hawkes Bay plumbing industry and will be sorely missed.

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UPDATES

Meet the team... GET TO KNOW THE MASTER PLUMBERS TEAM WITH OUR QUICK Q&AS.

3. Can you tell us a little bit about you? Originally from Pukekohe, I grew up in Palmerston North and have spent the past 10 years living abroad in Hong Kong, Canada and the US. I returned to New Zealand in March this year, and now live in Wellington with my husband and our two young children. 4. What’s your favourite music right now? My toddler is currently obsessed with Hall & Oates so they get a fair bit of airplay in our house. I often find myself returning to Tori Amos’ Little Earthquakes and Tool’s Lateralus. Make of that what you will. 5. What’s your favourite book or movie? I was blown away by Colson Whitehead’s novel The Underground Railroad and always jump at the chance to recommend The Big Lebowski to the uninitiated.

NAME: Lisa Onland ROLE: Marketing &

Communications Executive

1. What does your day-to-day role entail? I oversee the management of marketing initiatives and work on ensuring our members know all about the benefits of being a Master Plumber. I also help handle communications and outreach for key advocacy issues. No day is the same. 2. What’s your work background? My last position was as web services specialist for a large tech company in the US. Previous roles have been within the digital marketing sphere, from head copywriter to content manager. Prior to that, I completed my formal education in journalism.

6. Where’s your favourite holiday spot? Mexico City. It’s not a holiday for me unless I’m dodging traffic and getting lost in strange alleys. 7. What’s your favourite food? I’m a big fan of Japanese food and also love a good slice. 8. Can you name a person who particularly inspires you? I think as I’ve gotten older, I’ve been more and more inspired by my parents. They emigrated to New Zealand over 30 years ago and raised five children in a new country away from all their family. 9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time and why? With little kids, spare time is a bit of a foreign concept but I do try to swim, read and travel when I can. At the moment I’m really enjoying exploring Wellington and getting more familiar with the coolest little capital.

SILVER PARTNER PROFILE: FELTON Felton Industries is proudly 100% Kiwi owned and operated, and has been manufacturing shower mixers from its Auckland factory for more than 50 years. Most Kiwi plumbers will be familiar with the company’s iconic shower mixer, the Feltonmix®, which has been 100% made in New Zealand since 1968.

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What sets Felton apart is its focus on designing and making products that will perform best under New Zealand water pressures and conditions. Over the years, Felton has expanded on its offerings to include tapware, water saving technology, and more recently, digital/electronic mixers. Felton is made up of a tight knit team of

37—many of whom reside in Glen Innes, where the factory started and is still based.

NEW MEMBERS A warm welcome to new Master Plumbers member businesses: Aqua Point Plumbing Ltd– Auckland Northside Plumbing Ltd – Auckland SS Drainage Ltd – Auckland Seal Plumbing & Gas Services – Auckland Comag Ltd – Waikato

Aces Plumbing Ltd – Bay of Plenty/Coromandel Advanced Plumbing 2012 Ltd – Bay of Plenty/ Coromandel Gaskin Plumbing Ltd – Volcanic Plateau Laser Plumbing Taupo Ltd – Volcanic Plateau Accrete Plumbing and Gas Ltd – Hutt Valley/Wairarapa All Septic & Drainage Ltd – Otago

EARN POINTS, REDEEM FOR GREAT REWARDS

WANT TO JOIN? 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, HR & technical support, plus training and member discounts— and we advocate for our members as a collective industry voice. Get in touch to discuss our two-year membership deal!

Steve Rushworth North Island 027 839 8398 srushworth@masterplumbers.org.nz

Do you own your own drainlaying, plumbing or gas fitting business? Buy selected products by any of these leading brands and earn points for great rewards.

Sam Timlin South Island 021 433 615 stimlin@masterplumbers.org.nz Or contact 0800 502 102 membership@masterplumbers.org.nz

Order of

MERIT

eter Jackson says when he and wife Carol first opened the email about his MNZM appointment, they thought it must be spam. “It was a big surprise,” says Peter, who has worked in the plumbing industry for the past 45 years. “Many people have commented how fantastic it is that a tradesperson was on the honours list and I’m very proud of this recognition for our industry.” Announcements of this kind usually come by formal letter, but COVID-19 restrictions put a temporary halt to that. The awards ceremony has also been delayed, with Peter and his family now looking forward to a November date for their trip to Government House.

In the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Peter Jackson of H2O Design in Queenstown was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). NZ Plumber caught up with Peter to ask him about his career and what drives him.

Bringing young people through Peter’s award is for services to the trades industry and business, which perfectly reflects his passion for bringing young people into the industry and seeing them become successful business owners in their own right. “If you are able to train, it’s very rewarding to see people come through,” he says. “Over the years, we’ve trained more than 80 apprentices, and many have gone on to become successful in business for themselves and to train their own staff.” One of those apprentices won the prestigious James Douglas Medallion, another collected a WorldSkills International medal, and another went on to run a large plumbing business in California. Positive encouragement is the key to successes of this kind, says Peter. “One thing I’ve always said is that it’s easy to do someone a good turn rather than a bad one.”

Importance of mentoring Peter himself was thrown in at the deep end as an apprentice, taking over the family business in Invercargill at just 22, when his father Bert died suddenly. He grew Jackson Plumbing from three to a regular team of around 10 before selling it to employee Matthew Dick, who had worked at the

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For Peter, being a member of Master Plumbers is a given. “You have to be involved if you’re a plumber. Being part of this national body makes your business and the industry better.” His father was a member and past National President, and Peter was also National President in 1991, serving on the Board for 20 years. “I’ve made lifelong friends at the annual conferences, and it’s the camaraderie that happens outside the conference room that makes these events so worthwhile,” he says. These days, it’s Peter turn to support other business owners as a volunteer Business New Zealand mentor and Skills Business Advisor. “I’ve worked with all kinds of businesses, from architects and scaffolders, to joiners, electricians and plumbers,” he says. “Their main challenge is usually how to get their name out there. “Some start-ups also don’t understand profit and loss, and the need for a monthly review with their accountant. Waiting for your accountant to tell you how much tax to pay for the last 12 months’ work isn’t enough. What you need is regular insights into your progress.”

Governance role rewards Peter Jackson will receive his MNZM at Government House in November.

company for 17 years—and Peter continues to run H2O Design in Queenstown. Although ‘mentor’ was not a familiar term in the 1970s, when Peter was getting to grips with running a business, he was fortunate to have someone take him under his wing. “Owen Marshall, a Master Plumber in Invercargill, could see I needed a hand and helped me immensely,” he recalls. Peter also attributes his business success to it being a family business, with he and wife Carol enjoying the time working alongside each other.

Together with his mentoring work, Peter holds several governance roles. Many of these are connected to industry training, including Chair of the Industry Connection for Excellence (ICE) in Auckland. “This plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting training school now trains around 25 percent of apprentices in the region and is growing,” he says. “There was a real need for better PGD course delivery in New Zealand and people are happy with the outcomes. I’m very proud of General Manager Garry McKenzie and his team, who are doing a great job delivering the product.” Peter gained initial experience of governance during his time on the NZPM Board. “I was fortunate enough to be put on the audit and risk committee of the Board,

Master Plumbers

MEMBER PROFILE

Peter with his fellow World Plumbing Council Board members.

which gave me a real insight into what business and governance looked like. “NZPM also sent me on a six-day course with the NZ Institute of Directors, which gave me the opportunity to network with other directors and access other perspectives on how business is conducted. This improved by business knowledge immensely. I think it would be fantastic if every plumbing firm could send one of their directors or staff on a course. I have continued with the NZ Institute of Directors as a Chartered Fellow.” When the Pike River disaster heightened awareness of workplace health and safety in New Zealand, Peter was on the Board of Site Safe to be a voice for smaller businesses, and he is its current Chair. “Site Safe is a non-profit organisation, started 20 years ago by the big players in the industry. It now has a membership of 6,500, with small to medium businesses receiving great help accessing training to work safely on building sites.” He also served on the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board for a total of 18 years until retiring last September, having been Chair for the last six years. “When I started in 1992, the regulator was not seen to be at all helpful to

practitioners,” he says. “We needed to involve practitioners and show we were there to help them have a safer and more coherent plumbing industry. I think we’re 90 per cent there, with a regulatory system that’s accepted and working, and registered plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers perceived as highly skilled.”

When he’s not working, Peter loves a game of golf. He and wife Carol also enjoy fishing, water skiing and travelling.

A global perspective With a further role on the Board of the World Plumbing Council, Peter’s involvement in the plumbing industry now extends to global issues, such as how different countries are dealing with coldwater Legionella. He says it provides a great opportunity to get an international gauge on the industry and to share information and ideas. “The WPC also implements projects around the world to ensure safe water supply and sanitation,” says Peter. “There are two ongoing projects in African countries along with a large Navajo project in the US. The WPC offers three scholarships each year for plumbing industry participants to travel overseas and learn from other countries. COVID-19 has put these projects and awards on hold but they will be reinstated in due course.” The pandemic may have had farreaching impacts on people and businesses around the world, yet Peter’s outlook remains positive. “During lockdown, plumbers were an essential service—and we always will be. Plumbers prevent, doctors cure. What we do every day prevents cross connections and ensures safe water supplies.”

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DRAINAGE FOCUS

We talk to three drainage specialists at the top of their game, to find out the stories behind their success in this challenging sector. AUTHOR: JE Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AIME HAYR

A good team culture is key to the success of Drainage Systems.

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Drainage is the company’s sole focus and they know the trade inside and out, as it’s what they do all day, every day.

PRIORITISING PEOPLE & EXPERTISE

Ollie Silverton of Drainage Systems shares what sets their company apart. Founded by Mark Newdick 30 years ago, Drainage Systems is now a family operation involving Mark’s son Sam (who has been with the company for 20 years) and his son in law, Ollie Silverton. The team are focused on being the masters of one trade: the drainage sector. Whilst most of their business is drainage, water treatment and storage systems for new residential builds, they also offer drainage installation services and solutions for commercial customers. There are three things that set Drainage Systems apart from competitors: efficiency, cost effectiveness and expertise. Their team of drainlayers are experts in their field and two of their staff have won Drainlayer of the Year for the Waikato Master Plumbers region. Their services don’t stop at installation. “We are a one-stop-shop from design to installation, which means we can assist with all aspects of drainage designs, including stormwater and wastewater management, before a spade hits the ground,” says Ollie. “Being involved from the start allows us to ensure that cost effective, functional and practical designs are included prior to any consents being issued. “A combination of skills and experience means that our team know what’s best in any given

situation and we get the job done properly the first time. These days, drainlaying involves a lot of engineered designs.” With award-winning people and attitude, it is hardly surprising that the business has grown to three operations servicing the greater Waikato, South Auckland and Whitianga area. Ollie says Drainage Systems aim is simple: to exceed customer expectations on every job. Not only do they ensure a high standard of workmanship using premium products, but they pride themselves on getting the job done faster. “Regardless of what is involved, we have the resources to get the job done quicker than anyone else,” says Ollie. “Our sole focus is drainage and we know the trade inside and out, as it is what we do all day, every day. That is great news for our customers because reducing the build time improves the bottom line.” Staff expertise is one thing, but happy people are important too. To attract and retain exceptional drainlayers, Drainage Systems offer a great package and have a strong focus on team culture. “We have an awesome crew who all get along really well and have plenty of fun along the way. Plus, there is always a cold beer in the fridge at the end of a hard day’s work.”

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Master Plumbers

DRAINAGE FOCUS

A NATIONWIDE VISION

Nathan Williamson, owner of DrainPro, discusses his strategy for taking his business to every region. Nathan Williamson is the third generation of his family to have a drainage contracting business, so you could say it’s in his blood. Nathan founded DrainPro in 2014 while completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Canterbury University and, like any new business owner, he faced initial challenges. “Having a youthful face was a challenge; I was fresh out of university and people don’t always take young people seriously. I had to learn a lot about time management as I was juggling drainlaying work with my final year of university studies.” He overcame those challenges and before long the business outgrew him, leaving him with a tricky new task: finding good staff. “Finding great people is never easy, but at that point (post the Christchurch earthquakes) it was extremely difficult.” Fast forward a few years and Nathan is thrilled to have an exceptional team of 16 staff. Two of his apprentices were James Douglas Medallion Drainlaying award winners in 2018 (the year he joined Master

Plumbers) and again in 2019. He is a firm believer in on-the-job training and currently has five apprentices on his team. “We teach them how we do the work and how we expect them to behave. There’s no quick solution; you have to invest the time in people, give them the opportunity to grow and the support to do that successfully.” The company has gone from strength to strength and DrainPro now has franchises in Central Otago and Christchurch North, and company-owned branches in Christchurch South and Wellington. Nathan’s goal is to have nationwide coverage through franchisees. In fact, his franchise model is the first of its kind in the drainage sector. “I knew that we had a strong and sustainable business model. I also know there are a lot of exceptional tradesmen out there that could use my guidance when it comes to the nuts and bolts of running a business. Now, we are moving into new regions by setting up a company-owned branch and looking for

franchisees, but we are open to converting existing businesses or franchisees starting from scratch,” he explains. Although COVID-19 put the business on hold and caused some uncertainty around future investment in staff and equipment, Nathan is thankful that the company was able to retain all its people. “DrainPro is almost exclusively drainlaying for new residential builds and as the housing shortage is still an issue, we are ‘cautiously optimistic’, so we’re actively looking for people to partner with.” Nathan is very particular about who builds the brand name, so there is an indepth application and selection process. “We are only after people that are motivated to grow a successful business. Once signed up, franchisees get a roadmap on how to run the business as well as mentoring and advice from the franchise support staff.” In his words, the most rewarding part of the business is “giving people an opportunity and watching them succeed at it”.

Nathan Williamson (seated) of DrainPro says he has an exceptional team. Operations Manager Kieran Howden (standing) was the 2018 James Douglas Medallion Drainlaying Finalist, one of two on the team to win this prestigious award.

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Master Plumbers

DRAINAGE FOCUS

WINNING ATTITUDE

Sean O’Shea, drainlayer at Plumbing & Gas Works in Hamilton, reveals what it takes to be a winner. As winner of the 2020 Master Plumbers Drainlayer of the Year award, Sean’s reputation for tireless energy, boundless optimism and clever problem-solving skills has spread far and wide. Mike Foote, General Manager of Plumbing & Gas Works (PGW), describes Sean as a man that demands respect not by force, but by leading by example. “He is the first to get stuck in on the shovel and the last to stop.” When it comes to work ethic, Sean has it in spades. “I enjoy exceeding expectations, so I take full responsibility for quality and delivery, trying to add value to all aspects of the experience,” he says. At 54 years old, Sean frequently outworks young apprentices. What is his secret? “I have a historical awareness of pushing too hard, so I know where the wall is before I hit it. I break a job into three stages: normal work, targeted work and game conditions, which is when I go nuts and fight to the finish.”

Sean O’Shea doing what he loves.

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His drive to pass on his knowledge to apprentices is equally impressive. Sean has done everything from hand digging and pouring septic tanks in situ on Great Barrier Island to running 1050mm concrete pipe on civil construction jobs. “Sean shows apprentices the value of hard work and ensures that his skills don’t become a lost art,” says Mike. “Whether he’s installing kilometres of pipe in a 46,000 square metre glass factory, or hand digging in someone’s backyard to connect an extra toilet, each job is treated with the same respect.” In addition to his physical efforts, Sean’s creative initiative is greatly admired. Mike gives an example: “A 250mm diameter HDPE fitting was leaking under a newly poured concrete drive and had to be fixed without damaging the concrete. Sean tunnelled under the concrete, installing bracing supports for the concrete as he went and re-purposed the driveway as a bridge, carried out the necessary repairs, reinstated the ground under the bridge and turned it back into a driveway.” Regarding his positive outlook, Sean says he sees happiness as a long-term decision.

“My mother loved life and my father was very encouraging. He’d say, ‘Men like us can do anything’, and then we’d move houses on rolling fence posts with block and tackle. As youngsters my brother and I were never afraid to fail. We’d research, make a plan and give everything a go.” While Sean’s colleagues and managers at PGW have nothing but praise for him, he holds them in high regard as well. “I rang PGW four years ago by chance and I’m so glad I did. Working with drainlayers like Hayden ‘there will be no come back’ Scott and Jono ‘walk with a purpose’ Thompson, an understudy cannot go wrong. “Under the navigation of Jacob Smith, the team has delivered excellence on many projects and each job is carefully planned for success by the business team—Sarah, Neil, Shane and Jacob, and Director Mike Foote.” Sean’s winning attitude is clearly the result of a true passion for the industry and he doesn’t feel that drainlaying gets the attention it should as a trade. “There’s a lot to it. It’s pretty complex and really challenging and that’s what makes it such a great trade to be part of.”

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Master Plumbers

PLATINUM PARTNER PROFILE

Beneficial PARTNERSHIPS Building strong industry relationships, such as the one with simPRO job management software, is key to Heron Plumbing’s success.

eron Plumbing has been operating in New Zealand for over 60 years. Current owners Dale and Andrea Lovell took over 10 years ago, though Dale has been with the company for 40 years. “Dale literally started from the bottom and worked his way up,” says Andrea. He joined Heron Plumbing as a labourer when he was 14 and moved through different roles in the business. When his old boss decided to sell the company, Dale took it on with Andrea coming on board as Office and Marketing Manager. As a lifelong plumber and current member of the national Master Plumbers Board, Dale has always understood the importance of partnering with the right organisations to build business success—which is why he and Andrea decided to adopt simPRO job management software. “We have been running simPRO almost as long as we have had the business,” says Andrea. “When we took over the company, it was mostly a paper-based system. They did have software in place but everything still

P L AT I N U M P A R T N E R S H I P got printed out. We looked at it and decided it was throwing away money hand over fist. “We did the research to see what kind of systems we thought would work for us, and Dale found simPRO. He immediately thought it might be a great fit. Specifically, we wanted a software system that was easy to use and that allowed our field staff to add job notes and photos quickly. It also needed to have features for simple sign-offs so we could quickly send invoices from the office.” In the nine years since Andrea and Dale implemented simPRO, they have seen plenty of change but their strong industry

relationships have helped them grow their business and take on larger projects. “We have tripled our turnover but haven’t had to increase our office staff,” says Andrea. “We like to think of ourselves as a familyoriented company and, because simPRO has cut down a lot of our back-end admin, it has allowed our team to take on other roles within the office.” The other major improvement they have seen is streamlined purchasing and invoicing from industry suppliers that integrate into their operations software. “Our major suppliers are Plumbing World and Mico, both of which integrate with simPRO through the Supplier Catalogue feature,” says Dale. “It’s great for us because our invoices can be over a page long with different parts listed. Instead of having to manually enter all that information, it automatically transfers into our simPRO system.” As a tool for bringing together these important connections between the different industry players, simPRO has provided the support Dale and Andrea need to help their business thrive. “I would recommend simPRO hands down to any company like ours because it is so easy to use,” says Andrea. “The support is very friendly and approachable, and the system will end up saving you a lot of time. Time is money, and by saving time you become a lot more efficient and cost-effective.”

simPRO is dedicated to building great relationships across the industry and offers all Master Plumbers members 20% off the initial implementation costs when signing up as a new simPRO customer.

Andrea and Dale Lovell started using simPRO almost as soon as they took over Heron Plumbing in Auckland 10 years ago.

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Visit www.simprogroup.com/nz/ master-plumbers to find out how simPRO can support your business.

THIS EDITION’S ROUND-UP OF NEWS FROM THE MASTER PLUMBERS OWNED MASTERLINK GROUP TRAINING SCHEME.

Masterlink milestones

Each edition, we welcome the newest Masterlink apprentices and congratulate those who have completed their qualifications.

WELCOME! ■■ Breyton Lenee ■■ Adam Clark ■■ Henry Kircher

■■ Matt Bird ■■ Jordan Lang ■■ Jesse Stevens

NEW HOSTS

Masterlink is grateful to host businesses around New Zealand, who commit to training plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting apprentices—helping them get qualified and started on a great career. Our most recent new hosts are: ■■ Jets Plumbing and Pumps ■■ Scott Plumbing ■■ Hunter Plumbing & Drainage ■■ Fineline Plumbing ■■ Heath Hill Plumbing ■■ Bays Plumbing

QUALIFIED!

PLUMBING & GASFITTING Bradley Primmer, Simon Cavey and Lyndon Johnston PLUMBING Jack Swain GASFITTING Wade Williams, Ezra Edwards and Patrick Sweeney DRAINLAYING Cameron Jaques

Harrison Muir, who works at Cape Plumbing Ltd, was presented with his Plumbing & Gasfitting National Certificates post lockdown, having qualified in February.

Joseph Benton of New Plymouth Plumbing Ltd was presented with his Plumbing & Gasfitting National Certificates by Masterlink Regional Manager Bob McCoy in July.

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Master Plumbers

MASTERLINK

APPRENTICESHIP BOOST FUNDING AVAILABLE NOW The government’s Apprenticeship Boost funding kicked in on 5 August, providing some excellent financial support for plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting apprentices and those who train them. Employers who take on a new apprentice now are eligible to receive up to $16,000 through this initiative, which sees employers receiving $1,000 per month for the first year and $500 per month for the second year of the apprenticeship for a total of 20 months (until April 2022). As the employer, Masterlink will pass on this funding direct to hosts. New and existing apprentices also enjoy free training fees for 2.5 years from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2022. Want more details? Get in touch with Masterlink on 0800 502 102; admin@masterlink.co.nz

Get to know our Regional Managers Over the next few editions, we profile the Masterlink Regional Managers to find out what makes them tick. Our six Regional Managers play a big part in Masterlink’s mentored apprenticeships programme, supporting apprentices and their host companies as our apprentices work towards getting

GET IN TOUCH

Need an apprentice in your business? Masterlink Regional Managers are here to help.

qualified. This includes regular contact and quarterly appraisals, sourcing ‘superstar’ candidates for hosts, and promoting the plumbing industry as a career to potential apprentices.

RUSSELL WALSH CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND REGIONAL MANAGER Russell Walsh is based in Hamilton and covers the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo and Taumarunui regions. A Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter, Russell started and ran a mid-sized plumbing and gasfitting business before moving into sales and operations management. This included several roles for corporates, including Nova Energy and Genesis Energy. He lives on a lifestyle block just out of Hamilton with wife Kirsty and their puppy Bella. Their two grown daughters also live and work in Hamilton. A member of the Hamilton Hawkes Running Club and Tongariro Ski Club, Russell also enjoys mountain biking “despite the increasing number of unscheduled dismounts occurring over the last year or two”.

David Lu of David Lu Plumbing is shown here with his Masterlink apprentice Enrico in the digger. David will get the Apprenticeship Boost funding for his new drainlaying apprentice Jordan, who recently joined the team through Masterlink. Jordan and Enrico will also benefit from the government’s free fees training for the next 2.5 years.

“My weekly spare time routine generally includes running, gardening, pool club, red wine social group, chilling with my wife and hooking up with my Little Buddy from the Big Buddy Programme to play basketball,” he says.

Tania Forsyth Auckland & Northland 027 558 5441

Russell Walsh Central North Island 027 600 9929

Sam Timlin Upper South Island 021 433 615

Colin Kilpatrick Auckland 021 773 296

Bob McCoy Lower North Island 027 479 0075

Brendan Parker Lower South Island 021 644 560

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Master Plumbers

BRANCH PROFILE

50 YEARS FOR WAIKATO The Waikato Master Plumbers celebrated half a century in June with a special anniversary dinner in Hamilton.

ged 93, Ron Leeming was the oldest among the 14 Past Presidents of the Waikato Master Plumbers to attend the Branch’s 50th anniversary celebrations on 25 June. The event was held at Windows, the Wintec training restaurant, with around 50 attendees enjoying a well-presented dinner by the Wintec hospitality students. “The night was a huge success and included a comprehensive account of our 50year history by Warren Thompson, a speech from Ron Leeming and commemorative medal presentations to all our Past

Presidents,” says Waikato Branch President Dave Morgan. “It was a very special event for the Waikato Branch and another milestone in our list of member events for the year.” Branch Secretary and Vice President David Whitfield says they were privileged to be able to treat some of the Master Plumbers Business Partners to a night out, with representatives at the dinner from Mico, Greens, GWA Caroma, Buteline, Hirepool and Rheem. National Master Plumbers President Jon Lewis was also in attendance.

Freshly minted for the occasion: Waikato Master Plumbers 50th anniversary medals with ribbons in the region’s familiar red, yellow and black.

Waikato Master Plumbers President Dave Morgan is pictured here (far right) with all the Past Presidents attending the branch’s 50th anniversary celebrations in June. Mike Foote (back row, sixth from left) officially handed over the President’s role to Dave on the night.

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The Waikato Master Plumbers executive committee, from left: Brent Tupaea, Dave Morgan (President), David Whitfield (Vice President/Secretary), Mike Foote, Warren Thompson, Mike Wilson and Dave Strong. Jamin Saes (not pictured), of Hamilton-based iPlumber, 2020 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year, is Junior Vice President on the committee.

Waikato Past President and Life Member Ron Leeming gave a speech on the night. Shown here, from left, is Ron with fellow Branch Life Members Tony Mannington and Ken Douglas.

The 50th anniversary dinner was held at Windows, the Wintec training restaurant.

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Master Plumbers

PLATINUM PARTNER PROFILE

Your Team in Black

Real service, better support, good stock levels, NZ owned and our profits stay in NZ and in the industry. Just five of the reasons to shop with Plumbing World. Check out this page to find all the reasons: www.plumbingworld.co.nz/30reasons Young Plumber of the Year: It was disappointing to have to postpone our successful YPOTY competition until 2021. However, with Alert Levels how they were during what would have been the branch events, this was inevitable and beyond our control. This has allowed for valuable

P L AT I N U M P A R T N E R S H I P

lthough 2020 hasn’t gone as anyone would have planned, Plumbing World is pleased to be moving forward on a number of our initiatives: pwGO: In 2019 we launched our pwGO App for on-the-go ordering. Then during lockdown we pushed our pwGO website LIVE. Both allow for a safer, more efficient way to order your products from Plumbing World. It lets your tradies be more effective during their working day by staying onsite to get the job done, with their product requirements getting delivered to them. For more info visit: www.pwgo.co.nz

New Kingsland branch: Our Grey Lynn branch in Auckland has relocated to bigger and better premises in Kingsland. June 2020 was the opening of our new Kingsland branch, a strategically located site that NZPM purchased last year. If you’ve had the opportunity to visit both sites, we are sure you’re pleased with the vastly improved layout, presentation and parking that Kingsland offers, and we expect this more modern, efficient style of branch will be progressively rolled out during future branch upgrades.

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The trade area of the new Plumbing World Kingsland branch.

planning time, and we are all set for 2021. Follow up on Facebook and Instagram for updates: • www.facebook.com/ youngplumbersclubnz/ • www.instagram.com/ youngplumbersclubnz/

Our Young Plumbers Club is well supported and each branch will be hosting events throughout the remainder of 2020 to keep our young plumbers educated, feeling well supported and having some fun. Supporting the future of the industry: We were pleased to support a mini version of the Trade Tour at selected schools throughout Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty during August and September. This message is all about getting a trade and to help future proof our industry by encouraging more school leavers to get excited about entering a trade and signing up for an apprenticeship. Charity and community support: Plumbing World is proud to support Eat Up New Zealand—a registered charity that provides lunches to disadvantaged Kiwi school kids, so they can grow, learn and succeed and maybe one day enjoy the benefits of joining a great industry like ours. Our Support staff in Palmerston North recently spent an hour of their time making 1,600 sandwiches, which will provide 16 schools with 3 weeks’ worth of sandwiches for their school freezer (then toasted) for needy children. We are also pleased to once again be supporting three cancer charities: Bowel Cancer NZ, Gynaecological Cancer Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ. During July we had a good number of PW support staff doing Dry July and raising over $2,000. Plus, we will be supporting Blue September at all our sites and raising valuable funds for Prostate Cancer NZ. Proudly supporting Eat Up New Zealand.

VANTAGE The new Vantage range from Greens is suitable for all pressures and features the patented FloBOOST® and RainBoost® shower technologies to ensure a shower as perfect as a good nights sleep down to 10kPa. Introduction of a new brand: TIVA is a new and exclusive ‘own brand’ from Plumbing World, delivering reliable and quality everyday trade items to get the job done. Keep a look out for the growing range of TIVA products at your local branch.

We truly understand this year is not what any of us expected and there is still lots of uncertainty in the world and around NZ. However, what we are certain of is our dedication to all our customers to ensure you can be successful in your business. We will do this by delivering to you exceptional customer service, fully stocked branches, competitive prices—and we aim to make it super easy for you to do business with us.

A donation from every sale of Greens Vantage products goes towards plumbing apprenticeship scholarships . Greens Tapware - designed and engineered in NZ since 1935 – fostering the plumbing industry today for a bright future tomorrow.

www.greenstapware.com

From Your Team in Black.

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Post a photo or video with the hashtag #proudtobeaplumber for your chance to win! “l’M PROUD TO BE A PLUMBER, BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY THERE’S SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES!” - PAUL OLSEN #proudtobeaplumber

WIN… Master Plumbers Branded Fridges

#proudtobeaplumber

Terms and conditions apply. Visit masterplumbers.org.nz/proud

Business smarts

Having a pastime outside of work is a great stress buster.

RESILIENCE BUILDING

SOME TIPS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS TO HELP YOU TRAIN YOUR BOUNCE-BACK MUSCLE.

hilst resilience training is relevant to everyone, there are some differences if you are a business owner. So this one’s for you! When times are challenging, you need to be able to bounce back quickly and get on with business. Business owners can face social isolation (not being able to share what’s going on), self-doubt, increased stress and the need to anticipate and find

customers within a continuously evolving business landscape. Resilient people have solid goals and know how to achieve them. Like a compass, goals and plans provide a strong reference point on those days when everything seems to go wayward. Invest time in developing a business plan and tactical steps that will see you through at least the next few years.

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BREATHE FREELY: HELP AT HAND

PRICING JOBS FOR PROFIT

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KEEPING IT PRIVATE HR ADVICE nzplumber

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Business smarts HEALTH & WELLBEING

1 Choose how you react

If things aren’t going your way, you can respond with stress, panic or anger—or you can choose to pull on your positive pants, analyse the problem, tackle it step by step, and get people on board to help you. How you react can make an incredible difference, not only to the outcome, but to the journey to get there.

2 Build a strong network

You cannot know everything. Resilient people don’t waste their time doing tasks they’re not great at and they’re not afraid to ask for help. Building and maintaining strong relationships is a proven way to be happier and more resistant to stress. Connecting with other business owners is a great help, as you all understand what you’re going through! You won’t feel so alone and vulnerable when the chips are down.

3 Reframe thoughts

Learn how to reframe negative thoughts about yourself, your business, your future and others. Having a positive outlook will help you look for the good stuff— even on a bad day. Remember to focus on what you can change, not the stuff you can’t.

4 Accept mistakes

Perfectionism and fear of failure attract self-doubt, and making a mistake can feel like the end of the world. Work on your growth mindset and see mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

5 Be flexible

Whilst you may have a vision, plan and goals, be agile. There’s no point running at 100kmh if you are running in the wrong direction.

6 Take breaks

Taking a break is usually the last thing on everyone’s list, especially if you’re extremely busy. Invest a few minutes every hour in deep breathing and being still. Relaxation is a proven way to calm the mind and reduce stress. It’s also a great way to generate new ideas.

7 Have a life outside of work

Having another interest keeps you balanced and provides an outlet for stress. Find a pastime that allows you to switch off from the day and recharge yourself. Remember, the times you grow as a person are the times when you’re faced with difficult problems and decisions. Don’t think resilience is only achievable by superhuman leaders who are born different from you. Resilient entrepreneurs are everyday people who extract the most value from their struggles on the path to success. Build your mental fitness and resilience muscle every day!

About the author: Sue Kohn-Taylor is the passionate founder of The Mental Fitness Company (theMentalFitnessCompany.com), a regular on TV, column writer and speaker. She dedicates her time to teaching people how to build their mental fitness and resilience to enable them to lead a rewarding career and fulfilling personal life. Sue works with Master Plumbers to help develop resources for the Wellbeing on Tap programme. Resources include resilience tips. Find them all at www.wellbeingontap.org.nz

Controllable, Euro style heating now brought to you by Aqualine Products. For more information about Immergas and how central heating can make your home healthy, contact our Business Development Manager, Mathew Slaughter on mathew.slaughter@aqualine.co.nz www.aqualine.co.nz 066

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LOOK OUT FOR THE TICK OF APPROVAL

When the economy changes, your approach must also change.

We put each and every Master Plumbers Recommends plumbing product to the test, assessing all aspects, such as ensuring replacement parts are readily accessible, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re easy to install and they look great. Of course it goes without saying that they also come with a solid manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guarantee. Once it ticks all those boxes, it gets our tick of approval.

To find out more call 0800 502 102 or visit tickofapproval.co.nz

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Business smarts HEALTH & SAFETY

Breathe freely: help at hand The risks of working with engineered stone benchtop products are being highlighted due to more than 400 Australian workers being diagnosed with irreversible silicosis from breathing in the dust. Now, a new Breathe Freely NZ campaign looks to prevent occupational lung disease of all kinds. NZ Plumber takes a look.

ast year, Queensland stonemason Anthony White died of accelerated silicosis. Anthony was 36. He was the first person in Australia to die from this incurable lung disease as a result of working with an engineered stone product used in kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities. The product contains up to 95% crystalline silica. When cut, ground, drilled or sanded, this creates respirable crystalline silica dust (RCS), most of which is invisible to the naked eye. If inhaled, this dust can cause silicosis, an irreversible and progressive fibrosis of the lungs. Accelerated silicosis is a form of the disease that develops in just one to 10 years, due to the inhalation of very high concentrations of RCS. Exposure to RCS can also cause

lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease. Before he died, Anthony White spoke out publicly about his disease, as he wanted to save other lives by raising awareness. An audit of the stone industry, carried out by the Queensland Government, found he was among 98 workers in the state who had contracted silicosis, with 15 of those cases terminal. Subsequently, both Australia and New Zealand have been highlighting the dangers, and WorkSafe New Zealand has carried out visits to 113 benchtop factories to audit compliance, educate managers and workers of the risks, and stress the importance of training everyone in the necessary controls. The WorkSafe website has silicosis information for anyone involved in

working with engineered stone benchtops. This includes plumbers and gasfitters, who could find themselves modifying these benchtops to install tapware or gas hobs. In a broader move, a Breathe Freely NZ campaign was launched this July by the NZ Occupational Hygiene Society, with WorkSafe's support. Its aim is to prevent occupational lung disease from any construction industry activity by outlining the hazards and providing control options to manage risk. The accompanying Breathe Freely website includes advice on managing risks to health from a range of substances, such as welding fumes. The website contains practical information targeted at specific sectors, including plumbing and gasfitting.

WHO’S AT RISK?

The prevalence of accelerated silicosis in NZ is not yet known, but WorkSafe is raising awareness of the risks involved in working with engineered stone and the safety controls that should be used. Those at risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) include: Workers who fabricate engineered stone benchtops without adequate controls in place Those who may modify the benchtops as a part of the installation process or to accommodate new fittings, such as cooktops or tapware. If you are uncertain about whether or not a benchtop is made from engineered stone, ask the principal contractor, designer or homeowner. If you can’t get a definite answer, assume the benchtop is made from engineered stone, and implement appropriate controls. Benchtops made from other stone materials (such as granite) still contain crystalline silica, albeit at lower concentrations than in engineered stone, so you can use the same controls to minimise exposure to RCS.

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WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION

www.breathefreely.co.nz – this new website provides specific guidance for plumbers, pipe fitters and gas heating engineers on managing lung disease risks from a range of work activities. www.worksafe.govt.nz – includes the following guidance (type Silicosis in the website search bar to find this information): • Silica dust in the workplace • Information for workers on controlling silica • Controlling dust with on-tool water • Controlling dust with on-tool extraction.

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Business smarts BUSINESS COACH

This year pricing is more important than ever. Make sure you aren’t making the same mistakes Chris did.

AUTHOR: DANIEL FITZPATRICK, NEXT LEVEL TRADIE 070

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hris sits nervously waiting for Alex his Accountant to report if it was a successful year this time. Or whether, despite his best efforts, he is still looking for the elusive ‘extra profit’. He’s really worked hard and was proud to have finally hit the one million dollar mark for sales. But deep down, in his gut, he’s just a little worried.

The bank account has been a bit tight lately. Some of our clients have been shopping around. Comparing prices with other competitors. I’ve had to sharpen the pencil a few times. There were also a few surprises on some jobs I suspect we lost money on. But hey—we’ve been really busy… So all the extra work should make up for it, right? Alex puts on his Accounting voice; not a great sign. “I see you’ve billed a lot more this year. In fact 32% more. That’s good. But I see your margins have slipped.” Okay, so what does that mean? “You’ve made another $10,000 extra profit compared to last year, but that’s it. I think you might be pricing too low on your work.” Bugger. Those extra guys I took on last year. And all those late nights and weekends. With nothing to show for it but a measly extra 10 grand! Chris heads home angry, frustrated and discouraged. I can’t do another year like this. There has to be a better way.

If this sounds all too familiar, the first place to start is with your pricing. As a tradie business owner, the labour allowance you include when pricing jobs (made up of the number of hours allocated to the job + the actual cost per hour) will be essential in determining how much profit you make this year. And also the long term success of your business. If these allowances are too low, no matter what else you do, you won’t be able to make good profits. A sign of this is that cashflow will always be tight, most noticeably at peak times during the month, and also when work starts to slow up. You’ll find yourself sweating it out. Hoping there will be enough money in the bank to pay staff and suppliers. Ultimately, you’ll find yourself frustrated that profits are disappointing year after year. Alternatively, if your pricing is too high, you could be losing too many jobs to your competitors. So how do you work out your labour allowance accurately? Some base their allowance relative to the experience and skill level of their team. Or what they think the market will pay. Others go on gut feel and adjust pricing according to how much work they have. Some even guess what their competitors’ rates might be and base it on that. These are factors you should be aware of, but this is not the right way to price and will get you into trouble. Use the calculations in the shaded box instead.

Putting it all together: mark up and profit Now that Chris understands his labour allowance, he is in a better position to price the job. Here are the calculations: Actual cost per hour per employee x Number of hours allocated to the job = Labour allowance Labour allowance + materials costs = Total cost Total cost x mark up = total price to quote client So, start with actual costs and make sure you are pricing right. It will be the difference between being successful—or frustrated with nothing in the bank. Once you allow for your labour allowance, check your mark up— is it enough? If it’s too low, then it’s time to starting increasing prices and making decent money.

About the author: Daniel Fitzpatrick runs Next Level Tradie. Want some personalised help to figure out what to do next? Go here now: https://nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep/

How to calculate your labour allowance 1. Actual cost per hour calculation To get this right, you first need to start with your actual costs. Let’s take a look at a William who has been working for Chris, as an example. William is a good reliable hard worker and gets the jobs done quickly and efficiently. William works on average 40 hours per week at an hourly rate of $20 per hour which is $41,600 per year. Chris believes William costs $20 per hour and some extras. Here is a breakdown of actual costs for William: WILLIAM – EMPLOYEE COSTS William Hours paid for per year

$41,600.00 2080

Per hour

$20.00

Actual costs Salary $41,600.00 Plus Kiwi Saver (+3%) $1,248.00 Overhead costs ($18 per hour x 2080 hours)* $37,440.00 Cost $80,288.00 Actual hours worked Hours paid for per year (52 wks x 40 hrs per wk) Less public holidays (10 days x 8 hrs = 80 hrs) Less annual holidays (20 days x 8 hrs = 160 hrs) Less sick days (5 days x 8 hrs = 40 hrs) Less non-billable hours (20% of time at work)** Hours worked

2080 -80 -160 -40 -416 1384

Actual cost per hour

$58.01

* Overhead cost calculation: Costs that are not directly related to the jobs (ACC, administration staff, rent, office expenses, advertising, vehicle expenses etc). To calculate this accurately for your business, take all overhead expenses for the year divided by total hours spent on the jobs to get an hourly rate. This can range somewhere between $15-$25 per hour, depending on your fixed costs and the size of your company. ** Non-billable hours: Hours not directly related to the job itself (toolbox talks, training, health and safety documentation, onsite meetings, delays in start times, dates where your team is less productive, weather stoppages, supply delays etc). Although Chris initially thought William cost $20.00 per hour plus extras, to his surprise the actual costs are $58.01 per hour.

2. Number of hours allocated to the job Estimating accurately how long a job will take is also essential to making profit. Every hour worked over the estimated time eats into profit. Unless hours worked are tracked against the estimated hours for each job, time blowouts are usually not seen (aka backcosting). This is often where tradies get tripped up. As a business coach, many tradies I work with have significantly increased their profits by getting control of their hours worked on the job and quoting based on newfound understanding of how many hours a job actually takes (as opposed to how long you think it takes). So check times on every job compared against your time estimates to see how accurate you have been. Then use this history as a guide for quoting for new work. nzplumber

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Business smarts INSURANCE ADVICE

KEEPING IT PRIVATE Under upcoming changes to the Privacy Act, all businesses will have to notify the Privacy Commissioner of a privacy breach. Crombie Lockwood provides advice. A major overhaul to New Zealand’s privacy legislation will come into effect on 1 December 2020. The new Privacy Act delivers an updated legal framework for the protection of information. The biggest change is the requirement for businesses to notify the Privacy Commissioner of privacy breaches that cause, or are likely to cause, ‘serious harm’ to affected individuals. Failure to do so, without reasonable excuse, can result in a fine of up to $10,000. The notification requirements will apply to any agency that holds personal information. “It doesn’t matter whether you have a customer database or an employee register with health and salary information—breach notification obligations will apply to you,” advises Joseph Fitzgerald, Senior Associate at law firm Wotton + Kearney, who partner with Crombie Lockwood in cyber-related claims. “In this regard, the Act will not differentiate between a national company with multiple regional offices and a local lawn mowing contractor who holds the email addresses of a handful of clients.”

How to prepare Joseph says that the best way a business can prepare for the new the Act is to ask yourself: ‘What information do we have?’, ‘What do we have it for?’ and ‘How long have we had it?’. “The Privacy Act reform places a substantial compliance burden on companies that may not have considered

PRIVACY PRINCIPLES The updated Privacy Act seeks to better safeguard personal information and reaffirms the 12 existing privacy principles, which include:

the requirement to collect personal information only for lawful purposes the requirement to store personal information securely and not hold it for longer than necessary the right to access and correct the personal information held on you

privacy breach that causes serious harm or is likely to do so Businesses using any overseas service providers, such as cloud software, will need to make sure the providers are meeting New Zealand privacy laws The Privacy Commissioner will have the ability to issue compliance notices and fines of up to $10,000

the right to receive information about the processing of personal information.

it will be a criminal offence to knowingly destroy documents containing personal information when a request has been made for them

NEW PRIVACY LAWS INCLUDE: Mandatory reporting: the Privacy Commissioner and affected individuals must be notified of a

New Zealand privacy laws will apply to all businesses operating in the country, whether or not they have a physical presence.

this before, so it will pay to take stock: review privacy policies, think about a cyber-attack response plan and look at cyber insurance if you don’t already have it as part of your business insurance policy,” he says. “Above all, I’d recommend any company that is unsure of where they stand or what their obligations are to seek advice before the law change comes into effect in December.” Joseph says the ramifications for all New Zealand businesses remain far-reaching.

“This is very much like the health and safety movement, in that businesses will be forced to get their ship in order.”

About the author: Crombie Lockwood has developed an insurance package to protect Master Plumbers members against the unique risks they face. Master Plumbers Insurance cover includes cyber insurance. Contact Crombie Lockwood on 0800 866 766.

Could you afford a cyber-attack? CL578H

Get your insurance sorted

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0800 866 766 crombielockwood.co.nz/masterplumbers

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29/06/20 11:59 AM

Business smarts HR ADVICE

Business restructuring Are you considering a business restructure? Make sure you follow proper process, says Master Plumbers HR Manager Lisa Duston. With the economic impacts of COVID-19 being felt by many New Zealand businesses, I am receiving calls on how best to manage a restructure process for a business needing to reduce its headcount. An HR guidance document on businesses restructuring is available in the member log-in of the Master Plumbers website, and it is always good to have a discussion on this before starting the process to ensure you have all your ducks in a row. Redundancy is a result of an employer’s decision that a position is surplus to the employer’s commercial needs. Employers must be able to justify that redundancies are genuine and show that a fair process was followed. Following a fair process will benefit the organisation and its

employees—those staying and those that, unfortunately, may need to leave. Any employer who fails to carry out a proper restructuring process will potentially be liable for remedies, such as compensation, penalties, lost remuneration and reinstatement. 1. Document the business case and reasons for restructuring, and have supporting evidence. 2. Document your restructure proposal. This needs to be well thought out and completed before starting the process. 3. Make sure the redundancy proposal is centred on sound business reasons and those reasons are clearly articulated to those affected. 4. Ensure redundancy selection criteria are

rational, clearly explained and consulted on. Employers must apply a clear and transparent period of consultation, which is fair and legal for both parties. 5. Ensure the process and decision-making is compliant with the procedures and criteria set out in any employment agreement or company policy. 6. Give every affected employee a proper opportunity to give feedback on the proposal before any decision is made. Consider employee feedback carefully. There might be another option you haven’t considered. Check out the HR guidance resources available in the member area of the Master Plumbers website (under HR Support), or call Lisa on the HR Helpline to discuss.

About the author: Lisa Duston is HR Manager at Master Plumbers. Lisa offers HR advice to Master Plumbers’ members at competitive rates (first 30 minutes free). Contact Lisa on 021 245 1704 or email lduston@masterplumbers.org.nz

Technical Services Officer

Plumbing Vacancies in Hawkes Bay

This is a rare opportunity for a plumber, gasfitter, gas technician or sales person with in depth technical knowledge of gas appliances to join the technical services team as a Technical Services Officer. This role provides technical support to internal and external customers. First class customer service skills are paramount. Please make confidential enquiries to Alex Meldrum at Farrow Jamieson on 021 630 638.

We are seeking a motivated Tradesperson and/or Certifying Plumber with a commitment to quality work, who is customer focused with excellent people and communication skills. A current PGDB licence is essential. Panton Plumbing has been in business for over 30 years and is a reputable, well established Plumbing, Drainage and Gasfitting company based in Hastings. We are wanting either an experienced reactive maintenance plumber and/or a plumber who is experienced in commercial and residential new builds. We offer excellent rates of pay, health insurance, and relevant training for the successful applicant. Please apply in strict confidence to: danny@pantonplumbing.co.nz or phone 06-8765057

The cost to place a classified advertisement is $60+GST for Master Plumbers members; $100+GST for non-members. Email advertising@masterplumbers.org.nz nzplumber

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Career starters 74 LIFELONG LEARNING 76 FULL THROTTLE 80 OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

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Mark taking coffees to the work site.

LIFELONG LEARNING

What’s the secret to getting the most from your apprentices? With 15 in training at Advanced Plumbing, Drainage & Gas (and a 2020 Trainer of the Year Award to boot), Mark Watkins has some great knowledge to share.

“

If we can train apprentices, that’s our future workforce. We have found this invaluable in growing the business.” So says Mark Watkins, Managing Director at Advanced Plumbing, Drainage & Gas and winner of the 2020 Training Leader of the Year award at this year’s NZ Plumbing Awards. In just 11 years, Mark has grown this Master Plumbers member business from a team of three to 40, servicing the whole of Hawkes Bay and the Central Plateau from two branches. This includes 15 apprentices in various stages of training, with three or four set to qualify soon. Helping young people enter the industry has been a deliberate business decision. “Someone gave me a go 20 years ago,” says Mark. “Now it’s our turn.” He also believes growing your own is the best way of ensuring your team understand your processes and have a high standard of work.

EIT pre-trade plumbing students are among those benefiting from work experience at Advanced. PGD programme coordinator Chris Olsen describes the company as an exemplar within Hawkes Bay for the training and ongoing support of future plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.

Whole team training Advanced have made it their goal to be industry leaders in the level of training and compliance undertaken by the whole team—not just their field staff. Operations, finance, HR, marketing and management are all included. As well as annual CPD training, the trades team do additional courses, such as the Site Safe Passport for working safely on construction sites. Mark is particularly proud that one of the team was awarded a Site Safe scholarship, graduating in 2019. “If you’re not learning, you’re not going ahead,” he says. “It also helps our

Career starters TRAINER PROFILE

The Advanced team is proud to support 'A Children's Christmas'—an initiative by the Craggy Range Foundation to provide gift sacks at Christmas time for Hawke's Bay children living below the poverty line.

The nature and flow of work at Advanced means apprentices can be given plenty of hands-on training at each stage of a project. When working on a house, for example, the apprentice might help do 20 pre-floors, 20 stormwaters, 20 pipe outs and 20 fit outs. “After six months, even while under direct supervision, they are very competent.”

Feeling the pride

“If you’re not learning, you’re not going ahead.” MARK WATKINS Managing Director, Advanced Plumbing, Drainage & Gas apprentices to see that it’s not just for their apprenticeship. Your training goes on throughout your career.” The company holds monthly foreman, apprentice and company-wide meetings to discuss projects, health and safety and opportunities for further learning and upskilling. “We also have a company-wide event calendar, so the team can see what

training has been identified,” says Director Bevan Gully. “They are encouraged to add courses and events they think are relevant and worthwhile.”

Understanding the new generation One of the most valuable sessions Mark says he’s attended was on how to get the best from your apprentices—a Master Plumbers course presented by Lynn Harris. “It helped me understand how the new generation works. Lynn said it takes 16 times to make something a habit, and we wanted to ensure our apprentices would get the repetition they needed to learn something and learn it well.”

A positive work culture also plays a massive part at Advanced, according to Mark. “People have got to be happy and enjoy coming to work. Our core values are family first and for our guys to be super proud of where they work and what they do.” Whilst a lot of plumbing work is buried underground or behind walls, he says the trades team can walk out of a house before it is lined and be proud of the quality of their work—and other trades see that. Bevan notes that Mark is very well connected to every person in the company, creating an all-inclusive culture where people feel valued and have a sense of belonging, accountability and achievement. “It’s this environment that inspires the team to want to perform to their very best,” he says. No surprises, then, that Mark thanked the whole team on receiving his award: “Team Advanced have done an awesome job to be recognised for this.”

Mark celebrating his Training Leader of the Year Award with members of the Advanced team.

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A national-level motocross rider in his high-school years, Sam still enjoys getting out on his 125 at the weekends.

Career starters APPRENTICE PROFILE

PHOTOGRAPH BY SPINNA PHOTOGRAPHY

FULL THROTTLE Owning his first home was a major goal for Taranaki apprentice Sam Hutterd— and he’s achieved this and more at just 21.

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Sam is in the final year of his Masterlink apprenticeship and works at Stratford-based Penniall Jordan. Photograph by Glenn Jeffrey.

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Career starters APPRENTICE PROFILE

etting into a trade, working hard and saving hard has paid off for 21-year-old Sam Hutterd. Earlier this year, his dream of home ownership became a reality. Sam, who is in the final year of his fouryear plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeship with Masterlink, says he moved in just after lockdown and is looking forward to doing some work on the house in the coming months. “Completing my apprenticeship and passing my tradesman exams is my current goal and after that completing my exams to be a certified plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer,” he says. Sam is grateful to have worked under the Masterlink banner since 2016, and is hosted by Savvygas. Savvygas owners Andrew Wratt and Guy Ormrod bought plumbing, drainage and gas business Penniall Jordan in March, enabling them to expand their services from New Plymouth to Stratford, where Sam works alongside two qualified plumbers and gasfitters, a home heating specialist and a labourer. “Masterlink take the pressure off the host company,” he says. “They do a lot of organisation of the apprentice’s training. It makes it more attractive for a company to take on an apprentice rather than having to handle everything on their own.” Sam also appreciates the fact that Masterlink arranges and pays for his block-course accommodation, as he has to travel to Wintec in Hamilton for his off-job training. Lockdown was announced just after he’d turned up for his latest course, so he had to head home again, but he still hopes to complete his qualification by next February. Sam’s Year 13 at Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth was organised with a career in the trades in mind. Rather than doing conventional subjects, he went through the school’s Career Pathway and Gateway programmes. He says the variety of work experience was great. “I did three days a week work experience and two days

doing more life skills-based paperwork at school, like trades paperwork, rather than mainstream school. “Earlier in Year 12, I started doing Gateway one day a week working for an engineer. In Year 13, I did electrical, plumbing and building work plus worked with a stock agent as well.” Sam admits it was a close choice between electrical and plumbing for his apprenticeship. “Through work experience, I got to know the guys and the boss in Stratford and I really liked the variety of plumbing. “We do all sorts here in Taranaki from installing pipes in new houses, new heating units, water heaters, repairing old pipework, fixing taps and shower units, through to log fire installations and servicing out in the back country. That appealed to me.” Back country work has included a spell working on a disabled complex at the Whangamomona Hotel in the Whanganui National Park—New Zealand’s most remote country hotel. “We stayed for a couple of nights and worked 12 to 13 hour days to get the job done,” says Sam. “We were out of cellphone reach, so we had to make sure we took in everything we would need.” Being part of a team of like-minded characters is what makes Sam look forward to going to work every day. “It is great having workmates you can bounce ideas off and discuss jobs with, especially here travelling around the countryside, which is probably my favourite part.” Another reason he chose plumbing was because of the major shortage of plumbers. “You will always be able to get a job pretty much. The main thing is to be a good listener and be open to learn from different people.”

Text based on an article by Peter White, which first appeared in Issue #18 of Leaving School magazine from Oliver Lee Publications. www.oliverlee.co.nz

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Career starters DYSLEXIA SUPPORT

Bob organised for Matthew to be tested by the Skills’ Vocational Literacy Team. Sure enough, he was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia—a condition that affects the brain’s ability to think, learn and remember. “Under pressure situations, text and numbers all merged into one black blob on the screen, and I would have to read the text ten times or more to actually take it all in and understand what I was reading,” says Matthew.

Matt Taylor with his hard-won and well-earned National Certificate.

Added challenges

Overcoming obstacles Undiagnosed dyslexia and dyspraxia, combined with severe anxiety, had led Matthew Taylor to doubt he’d get anywhere in life—until a support team came to his aid. Skills has the story. ‘You can’t judge a fish’s intelligence by how well it can climb a tree.’ To Matthew Taylor, hearing those words from his Skills case manager was just the push he needed to keep at his apprenticeship. Matthew had been battling more challenges that most. Having gone through school with undiagnosed dyslexia and dyspraxia and thinking he was ‘dumb’, now he was failing his trade apprenticeship exams over and over again. “Hearing Jaqi say that to me about the fish, it made me realise: ‘Hey I’m really good at my apprenticeship practically—I

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just struggle with the paperwork.’ It really made a difference to me,” says Matthew.

It takes a team It was Jaqi, along with Bob Henwood of Northtec and Marius Schmidt from Skills, who Matthew credits with helping him complete his apprenticeship and also identify his learning difficulties. “I failed my exam a couple of times in my first year and it was Bob Henwood, my tutor, that said, ‘This isn’t right, this bloke’s pretty onto it. We need to find out what is wrong because he should have passed this.’”

These learning difficulties also coincided with severe anxiety Matthew had experienced since high school, to the point where he constantly doubted himself and worried he would never make something of his life. “I was in and out of doctors’ offices and seeing counsellors, just trying to find more coping mechanisms and methods. It is not something that is going to go away but it is something I can learn to manage a bit better.” Once he got some tools to manage his anxiety and was able to access the right assistance to manage his dyslexia and dyspraxia, Matthew was able to pass his exams and get his ticket. A milestone that at times he thought he would never achieve. “Bob gave me every resource I needed, while Marius was an absolute gem,” says Matthew. “He helped me get up to speed on what I needed to know and how to study for it. That’s what got me over the line.” In terms of the exams, the Skills’ Vocational Literacy Team helped Matthew access extra time for assessments and exams, which he says “helped phenomenally”.

Focused on the future Seven years later and Matthew is out working in the trades. He says it’s been a long time getting to the finish line but, now he’s done it, he wants to show others facing their own challenges that it is possible. “I’ll forever be thankful to everyone involved in my apprenticeship. It means more to me than any of them will ever know. Leaving school at 14 because of being deemed stupid for struggling with paperwork, the journey has shown me I can do anything I put my mind to. And it has secured my future. So, sincerely, to the Skills team that helped me, thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

If you are an apprentice, or have an apprentice working within your business, who may be experiencing challenges with learning, contact your Skills account manager to find out more about how the Skills’ Vocational Literacy Team may be able to help.

With one in 10 New Zealanders estimated to have dyslexia, it’s good to know technologies are available to help with both reading and writing. For reading, pen scanners can read text out loud as the person passes the scanner along the printed line of text. Different scanning pens are available to help people with dyslexia and

people needing to translate from another language. For writing, speech recognition software can turn speech to text on a desktop or tablet. The person talks and the words appear on screen as typed text. Government funding is available for New Zealanders with dyslexia to access these assistive technologies.

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: WHAT’S AVAILABLE

You Kno

The Masterlink group training scheme (GTS) for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices is the first construction GTS to promote itself as Dyslexia Friendly, providing support and resources for dyslexic apprentices and their host employers. Masterlink works with dyslexia researcher and practitioner Mike Styles, who has led national projects to explore how best to support adults with dyslexia. Mike has presented his findings at conferences in the UK, Europe and Australia. You can contact Mike on mike.styles@ dyslexia-consulting.com For more information about how Masterlink can help, email admin@ masterlink.co.nz or call 0800 502 102.

The C-PEN® scans text and reads it back to the user. Photograph from DTSL, Palmerston North.

Feeling under Pressure? Don’t let your jobs get backed up. Take on an apprentice and secure the future of your business. Call Skills on 0508 SKILLS (754 557) to find out more.

And finally...

10 MINUTES WITH... Cameron King When he’s not at work, 20-year-old apprentice Cameron King is likely to be found on an airsoft mission or preparing for a battle reenactment.

ell us a bit about yourself I used to be in security, but I decided I wanted a trade as I like working with my hands. Plumbing looked the most interesting as it’s quite technical. I signed up for a plumbing pre-trade at Wintec and then applied for a five-year Masterlink plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting apprenticeship. I started at CF Reese in Hamilton just before the COVID pandemic hit. I’m one of seven apprentices at the firm. So, what is airsoft? It’s like paintball but with more realistic firearms that fire plastic BB projectiles. I do MilSim [military simulation] airsoft games at the weekends. They can be anything from six hours to 72 hours long—the smallest with a squad of five and the largest a full company of 120— reenacting missions against other teams with ammo, supplies, vehicles, money, bases and strategic land. I’m part of a mostly Wellington-based team that dresses as the Russian 45th VDV unit. The winning side might be measured on who has secured the most supplies, who has kept their ground the longest or who has the most money in the bank (there’s plenty of bribery, betrayal and backstabbing!).

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10 MINUTES WITH….

Who organises the activities? Clubs and individuals all around the country host games and I travel all over the North Island to take part. The admin team set things up and sometimes also join the game—becoming the area’s police force, for example. The smallest games might be on a 20m x 10m field covered in barricades. The largest I’ve taken part

in was an entire forest block, with a light tank, six aircraft and pyrotechnics. What about the reenactments you do? There are two reenactment societies in Hamilton—one historical and one military. I plan to join both but at the moment I’m part of the military group. We take part in reenactments at events like Armistice in Cambridge. Our reenactments have included the Australian 4th Light Horse Regiment’s part in the 1917 Battle of Beersheba, where a last-ditch cavalry charge won the day, and the battles of the Bielski partisans, a Jewish unit in German-occupied Poland, who sheltered in a forest encampment and saved many Jews. How do you prepare? Reenactments are few and far between, especially at the moment, but we do tactical training and a lot of research into our uniforms and kit. Anything historically inaccurate is called ‘farby’—a real insult in reenactment terms! We buy everything ourselves and uniforms are expensive, whether real or reproduction. I take a lot of care of the old uniforms I buy, and I do all my own sewing. The leather boots also need regular polishing. It’s getting harder to find the real thing and I’m always looking online, in antique shops or in the stores at big events. Other than for friendship and fun, why are you involved? I’m a hobby historian. I’m proud of my country and those who fought for us. We need to remember what happened on the different sides of war—even on the wrong side, so we don’t repeat their mistakes.

And finally... ON THE SIDE

Cameron has taken part in several Armistice in Cambridge events and says reenactments involve tactical training and a lot of research into the right uniforms and kit.

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And finally... DODGY PLUMBING

Low benchmark “Have a look at this great benching in a new subdivision,” says Ash Sizemore of Enviro Civil & Drainage. “This was recently done by another contractor on a job we took over. The best part is, Watercare signed it off!”

Stick with it Some tidy waste pipe under house DIY sent in by Natoli Plumbing.

Sent in a photo and haven’t seen it yet? Please bear with us as we work our way through all the entries!

This edition’s plumbing, gas and drainage wall of shame.

Gas DIY “Our gasfitter Matt Smith found a homeowner had done their own gasfitting,” says Chris Downey of Tuffnell Plumbing, Drainage & Gas. “All clearances to drains and electrical sources didn’t comply, garden hose pipe used and natural gas injectors for an LPG installation… just to name a few. No wonder their cakes were burning and pots were charred! The system has since been made compliant.” nzplumber

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And finally... DODGY PLUMBING

Clearance issue

Out of sight!

“Came across this whilst quoting on a kitchen renovation,” says Steve of Blue Flame Gas Services. “Needless to say I put this right for the customer, who wasn’t convinced there was anything wrong! Even had another plumber say it was OK!”

“Found this gem for your dodgy handywork page,” says Jason of Contrast Plumbing.

Topsy turvy

Totally flexible

Shaun at Bell Plumbing sent in this photo of an upside down installation. “It was working fine, but not the best configuration of valves I’ve seen! Lol.”

Thanks to Paul Knight of Pipe Masters for sending in these photos. “House relocated from Auckland to the Mount. Opened up the walls and found this Flexi-Surprise!”

Send your dodgy photos to the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz. The bigger the file, the larger we can show it on the page. 086

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NZ Plumber August-September 2020

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