Branch profile

50 YEARS FOR WAIKATO

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

Aged 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 50- year 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.

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.