Tell your customers you meet the standard.New Zealand is introducing new standards for lead in its drinking water. Starting in September 2025, the new regulations proposed by MBIE will limit the lead content in plumbing products to a weighted average of no more than 0.25%.
Cimberio ball valves, with their distinctive green handles, are lead-free and DZR.
Cimberio lets you meet tomorrow’s standards, today. And, tell your customers about it. For a top-quality, lead-free ball valve you can rely on, choose the green product with the green handle from Cimberio.
The Adesso Mode tapware collection offers a modern take on a classic design. The range has been designed to exceed the new lead regulations which MBIE has confirmed will be incorporated in Building Code
Acceptable Solution G12/AS1 from September 2025.
Available in chrome, brushed nickel, black, brushed brass and gun metal, the range comes with a 35-year warranty* and is designed for both all pressure and mains pressure. Available in a complete collection to suit any bathroom and kitchen.
*conditions apply
Volume 76, Number 1
MAGAZINE TEAM
CEO Greg Wallace
EDITOR
Beverly Sellers 0272 923 923 bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz
Blue Star 33 Jackson Street, Petone, Wellington
DESIGN
SCG Senior Designer – Julian Pettitt
SCG Senior Account Director – LauraGrace McFarland scg.net.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 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.
The ‘handyman’ plumber is out there doing some pretty shonky stuff, as we know too well from the Dodgy Plumbing pages in NZ Plumber. But, how easy is it to prosecute these unauthorised people?
The answer is simple—it’s not. Seems you have to virtually catch them in the act. In our feature article on page 18, the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board (the people who ensure our trades are competent to practise) explain the process involved in getting cowboys to court.
Any judge will want rock solid evidence of wrongdoing, say the Board. In other words, the date, the place and the actual job being worked on by the identified person. Without these crucial bits of evidence, they can’t prosecute. They’re up against the old legal maxim of ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.
However, the Board go on to say this doesn’t mean they will give up. They will try and get information from those involved—which may include the plumber who put the work right.
So, keep telling the Board whenever you know of someone doing dodgy plumbing, drainlaying or gasfitting work, or someone advertising themselves as authorised in these trades, when they are not. The email is complaints@pgdb.co.nz
We know from feedback that NZ Plumber readers love the Dodgy Plumbing page in the magazine—but can you imagine a day when the page is blank because all the cowboys have been rounded up? For all qualified, authorised and compliant businesses out there, who are doing it right by their customers, that will be a day to celebrate.
Beverly Sellers Editor, NZ Plumber, bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz
Kohia te kai rangatira, ruia te taitea
Gather the best, reject the bad
72
59
BUSINESS SMARTS
59 90-day trial periods
Now available to employers of all sizes
60
Turning strategy on its head
Why
63
Helping you with Health & Safety Master Plumbers
services
64
Secret sauce for business success
Essential marketing elements for longterm growth
65 Sports drinks: to drink or not?
The plumber’s day can be an endurance event—but do sports drinks really help?
66
Helping you with health & safety Growth for the Master Plumbers health and safety offering
71 Focus on the small stuff
Combining big picture thinking with day-to-day process
72
63
Embracing a safe
healthy 2024
Time to
Avoiding the annual tax scramble
How job management software can help you avoid the lastminute EOFY rush
CAREER STARTERS
75 AND FINALLY...
75 EarnLearn PGD training improvements
Key changes for PGD programmes in 2024
76 “Doing a good job is what matters”
Why Teigan Jopson recommends a plumbing career
78 Day in the life
Final year apprentice Sebastian Sekene faces a channel drain challenge
80 The stuff of champions
Looking back on another successful Young Plumber of the Year competition
86
88
86
10 minutes with... Plumber and firefighter Nick Hinks
Dodgy plumbing
This edition’s hall of shame
88
COVER STORY
Northland-based Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter Blake Patrick set up his Limitless Plumbing & Gas business in 2022 with just a name and a van. Two years on, he has taken on two apprentices and his wife Jade has joined this growing business, which has just won an industry award. On page 28, Blake talks about his journey, his values and his priorities.
Cover photograph: Dawn Dutton
Welcome to 2024. As always, it’s nice to have a break over the January period and most people seem to have had a spell of good weather—unless you were at the Northern Bass music festival!
Getting back to the start of the year as a Wellington resident, I have been shocked and appalled by the water restrictions being placed on the region due to an ongoing lack of water infrastructure expenditure.
As this edition goes to print, it’s likely that Wellingtonians will be in Level 3 water restrictions, which means one load of washing per family per week and two-minute showers. We all know the council will have no mechanism to police this.
My concern is that the capital city of New Zealand has water infrastructure that leaks more than 40% of water—our most precious resource—into the ocean each day.
mean reducing spending on town halls, libraries and cycleways, as they don’t protect public health.
I was informed by a water expert that this infrastructure decline in Wellington and some other cities could be the worst in the whole developed world. Ultimately, our industry deals with water and, without water at a consistent and reliable level, we don’t have a system. I believe the government needs to take some strong action to ensure that water and public health are prioritised.
I believe the government needs to take some strong action to ensure that water and public health are prioritised.
We know from the droughts in Australia over the last decade that, when major drinking water restrictions are placed on consumers, there is also a high level of debris through the water system, which affects tapware and other fixtures. Lower water impacts the wastewater system, too, with lower capacity flows that can cause additional blockages, particularly when a whole region is affected. This is when all consumers realise how precious water is as an essential part of a healthy community.
Someone asked me the other day what I would do about the extreme water crisis in Wellington if I was in council. My answer was quite simple. Stop blaming previous councils and their lack of infrastructure expenditure—and stop spending money on any other items than water infrastructure. This would
In other news, we are ramping up for the New Zealand Plumbing Conference in Wellington (even if it means bringing in bottled water!). If you haven’t already registered, our conferences make you better in business and provide you with information and resources you won’t get anywhere else. Accommodation in Wellington is always limited, so you will also need to secure this nice and early.
Finally, with the new coalition government now in place, Master Plumbers’ advocacy work has increased dramatically. Our particular focus is on ensuring the implementation of a self-certification regime for plumbers and drainlayers, and we have much to discuss with ministers around an appropriate regime. I will keep members updated through our regular CEO Video updates.
Greg Wallace, CEO Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZHe tāonga te wai Water is precious
An amazing journey that you will remember for life!
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, Methven Caroma, Masterlink is offering 10 fully funded Outward Bound Scholarships to our apprentices. Successful Masterlink apprentices will join other construction industry trainees on a 16-day Building Leaders Course.
OUR 2023 HOSTS SAY
OUR 2023 APPRENTICES SAY
“Outward Bound has given him real belief in himself, that he can do whatever he sets his mind to.”
“The payback from the course is well worth the short-term pain for the long-term gain.”
“It unlocks huge potential. It makes them understand themselves and others more.”
“I knew the course would be good for me ... it truly exceeded my expectations.”
“I’ve never felt so in-tune with myself and so motivated to do my best, for myself and for others.”
“It was incredible, I was able to push myself and achieve more than I thought I was able to.”
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 18 March. Find out more at www.masterlink.co.nz
Compatible KemPress® NZ Tools
KemPress® KPS & KPS2
Novopress ACO102
REMS Mini-Press
Rothenberger Romax Compact TT
Zupper PZ 1930
NORTH ISLAND
MM Brands - Auckland (Head Office)
263 Ti Rakau Drive, East Tamaki, Auckland 2013. P.O.Box 51-525, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140.
Phone: +64 9 274 0111 or 0800 536 252
Fax: +64 9 274 0347
Email: sales@mmbrands.co.nz
www.facebook.com/mmbrandsnz
SOUTH ISLAND
MM Brands - Christchurch
9 Syd Bradley Road, Dakota Park, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8142.
P.O.Box 51-525, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140.
Phone: +64 3 341 1271
Fax: +64 3 341 1271
Email: sales@mmbrands.co.nz
www.instagram.com/mmbrandsnz
Australia is banning the use of engineered stone— will New Zealand follow suit?
A national ban on the use of engineered stone in Australia will take effect from 1 July 2024. The ban follows a long campaign by the state of Queensland in response to escalating worker health impacts, including silicosis.
Silicosis is a disease that causes scarring of the lungs. Accelerated silicosis is a type of silicosis that can occur after a worker has been exposed to large amounts of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. It typically develops over three to 10 years but there have been cases overseas after less than one year of exposure.
According to Building Connection magazine, in 2021 WorkSafe Australia accepted 73 claims from workers who had developed a silica-related disease through workplace exposure and, sadly, five people lost their lives.
New Zealand continues to allow the use of engineered stone. A WorkSafe spokesperson told BRANZ Guideline in January that WorkSafe is contributing to advice being prepared by MBIE about options for regulatory intervention in the engineered stone sector.
New Zealand’s largest fabricator of engineered stone, AGB Stone has committed to using only low-silica stone with a composition of less than 40% silica, and says it is keen to encourage and help develop a Code of Practice for the whole industry, with regulations that explicitly prohibit uncontrolled dry cutting of engineered stone. Engineered stone products are safe in their manufactured state.
Find silicosis health and safety information at www.worksafe.govt.nz
Master Plumbers is spearheading the new Apprentice Representative Group (ARG), which aims to provide a platform for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices to contribute actively to the industry. The group will represent the interests of apprentices within the wider industry and will encourage leadership and growth.
Six apprentices have now been selected for the ARG in 2024, joining executive committee members Colleen Upton (Chair), Greg Wallace, Paul Olsen and Lisa Duston. The group plans to meet four times a year.
“This is an exciting new opportunity to hear direct from apprentices about the training
delivery challenges they may be facing and to consider potential solutions,” says Lisa Duston. “It is vitally important for this industry’s apprentices to have a voice and we look forward to representing their needs.”
Apprentice members of ARG are:
Emma de Salis – Climate & Plumbing
Brooklin Toia – Plumbing & Gas Works
Maria Contreras Huerta
– Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas
Zack Stalker – Barry Dell Plumbing
Jack Smith – Auckland Plumbers Group
George McCallum-Clark – AquaPro
The Wellington region's drinking water network is largely 30-100 years old and made up of 2,543km of pipeline (the equivalent distance of flying from Wellington to Sydney). It is also leaking—badly.
Maintenance costs have skyrocketed but poor reporting by council-owned Wellington Water fails to show clearly how it is spending ratepayers' money to fix leaks and failing pipes, according to an independent report released in February.
“You can’t walk 100 metres around Wellington without seeing a leak coming from the footpath, the road or a fire hydrant,” says Greg Wallace, chief executive of Master Plumbers, which is calling for independent commissioners to look into the issue.
Master Plumbers also wants its members to be part of the solution. Wallace says the council needs to stop bandaging the problem and move forward with a genuine pipe replacement strategy. In the meantime, isolation valves and tobies in all houses need to be fixed and he considers plumbers perfectly capable of doing this work.
Following significant media coverage on the issue, Master Plumbers is pleased that Wellington Water has since engaged with plumbing businesses in the region to discuss ways plumbers might be able to get involved.
As of 20 December 2023, the Fair Pay Agreements (FPA) Act has been repealed. Rights and obligations under other employment legislation still apply. Employers, unions, and employees are encouraged to work together to agree suitable employment terms.
If your organisation currently holds any personal information collected for the purpose of the Fair Pay Agreement activities, including bargaining, it must now be disposed of in line with the privacy laws. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner explains how you can do this at privacy.org.nz
Innovations to tackle the impacts of climate change will be on show at the 2025 ISH trade fair for HVAC and Water, to be held Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Taking a ‘Solutions for a Sustainable Future’ theme, the trade fair will showcase new technologies in eight ‘solution fields’. Fields include bathrooms, water-bearing systems, installation, heat generation and sanitary and HVAC products.
This new concept aims to transform ISH from a straightforward product expo to a show with solution-oriented applications. “In the future, content and knowledge transfer will take place in close thematic proximity to the relevant exhibitors, thus creating a stronger link between the presentations of innovative solutions with best-practice examples and information about developments in the market,” explains Stefan Seitz, Director ISH Brand Management.
The 2025 ISH Trade Fair will run from 17 to 25 March.
Find information about the eight solutions fields at ish.messefrankfurt.com
Jeffrey Clarke has been appointed GasNZ Chief Executive Jeffrey Clarke joins GasNZ from his previous role as Chief Executive of the Bragato Research Institute, the New Zealand wine industry’s research and innovation centre, and before this was General Manager Advocacy & General Counsel at New Zealand Winegrowers.
He brings energy experience from earlier career roles in the sector, including as legal affairs manager at Meridian, and four years as New Zealand’s energy advisor at the International Energy Agency.
“Jeffrey’s attributes position him well to advocate strongly and credibly for the role of gas in a decarbonised energy system and to work with government to bring renewable gases on stream,” says GasNZ Chair Nick Hannan.
Clarke succeeds Janet Carson in the role. “Janet has led the organisation through a transformative period, achieving the merger of the gas and LPG associations, and with the Board has charted a new strategy anchored in a renewable gas future,” says Hannan.
“She leaves the organisation in a solid position with a clear focus and ready for the new CEO to lead GasNZ through the next phase. We wish her every success in her new role.”
Women working at all levels and in all areas of the construction industry can enter for the NAWIC Excellence Awards. Entries in 12 categories for the 2024 awards are open until Friday 15 March, with the awards ceremony
to be held on 19 July at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Enter at www.nawic.org.nz/nawicexcellence-awards
The Government has promised to scrap the Three Waters model early this year and replace it with a system that keeps drinking water, stormwater and wastewater in local control, while setting strict rules for water quality and investment in infrastructure.
Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe says it is important that the Government moves quickly to reveal the details of the proposed legislation, as the current uncertainty is risking delays and jeopardising projects in the pipeline.
“We need to ensure that there is confidence around ongoing investment, and it is at levels that make inroads into the infrastructure deficit.”
She says skilled workers and contractors are seeking opportunities offshore and this puts future investments and their delivery in jeopardy.
“The impact of our long-term underinvestment in infrastructure is becoming increasingly evident with daily reports of leaking pipes and beaches regularly contaminated by wastewater and stormwater overflows,” she says.
A draft standard is open for comment on Standards Australia public comments system. Comments are open until 8 March on DR AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 Amd 2:2023 Gas installations, Part 1: General installations.
Summary of key proposed amends:
1.3.72 Living space – space that is used for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Note 1 to above “An annex or covered deck that forms a part of any item listed in Clause 1.1.1 is considered a living space.”
3.1.8 After figure 3.1.8 (d), a new schematic of a vapour barrier on a caravan has been added
6.3.2 New clause with changes regarding stowed appliances to reflect the increased number of selfcontained vehicles with stowed gas equipment
6.3.3 New clause relating to appliance support
6.11.1 Updated (ii) clearances around appliances
7.3.1 Updated ventilation—note that ventilation is still required even if the appliances are room sealed. “In cases where the appliances are only of the room-sealed type, or where part of a room-sealed appliance is within the caravan or boat, the minimum value for permanent ventilation shall be 4,000 mm2.”
View the draft and provide your feedback at https://comment.standards.org.au/Drafts/389363f961b6-4ef6-8a6e-7b6182dc8e33
Please note: the 2022 version of the standard is not the cited version for use.
Recruitment and staff restructuring activities at Te Pūkenga have been stopped as the Government begins disestablishing this vocational education organisation formed just four years ago with the merger of New Zealand’s 16 polytechnics and institutes of technology.
The disestablishment is part of the Government’s 100-day plan, and will see the reestablishment of the former providers as institutions.
“The management of Te Pūkenga will be expected to focus on ensuring students, employers and staff are well supported through this next phase,” said Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds on announcing the process. “Students will be able to continue their courses as normal.”
BUILDhers is a New Zealand first—a home build project led by a woman-only team. The four-bedroom detached home is being constructed at Whenuapai, a Fletcher Living development. More than 40 women are involved in the project from start to finish, including design, specification, project and site management, quantity surveying, plumbing, electrics and sales process. BUILDhers aims to show the variety of career paths open to women in the construction industry. See the project in action at www.fletcherliving.co.nz/buildhers
CF Reese Plumbing has purchased back one of its original vehicles. The 1937 Chevy Truck was spotted by chance on Facebook Marketplace by one of the CF Reese team, who saw the signwriting on the side of the door. The truck’s owner was selling several old vehicles to clear a paddock on his farm in Paeroa. The vehicle was sitting in a swamp, so a day trip was planned with a transporter trailer to retrieve it.
Legend has it that the truck was commandeered by the NZ Army for active service in the early 1940s and there are still areas of army green paint behind the cab despite being repainted afterwards. Two of the company’s retired employees also remember the vehicle being used as a drainage truck in Hamilton in the early 1970s. After CF Reese sold it, the truck apparently ran until 2000 and was used for drag racing, by the look of the tyres.
CF Reese would love to see it restored but it is quite far gone. “It would be more sensible to invest the same funds into putting two extra vans on the road (if we could find plumbers to drive them), so we will likely settle for the signwritten doors to be mounted in the foyer of our building, keeping the memory alive,” says company owner Aaron Rink.
Send us your good news stories! Email the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz
6 MAR – AUCKLAND
7 MAR – AUCKLAND
27
7 MAR – TAURANGA
14 MAR – QUEENSTOWN
19 MAR – CHRISTCHURCH
13 MAR – NEW PLYMOUTH
20 MAR – TAURANGA
27 MAR – CHRISTCHURCH
8 MAY – WELLINGTON
15 MAY – DUNEDIN
21 MAR – DUNEDIN masterplumbers.org.nz/events Profit
29 MAY – HASTINGS masterplumbers.org.nz/events
20 MAR – LOWER HUTT 30 APR – AUCKLAND
17
5 JUN –
22 MAR – ONLINE
26 APR – ONLINE
31 MAY – ONLINE
21 JUN – ONLINE masterplumbers.org.nz/events
1 MAY – ONLINE
With a three-day trade show, rugby legend Sir Wayne Smith as a keynote speaker, panel discussions, evening entertainment and much more, the 2024 New Zealand Plumbing Conference promises to be an awesome event for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.
This year’s conference is being held from 10-12 April at the brandnew Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre—a worldclass, purpose-built 18,000 sqm venue in the heart of the capital.
The event culminates in a celebration of the industry’s brightest and best at the 2024 New Zealand Plumbing Awards Dinner, sponsored by Plumbing World.
If you’ve never experienced the New Zealand Plumbing Conference, make this your first—you won’t be disappointed!
When: 10-12 April 2024
Where: Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre
Book: www.plumbingconference.org.nz
You will meet and make new friends, you will definitely learn things to take back to your business, you will hear from some of the best people in their field and you will have the opportunity to meet suppliers and merchants in a relaxed setting.
Such a great 3 days filled with amazing and motivating speakers, a chance to network with like-minded people and I always come back feeling so positive and recharged!
Prosecuting unauthorised people who do restricted plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying work (the ‘cowboys’) is not as easy as it seems, says the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board (the PGDB). In this article, the PGDB outlines the court process.
Getting people to commit to the court process and having rock solid evidence that will convince a judge are some of the many obstacles the Board faces when bringing charges against unauthorised people.
To charge a person with unauthorised work, the PGDB needs to be able to show that an identified person did sanitary plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying at a specific place on a specific date when they did not hold an authorisation to do that work. These are all the parts of the offence of unauthorised work and if the PGDB cannot prove all of them, it cannot successfully prosecute someone for working unauthorised.
Often, the PGDB is told that a person is doing unauthorised work. But if it cannot get evidence of a specific job done by that person, it cannot prove they have done restricted sanitary plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying. If it cannot get evidence of when the person did the job, it cannot prove they did not hold an authorisation at the time they did the work.
When the PGDB is informed about possible unauthorised work, it will try and gather the necessary evidence to prove it in court. It may contact the property owner where the work was carried out and see if they will provide any information. If the work had been done by a builder as part of a bathroom renovation, say, or a hired ‘handyman’, the property owner may be willing to give the PGDB the information it needs.
They may be able to tell the PGDB what the person did and when they did it. They may also be able to provide quotes, invoices, payment details, and photographs of the work. This is all great evidence and can be used in a prosecution to show the person did unauthorised work.
Sometimes, though, the property owner may be the person who did the work, and they may refuse to tell the PGDB anything about it because they do not want to be prosecuted. In cases like this, if the necessary information can’t be found some other way, the PGDB won’t be able to charge the person. It is frustrating, but the PGDB can’t bring charges if it can’t prove the person did unauthorised work.
The PGDB needs to be able to show that an identified person did sanitary plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying at a specific place on a specific date when they did not hold an authorisation.
Much of the time the PGDB also needs evidence from the practitioner who has remediated the work. It understands there can be a reluctance to get involved due to the time commitment, possible reputational impact, and the possibility they may be required to appear in Court.
Even when it can gather all the information it considers necessary to charge someone, the evidence must be reviewed from a legal perspective. Unauthorised work is a criminal offence and the PGDB must be able to prove it in court beyond a reasonable doubt.
This is a high threshold and if the judge hearing the case has any doubts about it, they must interpret them in the charged person’s favour. That is why a lawyer will look at the evidence before the PGDB charges anyone and say whether they think it is strong enough to convince the judge. If there are any doubts about the evidence, the PGDB will try and find more information to help. But if it can’t do that, again, it may not be able to charge the person.
Where the PGDB can charge someone and is successful, the person will be fined for their offending. The fines for
most offences are up to $10,000. Offences relating to gasfitting carry fines of up to $50,000 for an individual or $250,000 for body corporate. Fines for offences relating to gasfitting are higher because of the immediate and serious dangers with gasfitting work if it is not done correctly, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or an explosion. Parliament, who set the fines, considered that the dangers with sanitary plumbing and drainlaying, while still potentially significant, were less immediate and therefore a less serious threat.
The PGDB is often told about possible unauthorised work but doesn’t have enough information to bring charges and can’t find a way to get the information needed. This kind of information is not wasted, even if it can’t charge someone.
The PGDB records all such information it receives on a register and keeps it in case further information can be gathered in the future that would allow it to bring charges.
The information can also be used for compliance visits. In 2023, the
In 2023, the Board prosecuted eight people, who were sentenced in the District Court—two examples are given below. A further four cases are expected to be resolved in early 2024.
Case 1
The defendant was engaged by multiple homeowners to complete restricted work. The work was either semi-completed or not started. The defendant did not hold any authorisation at the time but had previously held an exemption under supervision. The scale of the offending and the cost to the victims was considered by the judge and the PGDB agreed to waive the fine amount sought in favour of compensation to the victims who had not already had a compensation order. The Court imposed $57,297 in reparation.
Case 2
The defendant was engaged by the homeowner to install a gas cooker and
associated pipework and connect to bottles. The defendant completed the work and provided the homeowner with a gas certificate. The homeowner noted the gas was being used quickly and contacted the PGDB regarding the defendant’s licence status. The defendant was not authorised to undertake restricted gasfitting work, although he had previously held exemptions under supervision in plumbing and gasfitting. The defendant did not engage in the district court hearing and the judge considered this an aggravating factor, though did not consider the work itself below the standard required, despite the issues identified. The Court fined Harris $5,300 and $250 in court costs.
PGDB carried out compliance visits in Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, Cambridge, Hamilton, Ashburton, Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington. These visits provide an opportunity to identify people who may never have held a licence or authorisation to do restricted work and they have resulted in successful prosecutions both against people who are unauthorised and companies that employ unauthorised people to do restricted work.
The primary role of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) is to protect public health and safety by ensuring that plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers are competent to practise their trade.
Contact the PGDB at office@pgdb.co.nz or freephone 0800 743 262; www.pgdb.co.nz
Contact the PGDB if you: know of someone who has done sanitary plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying when not authorised; or if you know of people who are advertising themselves as plumbers, gasfitters or drainlayers when they are not—this is also a criminal offence.
The PGDB will need the kind of information talked about in this article (eg, evidence of a specific job, on a specific date, at a specific place) if it is going to charge someone. But even if you don’t have this kind of information, the PGDB is still interested in hearing practitioners’ concerns about potential unauthorised work and dodgy people.
Let the PGDB know and it will see what it can do to remove from our industry these cowboys, who put the health and safety of the public at risk.
Know a cowboy working in your area? Send information to complaints@pgdb.co.nz
In December 2023, Apex began the introduction of a new TV20 Tempering Valve, which has a replaceable cartridge The cartridge design enables quick and easy field ser vicing as the valve body can remain mounted in the pipework. The new TV20 has the same performance as the existing design and will retrofit existing installa tions so pipework remains unchanged
Transition to the new valve began in December 2023 for individual units, and the TV20 will be supplied in LEAD-FREE COMBI PACKS available early 2024
For more details, visit wattsnz.co.nz
PLATINUM PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNERS
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Partners for their support:
SILVER PARTNERS
In collaboration with law firm Duncan Cotterill, Master Plumbers offers an extensive range of employment and business resources—free to members.
It can cost thousands of dollars to set up a plumbing business with appropriate employment agreements, workplace policies, terms of trade, quoting documents and building work contracts.
Members of Master Plumbers can access all these templates free of charge. Plus, Master Plumbers has an extensive range of guidance, fact sheets and checklists to take you step by step through implementing these resources in your business.
All resources are developed and regularly reviewed in collaboration with law firm Duncan Cotterill to ensure they are up to date with the latest compliance requirements.
Look out for more new resources to be added in 2024.
See what’s currently available below.
Members of Master Plumbers have a new online community— a space to ask questions, share ideas and discuss issues with fellow members around the motu.
The community is part of a refreshed and updated new member area for the Master Plumbers website.
Following the success of a pilot ‘Behind the Tools’ workshop with Wellington members, Master Plumbers plans to offer this learning opportunity around the regions.
The aim of the event is to outline the wide range of available Master Plumbers resources, to ensure members are making the most of these tools for their businesses.
Keep your eye out for a Behind the Tools session coming your way. Go to www.masterplumbers.org.nz/events for upcoming dates and venues.
Much work has been done behind the scenes to get the new site up and running, and Master Plumbers would love to hear from members if they have any feedback to help with ongoing improvements and enhancements.
An exciting new Business Benchmark service has been launched by Master Plumbers. Members are able to receive an individual, personalised Business Benchmark report by responding to a set of questions around business areas such business operations, staff, customer satisfaction and compliance. The report provides the business with a rating for each aspect, based on how it compares with others in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry. It also provides links to relevant resources available through Master Plumbers to assist the business in areas where it may wish to improve.
Members who would like to take advantage of the new Business Benchmark service can contact membership@masterplumbers.org.nz
SURVEY
97% of member business
have 50
employees or employees, and
currently apprentice
apprentice
and
WELCOME
MEMBER PROFILE
Number of people in the business Apprentice numbers per business Priority advocacy topics 28% 2-5 21% Only me 21% 6-10 18% 11-20 9% 21-49 2% 50-99 1% 100+ 41% 2-4 16% 1 12% 5-9 4% 10 or more 50% Self-certification 24% Apprentice training delivery 13% Skills shortages 7% Renewable gas futures 3% Water quality 2% Practitioner fees 1% Lead-free product labelling LEARNING AND EARNING APPRENTICE TRAINING
Master Plumbers would like to thank all member businesses who took part in the 2023 Member Survey. Here, we provide a snapshot of the responses. This survey feedback gives Master Plumbers an insight into how it can enhance its resources, training activities and services to the wider membership.
Over 97% of member business have 50 employees or fewer. The majority (28%) employ 2-5 employees, and 21% work solo.
Over 97% of member businesses have 50 employees or fewer. The majority (28%) employ 2-5 employees, and 21% work solo.
of respondents are currently training at least one apprentice
plan to take on a new apprentice over the next 12 months
ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
Master Plumbers advocates for issues that impact our industry.
“All have importance. Simply put – no apprentice training of calibre, no industry.”
Aloha Construction Services – Auckland
Hero Plumbing and Gas – Auckland
Just Trust Plumbing – Auckland
Pinnacle Plumbing NZ – Auckland
Taylor Plumbing – Auckland
Urban Plumbing – Auckland
BUSINESS REPRESENTATION
ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
“The offerings are fantastic and REAL value for money.”
Master Plumbers advocates for issues that impact our industry.
Half of survey respondents say the priority advocacy topic right now is self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers.
73%
49%
of respondents are currently training at least one apprentice
Member Survey 2023 plan to take on a new apprentice over the next 12 months
“The offerings are fantastic and REAL value for money.”
“All have importance. Simply put – no apprentice training of calibre, no industry.”
The Newstube member newsletter and NZ Plumber magazine are the top two sources of membership information.
apprentices are our future and are very important to our company.” 1
Half of survey respondents say the priority advocacy topic right now is self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers.
73% of respondents are currently training at least one apprentice, 49% plan to take on a new apprentice over the next 12 months.
Yida Plumbing – Auckland
Endurance Plumbing – Taranaki
Bio Flow Plumbing & Gas – Whanganui Plumbing Bro’s – Wellington
CHANNELS support is invaluable to the members.” Membership resources and deals most accessed by members over the past year. Plumber magazine are the top two sources of membership information. 53% 43% 42% 41% 38% 34% Member discounts Training courses Master Plumbers Facebook group Master Plumbers member website Health & Safety manual and/or app Employment agreements & workplace policies SURVEY SNAPSHOT “Love the CEO Update Video – a really good addition to the comms.” 28% 27% 23% 20% Website Branch/ Association meetings Text message CEO video update “Proud to be a Master Plumber Member.” Member Survey 2023 BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP 36% of members say the Master Plumbers brand is a number one benefit. The top pick of member benefits are: 1. Master Plumbers Brand 2. HR support 3. Master Plumbers Guarantee 4. Industry Advocacy 5. Discounts and Deals VALUE-ADD SUPPORT INFORMATION CHANNELS Up with the play “The networking and social support is invaluable to the wellbeing of business owners and members.” Membership resources and deals most accessed by members over the past year. 53% 43% 42% 41% 38% 34% Member discounts Training courses Master Plumbers Facebook group Master Plumbers member website Health & Safety manual and/or app Employment agreements & workplace policies A SURVEY SNAPSHOT “Proud to be a Master Plumber Member.” nzplumber 25
“Our apprentices are our future and are very important to our company.”
“All have importance. Simply put – no apprentice training of calibre, no industry.”
36% of members say the brand is a number one benefit.
The top pick of member benefits is:
1. Master Plumbers Brand
2. HR support
3. Master Plumbers Guarantee
4. Industry advocacy
5. Discounts and deals.
Membership resources and deals most accessed by members over the past year:
“Our apprentices are our future and are very important to our company.”
World Plumbing Day was established in 2010 by the World Plumbing Council, of which Master Plumbers is a member. The day is now a fixture on calendars around the globe, with competitions and activities held to acknowledge the vital role of plumbers in protecting public health and safety, and environmental sustainability. Mark it on your calendar and make sure you do something to celebrate!
Aaron Flood of Premier Heating in New Plymouth is jetting off on a South Pacific Holiday Package for two, thanks to winning the prize draw at the Master Plumbers and Masterlink trade stand, which made its way round the 2023 Mico and PGDB CPD sessions and the 2023 Young Plumber of the Year events. Congratulations Aaron and happy travels!
Master Plumbers and Masterlink were among the Gold Sponsors of Plumbing World’s Young Plumber of the Year once again in 2023. The competition is a fantastic showcase for the plumbing industry and a great way of celebrating excellence in the plumbing trades.
Many of the competitors—including overall winner Cody Hall—work at Master Plumbers member businesses. Master Plumbers would
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
like to acknowledge these businesses for teaching their young people invaluable skills and supporting them to compete.
Several judges are also members of Master Plumbers, and it is to their credit that they lend their time and expertise to the Young Plumber of the Year events around the motu.
We look forward to another successful event in 2024—entries are open now at www.ypc.co.nz!
wide range of business resources, health and safety, HR & technical support, plus training and member discounts—and we advocate for our members as a collective industry voice. Get in touch today!
Contact 0800 502 102 admin@masterplumbers.org.nz
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Master Plumbers Life Member Bryan Heron MNZM in February.
Bryan was a true plumbing industry stalwart, with a commitment to training apprentices at Heron Plumbing, the business he established in West Auckland in 1961. Current owner Dale Lovell was himself an apprentice at the firm, which he and his wife Andrea purchased on Bryan's retirement in 2011 after 50 years at the helm.
Bryan was awarded Master Plumbers Life Membership in 2016 for his services to the organisation. A passionate supporter of his local community, Bryan also received a Waitakere City Business Award for Contributions to the Community and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his community work.
He and wife Pat set up the Flying Herons charity in 1998, and Bryan was a philanthropist of many causes. Especially dear to him were the Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club, the Waitakere Athletics Club and Don Oliver Youth Sports Foundation.
Up
Only 2kgs
of raw material waste goes to landfill for every tonne of product Marley manufactures
Product pictured: Drainflo®
Blake Patrick set up Limitless Plumbing & Gas in Whangarei in April 2022 and has been going strong ever since. A Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter, Blake says he started the business with a name and a van—and then was straight into it.
“I thought I’d ease into things, but it rolled quickly,” he recalls. “We now have two guys working for us—plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices Matt and Tyson. I enjoy teaching skills and I want to contribute to the industry by bringing apprentices through consistently.”
Whilst he wants to grow the business, 27-year-old Blake is also strongly family oriented. He has two young boys with wife Jade—two-year-old Heath and 10-monthold Solomon—and says they try to plan out the week together so they can share their work and parenting tasks. A former dental assistant, Jade decided to join Blake in helping run the admin side of the plumbing business following the birth of their second child.
Offering the full range of services in the residential and light commercial markets, Limitless Plumbing & Gas puts its focus on providing quality customer service. “People are looking for service rather than just getting the job done,” says Blake. “I think it comes down to good communication—you organise times and dates, you show up when you say you will, you return all calls, and you follow through on jobs.
“We also help streamline things for customers by offering the whole package, recommending or organising builders, electricians and other good trades we work alongside.”
Northland born and bred, Blake says the region’s plumbing industry has a strong camaraderie. “Everyone is fair, and everyone knows everyone up here—it’s like family.” That includes the local suppliers, particularly Mico and Plumbing World, who Blake notes have given him huge support in starting out in business.
This local industry bond has recently become even closer with the launch of a new Master Plumbers Northland Branch, of
which Blake is an executive member. “I got on board with the branch to help influence growth in the region, and I’ve also used the Master Plumbers insurance, phone package and technical support.”
At the inaugural 2023 Auckland and Northland Master Plumbers Awards last November, Blake’s commitment to Master Plumbers, his company, his community and apprentice training were recognised when he was awarded the 2023 Northland Master Plumber of the Year Award. Not bad for a business just approaching its second anniversary.
As for the year ahead, Blake is looking to transition his recent Level 4
drainlaying qualification to become a Certifying Drainlayer and he’ll also be on the lookout for more school students wanting work experience, and potentially an apprenticeship.
Don’t expect to find any of them in the workplace at the weekends, though. “We do provide our customers with back up if we need to, but we’re not a six-day operation,” he says. “My focus is on family time at the weekend, and the usual fishing and diving everyone does up here, and I encourage the team to do the same.
“This job is fresh every day, which is cool, and it’s also good to have that flexibility. I can’t complain.”
Hamilton Plumbing can trace
roots all the way back to 1905. NZ Plumber sat down with Branch Manager Ash Walker to talk about the company’s journey as it approaches 120 years in business.AUTHOR: DAWN ADAMS
National timber and hardware retailer C&A Odlin’s Hamilton store, established circa 1905, is where Hamilton Plumbing’s story begins. The retail business was run by the Crabb family during the mid-20th century, becoming Hamilton Plumbing in 1951 under Alex Crabb’s ownership.
Alex—who began Hamilton Plumbing’s continuing Master Plumbers membership—retired in 1978. Neil Thomas then took over the reins until 1996, when Colin Fagg bought the business.
Current Branch Manager Ash Walker has been with the company 12 years, joining during “the Colin era”. Ash won the coveted James Douglas Medallion industry award in 2016 on completing his apprenticeship as a plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer and has recently transitioned to overseeing Hamilton Plumbing’s larger commercial projects.
Six years ago, HVAC and mechanical services contractor Aquaheat NZ acquired the Hamilton Plumbing business. Aquaheat falls under the ownership of non-profit,
multi-discipline infrastructure services organisation Horizon Energy Group.
Following Aquaheat’s takeover, Ash worked as Company Estimator and Project Manager before taking up his current Branch Manager role.
The Frankton-based company provides plumbing, drainlaying, gasfitting, and roofing services for residential and multiscale commercial projects across the Waikato and has become one of the region’s largest plumbing businesses.
Hamilton Plumbing enjoys a happy team culture. One particularly long-standing staff member—Office Manager Ngaire Scott—has been with the company for 50 years. Ngaire’s dedication was acknowledged in 2020 when she was presented with the Waikato Master Plumbers Industry Excellence Award.
The business is also committed to onboarding the plumbers of the future.
“We actively support the industry with new apprentices each year—the majority through Masterlink,” says Ash.
The team has recently completed work on the Tamahere Eventide/ Atawhai Assisi Rest Home and Hospital project. This large-scale project included three waters infrastructure, a two-stage 50-room hospital, 71 home units and a community centre.
Hamilton Plumbing also partnered with Fletcher Construction on the Tauriko GIB factory in Tauranga, completed late last year. Horizon Energy Group managed the 63,000m² project as an MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) initiative. Hamilton Plumbing’s part in this job required the team to install 500m of 300mm in-ground PE gas line and a processed-water recycling system that enables recycling of GIB plasterboard using recycled gypsum.
The company is also proud to be part of the EECA decarbonisation initiative. This programme works with sector associations and technical experts to make sure NZ businesses are connected to guidance and innovation, so they can decarbonise at a sector level.
Ash says this involves the group “actively working towards converting fossil fuelbased heating systems to eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives” for customers. It’s a future-focused direction that Hamilton Plumbing feels is important to incorporate into their day-to-day work.
Ash is excited for the business’s future. “Horizon Energy have a strong financial backing, which provides stability in tough times. This means Hamilton Plumbing can support its customers, grow its staff and be a stronger, resilient, secure place to work. With our community commitment, we’re looking to grow our Kiwi-owned business and bring success to the region.”
Branch and association events are back in full swing following the summer break.
Hutt Valley/Wairarapa Master Plumbers members headed out to sea with Jono Delich of Cook Strait Fishing in midDecember. “Our branch won the trip at the 2022 Mates in Construction Charity Auction,” says President Tamati Wilson. “After five postponements due to weather, we finally managed to get a day on the water. Well worth the wait, with a great day of fishing had.”
Prizes were handed out to Grant Jefferson of Hutt Gas and Plumbing for the largest cumulative length of fish caught, and Miles Carson, representing Jarvis Plumbing, Gasworks and Drainage, for the longest randomly selected species—a 108cm gemfish.
“It was a full day with drinks, food, plenty of fish and crayfish from Jono’s pots for everyone—and some drama to finish it off,” says Tamati. “We arrived back at the marina just as a torrential southerly hit (same one that saw a tornado go through the Hutt CBD, causing a lot of damage). Initially we could not dock due to the high winds, but Jono kept a cool head and managed to unload us all safely, albeit drenched. Everyone left with a good quantity of fish and a great story to tell.”
After a sunny day at sea, a torrential hitsoutherly just as the charter boat arrived back at the marina.
There was a good turnout and positive feedback on Lynn Oxenbridge’s Gas Refresher Course held late last year in Gisborne. The course, which can be tailored to suit the group attending, is continuing around the motu in 2024. Turn to page 14 for upcoming sessions.
The rain held off and a great day was had at the Canterbury Master Plumbers 71st Annual Golf Tournament at Russley Golf Club last November. Organised by Maurice Ford (Retired Member) and Michael Diver (President), the day was a big success, with 54 entries at a busy time of year. The Association is hugely grateful to all event sponsors who provided activities, food, drink and prizes for the players at holes around the course.
Masterlink HR Advisor Holly Timms was on hand at Hole 1 to provide snacks.
Another highly successful event organised by Retired Member Maurice Ford (pictured here) and Canterbury Master Plumbers President Michael Diver.
New Zealand’s only dedicated one stop drain cleaning shop specialising in Jetters, Pipe Inspection Camera Systems, Pressure Washers plus all of your drain clearing accessories’. Talk to the experts with over 30 years of experience of doing what you do!
Our Pipe Inspection Camera Systems range from our Econo budget models to a full tractor camera system.
We have a large range of compact Jetters especially designed for a plumbers van or ute which enables you to clear drains efficiently & fast from a 100mm to 300mm diameter drain.
Check out our comprehensive range of nozzles from cheap disposable to our quality Mustang and Warthog range, we have a nozzle to suit every application.
Get hold of the experts in drain cleaning technology today on 0800 JETCAM (538 226), email info@drainquip.co.nz or check us out on our website drainquip.co.nz
Proudly Kiwi Owned & Operated
The Rheem team helped keep players fed and happy.The Master Plumbers Volcanic Plateau Branch recognised regional members’ achievements at their 2023 Awards Evening late last year. Congratulations to all the worthy winners, particularly 2023 Volcanic Plateau Master Plumber of the Year McBeth Plumbing & Gas. General Manager Scott McBeth was also presented with the region’s 2023 Contribution to Industry Award.
The 2023 Wintec Apprentice of the Year award went to Mathew Eggers, with Tukairangi Pitiroi selected as the region’s 2023 Masterlink Apprentice of the Year.
The McBeth Plumbing & Gas team celebrate their 2023 Volcanic Plateau Master Plumber of the Year Award win with Master Plumbers NZ National President Jon Lewis
The Wellington Free Ambulance team welcomed the Hutt Valley/ Wairarapa and Wellington Master Plumbers to their Thorndon Station for the presentation of a cheque for over $34,000! The funds were raised at a hugely successful fundraising dinner and auction for Master Plumbers members in these regions.
Towards the end of last year, Master Plumbers Gisborne hosted a President’s Dinner, attended by Master Plumbers NZ National President Jon Lewis and CEO Greg Wallace. Held at the Bushmere Arms in Gisborne, the event gave local members the opportunity to come together and hear an update from Master Plumbers. The evening was also attended by Master Plumbers NZ Board members Sarah Jamieson and Grayson Allen.
THERE’S MASSIVE VALUE FOR APPRENTICES IN TAKING PART IN AN OUTWARD BOUND BUILDING LEADERS COURSE—AND HOST BUSINESSES BENEFIT TOO. MASTERLINK SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW!
Apply now for your chance to win a place on the 2024 Outward Bound Building Leaders course!
Does your business host a Masterlink apprentice who is showing real leadership promise—or who could benefit from an unbeatable confidence building opportunity?
Make sure they apply for a 2024 Masterlink Outward Bound Scholarship for a chance to be one of 10 winners to join other construction industry trainees on a fully
With many parts of New Zealand experiencing hot sun and high UV over the summer, Masterlink distributed sunhats and drink bottles to all apprentices as part of its Summer Health & Safety Initiative—wide-brim hats for Auckland and the Far North, and bucket hats for the rest of NZ. With other recent deliveries of sunscreen, glove clips and diaries, Masterlink apprentices are well set up for 2024!
funded 16-day Outward Bound Leadership course, thanks to the huge generosity of Methven Caroma. Applications are open NOW!
Apply at www.masterlink.co.nz/ scholarships-outward-bound
Referred on Monday, interviewed on Tuesday and apprenticeship started on Thursday! That’s how easily it played out for Logan, who began his Masterlink apprenticeship at Galbraith Plumbing & Drainage this January. Logan’s brother Tyler told his boss Kelvin that he thought his younger
brother would make a great apprentice plumber. Kelvin asked Masterlink Auckland Regional Manager Steve Meadows to interview him ASAP, as work was super busy, and Steve reported back that Tyler was right—Logan is a fine young man. Normally it takes around
two weeks to get all the necessary paperwork done, plus order tools and PPE, but the Masterlink admin team managed to fast track the process. When Steve delivered Logan’s tool kit on the first day, he found him already stuck into a job with Tyler. What a team!
For successfully nominating his brother Logan for a Masterlink apprenticeship, Tyler was presented with a $100 Prezzy Card prize!
Want to Nominate a Mate to be a Masterlink apprentice? Find out more at www.masterlink. co.nz/nominate-a-mate
You’re in to win a $100 Prezzy Card if your mate is successful in securing an apprenticeship!
Manage
A warm welcome to the Masterlink whānau:
Keiran Smiler
Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton
Noah Mullaney-Bird
The Drainage Department, Mt Maunganui
Oliver Shivnan
Next Level Plumbing, Auckland
Xavier Jamieson-McCabe
J&T Plumbing, Tauranga
Sijbren Nijdam
Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton
Justin Greef
Karl Boniface Plumbing, Invercargill
Blake Mullins
DH Wright Plumbing, Auckland
Jordan Seerden
H&O Limited, Napier
Tari Pita
BDK Drainage, Auckland
Gaining Level 4 New Zealand Certificates is no mean feat. Shout out to:
Dylan Roy in Plumbing, Drainlaying & Gasfitting
Riley MacQueen in Plumbing & Drainlaying
Ben Price in Drainlaying
Masterlink’s ground-breaking initiative to support apprentices on their learning journey has been a great success, with 1,000 unit standards signed off at apprentice workshops and workplace assessments around the country, led by Apprentice Training Manager Pete Shields.
As the largest NZ-owned group training scheme for the plumbing
industry, Masterlink is leading the way with this assisted learning programme. Masterlink apprentice completions have grown over 20% in the past year, which is an excellent achievement given the learning challenges they have faced in recent years through no fault of their own, due to Covid and training delivery delays.
For a century, we’ve perfected warming homes, not the planet. Our German engineered hot water solutions, pioneered by the first heat pump 50 years ago, deliver unmatched efficiency and sustainable hot water. Experience the future of home comfort, today. Make your next project a STIEBEL ELTRON project.
www.stiebel-eltron.co.nz
Grab yourself a copy of updated WorkSafe guidance on how to get worker engagement right in your business.
Did you know your business must hold an election if a worker requests a Health and Safety Representative? And did you know your business must establish a Health and Safety Committee if requested by a Health and Safety Representative or five or more workers? These changes were made in an amendment to the
Innovation, technology and ongoing improvement lie at the heart of everything for Felton Industries, as NZ Plumber discovers on this behind-the-scenes factory tour.
AUTHOR:MATTHEW LOWE
PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBIN HODGKINSON
Felton has been in business for more than 55 years and the Kiwiowned and operated company still makes or assembles most of the products it offers to plumbers, merchants and end users at its factory in Auckland.
Its site in Glen Innes employs more than 50 staff who work across design, R&D, engineering, marketing, sales, production, operations, dispatch and customer services. The factory, offices and a laboratory cover about 1,250 sq m, and a neighbouring warehouse a further 1,000 sq m.
Roger Marty, who has been Felton’s General Manager since early 2000, says: “What we do that’s different from some companies is we’re still machining everything that fits into the wall here in New Zealand.
“We leak test everything that fits behind the wall and all products are laser engraved or punched with the date of assembly, making all our components traceable.
“We run our machine shop up to 14 hours per day. We take a modular approach to finished goods with a justin-time system (kanban) to best service our retailers. We group our product lines by range and utilise standardisation as much as possible for the behind-thewall components.
“Common parts make servicing easier for plumbers and provide production efficiencies and scale.”
“We’re still machining everything that fits into the wall here in New Zealand.”
A recent addition to the factory is a Titan PVD (physical vapour deposition) machine that provides a range of coloured finishes for Felton’s bathroom, laundry and kitchen tapware and mixers.
The PVD process uses an airtight chamber to create a vacuum where inert gases such as nitrogen are used as a medium for the negatively charged tap bodies to attract the positively charged metallic particles.
This produces a strong and durable coating that is more sustainable than many other options, such as electroplating.
Roger says the special chamber, which was installed last year, is believed to be one of only two in New Zealand and is also the largest.
The Titan PVD machine requires a considerable amount of electric
“I can see us continuing to expand both our CNC machining and our 3D
printing
capability over the next two or three years.”
current to operate. As such, it did not fit into the main Felton facility, so is located in a separate warehouse with a larger transformer on-site.
“We bought the biggest chamber we could support, and it far exceeds our needs, but we have taken on contract work for others,” says Roger.
Felton invested in the technology so it could colour its own products to provide a consistent finish. With seven options currently available, it allows Felton to keep pace with international design trends.
“A lot of importers of tapware can offer any finish under the sun but typically companies bringing in coloured tapware have to meet
minimum order quantities from overseas suppliers, which takes several months to land in New Zealand,” Roger explains.
“We can polish a stainless steel or chrome tap and put it into the PVD chamber and turn it around in a short time. Different colours take different amounts of time in the chamber but gold or nickel only take about 20 minutes to coat once under vacuum. Darker finishes such as black or gun metal can take up to two hours.”
From design to dispatch, Felton’s procedures are audited independently and comply with ISO9001. Roger says this is part of the company’s commitment to quality management systems and its ongoing efforts to improve efficiency to deliver better products and services to customers.
WaterMark certification is an additional mark of quality that confirms the company’s products meet the relevant New Zealand/ Australian plumbing and drainage industry standards.
Felton’s factory is home to the only hydraulic laboratory in this country accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ).
The wet lab is run separately from the main business as it does additional work for other companies working to achieve certification that shows their products meet relevant Australian standards.
Roger says Felton decided many years ago to go down the WaterMark route, even though it is not compulsory in New Zealand,
“because it gives us the internal disciplines we need to make a good product better”.
“We were sending all our products to laboratories in Australia to attain and retain Australian standards. As a result, we decided in 2018 that we were spending so much on test reports that we would get our own lab accredited by IANZ.”
Felton worked with Queensland Testing Laboratory to get advice on the design and set up of the facility and the wet lab is also approved to carry out assessments for leadfree certification of products to NSF372.
Felton have used 3D printing in their design process for the last 24 years and have now introduced 3D printing as part of the production process. “I can see us continuing to expand both our CNC machining and our 3D printing capability over the next two or three years,” says Roger.
He adds the company is always looking at ways to be more sustainable and has switched to all recyclable packaging. Its 3D
“Common parts make servicing easier for plumbers and provide production efficiencies and scale.”
printers produce some recyclable shower mixer covers as well as a double-ended tool for use with aerators, which saves importing individual tools from Switzerland.
For those who want a closer look at Felton’s operations, Roger notes they regularly welcome plumbers and merchant branches on-site for factory tours along with groups of trade students visiting from Wintec each year.
“Plumbers particularly enjoy the history of our products which are displayed in our showroom on-site. For anyone interested in coming for a tour, just pick up the phone or drop one of us an email and we can arrange it from there.”
1. In-wall mixer bodies, cartridge nuts and other components are machined in-house. 2. Assembling and air testing. 3. Finished goods are picked for delivery to merchants. 4. Cartridges and small parts are checked with ‘go or no go’ gauges for conformance.
New Zealand’s plumbers need to be aware of the new leadfree plumbing product requirements that will come into effect on 1 September 2025. NZ Plumber provides an update on work underway by manufacturers to ensure their products comply, and what the change means for our industry.
All plumbing products that come into contact with drinking water must contain no more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead content from 1 September 2025 under changes to the New Zealand Building Code.
This timeframe gives time to raise awareness and for manufacturers and suppliers to comply.
Examples of products the new lead-free rules will apply to include:
copper alloy fittings
stainless-steel braided hoses valves (such as valves for isolation, backflow prevention, alteration of pressure and temperature)
taps and mixers
water meters
pumps (for use with cold and heated water services)
water heaters
residential water filtration equipment water dispensers (such as boiling and cooling units, drinking fountains and bottle fillers)
fire sprinkler systems connected to the cold water service that are not isolated from fixtures and fittings intended to supply water for human consumption.
Apex Valves is in full support of the transition to lead-free products. “Health and safety should be our number one priority and the negative health effects from exposure to lead are well known,” says Marketing Manager Jeremy White. “The US put a similar law into effect in 2014, so, as a country, we’re really lagging behind international best practice. The New Zealand Building Code has a focus on building performance and the wellbeing, safety and health of building users.”
Meeting the 1 September 2025 deadline is not an issue for Apex Valves, he says. “Through the Watts group, we have access to a network of offshore suppliers that are experienced with this material and can assist us in the transition. The material supply chain, quality, approvals and production in New Zealand is already in place.”
With Watts’ extensive experience in designing and manufacturing with patented lead-free materials, Apex Valves already offer parts of their range that are manufactured from lead-free brass or stainless steel.
“We have leveraged that experience into transitioning our brass Filtamate products to lead-free as well as introducing a lead-free combi pack (CP 20LF) and an all-new TV20 which now features a replaceable cartridge for ease of maintenance,” says Jeremy.
In terms of testing and accreditation processes, he notes that the company is ISO9001 accredited and maintains the highest quality standards in its design, testing and manufacturing.
“We have already completed all the steps for the CP 20LF and now feel like we can gain some extra efficiencies as we transition the rest of the range. We will continue to uphold these quality standards with lead-free materials to ensure all regulatory performance requirements are met and that our valves perform to the highest standard.”
The full transition of the whole Apex product range to lead free is on-track
Apex Valves have already introduced a lead-free combi pack (CP 20LF) and an all-new TV20, which now features a replaceable cartridge for ease of maintenance.
to be completed with time for merchants to transition their inventory by the 2025 deadline.
Asked if there are any challenges that come with the transition to lead-free products, Jeremy says the biggest issue from an industry perspective will be cost. “The removal of lead from the alloy composition means it must be replaced with something that is usually more expensive and leads to an overall increase in the material cost.
“The other penalty is that lead allows for easier machining in the manufacturing process because of its lubricating properties. When the lead is removed, it increases machining time and wear on the machining equipment.”
The third challenge, he notes, is the actual transition from leaded to leadfree products. “From 1 September 2025, only products that comply with the new provisions will be authorised for use in plumbing installations. However, the reality
is that the transition needs to happen a long time before that to ensure the rest of the supply chain is clear of leaded products at the same date.”
Apex Valves also think communication with industry about the change to leadfree could be improved.
“From the product supply side, we have been aware of the change since it was proposed but, since it was confirmed, we have had lots of interaction both with merchants and plumbers who have been unaware. Given that the responsibility for installing the correct product sits with the plumbers, it seems this needs a much higher profile,” says Jeremy.
“A second point that we think is being overlooked is that all leaded stock needs to have been flushed through the supply chain before 1 September 2025. We are not sure that all parts of the supply chain are aware of how early they will have to start purchasing product to make sure they comply in time.”
Hydroflow says it is committed to providing quality products and fully supports the transition to lead-free plumbing products to improve New Zealand’s drinking water quality.
Its current range of lead-free products will comply with the new standard of no more than 0.25% lead content. Some ranges that have already transitioned are:
Cimberio Brass Ball Valves
Cimberio Spring Check Valves
Cimberio Frost Free Valves
Hydropress 316L Stainless Steel Pipe and Fittings
Watts LF007 & LF009 – Lead-Free Backflow
Prevention Devices
Watts Series 009-SS – Stainless Steel Reduced
Pressure Zone Device
Double-Lin Stainless Steel Flexi Hoses
Aquor House Hydrant 4”
Through its network, and as the distributors of Watts in New Zealand, Hydroflow has access to various products and materials that will be used in the supply of lead-free solutions, including lead-free brass, bronze and stainless steel.
“While we have been advancing our lead-free offer, we are continually working with our supply partners on innovative product, including lead-free,” says Hydroflow’s Kathryn Sixton. “We are dedicated to delivering high-quality products under globally recognised brands, ensuring adherence to quality assurance and compliance standards both in New Zealand and worldwide.”
Felton is already machining in-wall bodies from lead-free DR brass and once their new material gets through the AS4020 testing and certification process, they anticipate shipping products labelled with the new lead-free WaterMark symbol by March or April 2024.
“It will likely take till June or July 2024 for our existing low-lead DR brass to wash through the system to retail, before 100% of the new material is incorporated across all our tapware ranges,” says Marketing Manager Sandra Hayman. “We will be providing regular updates to our retailers and trade partners through this process.”
New Zealand suppliers who don’t have WaterMark will be able to comply with the new lead-free requirements by changing to a ‘lead free’ DR material, as Felton is doing, and by showing the maximum lead content of each product is 0.25% by calculation.
“Felton is certified to provide test reports to many of the clauses of AS 3662 and AS 3718 towards WaterMark, except AS 4020,” says Sandra. “However, we are now approved by IANZ to carry out assessments to NSF/ANSI 372 Lead free certification and are able to assist suppliers who don’t go down the WaterMark route to produce evidence as to whether or not their products are ‘lead free’.”
In a first for New Zealand, the ability to supply up to 7,200 homes with renewable gas is being made possible through a biogas to biomethane upgrade facility at the Ecogas Organics Processing Facility in Reporoa.
Clarus* business First Renewables is building a state-of-the-art biogas to biomethane upgrade facility at Ecogas’ Organics Processing Facility in Reporoa—the first of its kind in New Zealand. Once completed, this new facility will start transforming kerbside food waste into biomethane, a valuable source of renewable gas.
Australian company Eneraque was commissioned to supply the compressor, which forms an essential part of the facility and is due in New Zealand in early 2024.
“The compressor enables us to take Ecogas’ biogas from the anaerobic digesters and send it through the upgrading process, turning it into biomethane,” says First Renewables Project Manager Tim Lepper.
“The pressure generated by the compressor then allows the biomethane to be transported through a pipeline to customers.”
This pipeline has been laid and buried underground and the Eneraque compressor was shipped to New Zealand in February.
Once up and running, estimated initial production will provide renewable gas equivalent to supplying up to 7,200 homes to enjoy the benefits of gas in their existing appliances—avoiding about 11,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
For more information and project updates visit: https://clarus.co.nz/projects/ biogas-upgrade-facility
The Statement showering collection, paired with Anthem valves and control, features unexpected designs and indulgent spray options. The versatile portfolios are meticulously crafted, offering endless opportunities to create an ideal showering experience.
The Kohler Statement Collection revolutionises showering pleasure with unique shapes and up to seven immersive spray options. Inspired by iconic furniture, its soft designs bring familiarity to striking aesthetics. The comprehensive range includes showerheads, hand showers, rainheads, and body sprays in polished chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and brushed moderne brass finishes. The collection’s focus is on rejuvenation and self-care during the shower ritual.
Acting as the control centre for up to six outlets in the shower, the Anthem collection enables complete command over temperature, volume, spray experiences and more in a mechanical thermostatic control.
Elevate showering comfort with the Kohler Statement and Anthem Showering Collections, where innovation meets design for indulgent, personalised moments of relaxation.
Say hello to Aquor and goodbye to leaky brass hose taps. Frost-free, leak-free, lead-free and easy to use, Aquor’s the only hose tap you’ll ever need.
The sleek simplicity and innovative design features of the Aquor range make accessing water outdoors a hassle-free pleasure. No more hard-to-turn-on and impossible-to-turn-off brass hose taps, the Aquor House Hydrant has a simple push and twist connection making it a dream for people of all ages to use.
The Aquor design philosophy of creating products that are easy to use and built to last means the House Hydrant has only one moving part, a single stainless steel operating rod and the innovative user-centric design uses water pressure to close drip tight, for a maintenance free experience.
Introducing the Makita CONNECT X Portable Power Inverter, your ultimate power solution on the go. With a continuous output of 1.4KW and a maximum output of 2.8KW with pure sine wave, this compact powerhouse is designed to meet all your energy needs on the go.
Equipped with two 230V AC outlets, two USB Type-A output ports, two USB-C output ports, and a DC12V cigarette socket, it offers versatile connectivity options for your devices. Whether you’re charging your laptops, smartphones, or running essential appliances, the Makita CONNECT X has you covered.
Stay in control with the 7-stage LED Lamp, providing a visual indicator of your power usage. Illuminate your surroundings when the total output reaches 1.4KW and stay informed with the blinking LED when the AC output exceeds 1.45KW or the total power reaches 1.5KW. Find out more at www.makita.co.nz/products/ model/BAC01
Due to popular demand, Buteline has introduced the New Zealand copper version of their existing range of copper press/crimp fittings. They now have both the New Zealand and Australian sizes available. This makes the transition from copper to Buteline or Pexline easier and faster. These fittings are rated to 1600KPa as tested by their quality assurance.
Available in NZ & AU copper sizes
15, 16 & 20mm
No requirement for a Hot Works Permit
Quick, easy and reliable
Perfect for retrofits.
Code and description
BTM15: 15mm Buteline x ½” NZ Cu
BTM20: 20mm Buteline x ¾” NZ Cu
BTM18X: 15mm Buteline x ½” AU Cu
BTM22X: 20mm Buteline x ¾” AU Cu
PBTM16: 16mm Pexline x ½” NZ Cu
PBTM20: 20mm Pexline x ¾” NZ Cu
PBTM16X: 16mm Pexline x ½” AU Cu
PBTM20X: 20mm Pexline x ¾” AU Cu
Visit your nearest quality plumbing merchant or visit the Buteline website for more about these fittings.
Discover the pinnacle of heating innovation while redefining comfort and sustainability in your home using Vaillant’s new ecoTEC Plus hydrogen-ready gas boiler or the revolutionary aroTHERM Plus R290 high temperature heat pump. The ecoTEC Plus embodies total performance. Building upon rock-solid reliability trusted by trade professionals worldwide, it now boasts a self-adapting combustion system that can accommodate up to 20% hydrogen, or a multitude of alternative gas blends, providing a future-proofed solution for total peace of mind. Add to this a new intuitive touchscreen controller and a homeowner-friendly smartphone app, the ecoTEC Plus delivers simplicity without compromising sophistication.
Meanwhile, Vaillant’s aroTHERM Plus R290 heralds a new era in climate-conscious heating solutions. This ultra-efficient air-towater heat pump leverages the performance of the natural refrigerant R290, achieving very high flow temperatures up to 75°C, and can maintain operation all the way down to -25°C outside, making it a highly versatile solution for all your home heating, cooling and hot water needs. Combine this with a GWP = 3 and you have all the home comforts you desire while doing your bit for the planet.
Both appliances share Vaillant’s commitment to excellence, offering exceptional low-noise operation, ease of installation, and legendary German craftsmanship.
The new Voda Storm Floor Mounted Bath Mixer with Hand Shower is constructed from leadfree 304 Stainless Steel. The minimalist design combines a fixed spout and high flow bath filler with a single function shower handpiece.
Suitable for mains pressures only from 150kPa, the top mounted all-in-one mixer/ diverter allows bath filler temperature and flow control, with simplified hand-shower temperature control.
Voda’s stainless steel tapware is constructed from high quality, corrosion resistant lead-Free 304 stainless steel, meaning safer water for you and your family.
Available in SIX on-trend colours, including four PVD finishes: brushed black, brushed brass, brushed copper, and brushed gunmetal. PVD coatings are highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, making them ideal for tapware. This new PVD coating technology allows Voda to extend a 5 Year Warranty on finish on all PVD coated products, alongside a comprehensive 10 Year product Warranty.
Introducing Felton’s new 110mm diameter quality metal faceplate for a minimal elegant finish. Available in Felton Slique and Linea Fusion Plus® Shower Mixers. Linear range available in chrome, brushed nickel and black finishes. Felton’s Fusion Plus® Shower Mixers are designed and assembled in New Zealand and WaterMark certified. Suitable for all pressures up to 1500kPa. Supplied with venturi jets for unequal pressures and propriety Felton F5 cartridge with anti-scald and flow limiter.
The Celsius Plus All-In-One Pull-Out is a beautifully designed system for instant puretasting filtered boiling, chilled or sparkling drinking water at the press of a button and unfiltered hot and cold water for washing up, including the artfully incorporated pull-out sprayer for convenience. Available in seven modern finishes to suit any residential kitchen aesthetic.
www.zenithwater.co.nz/celsius-pullout
The Celsius Plus All-In-One seamlessly delivers instant filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling drinking water, plus unfiltered hot and cold water for washing up, all from one carefully engineered tap. Available in seven modern finishes to suit any residential kitchen. www.zenithwater.co.nz/celsius-plus
All sealed systems leak! The leak could be at 0.5 kG per second or as slow as 30 grams per million years. Every pressure system has leaks because ‘flaws’ exist at every joint fitting, seam or weld. These ‘flaws’ may be too small to detect even with the best of leak detection instruments. But, given time, vibration, temperature and environmental stress, they become larger, detectable leaks.
A leak is NOT some arbitrary reading on a meter. Gas escapes at different times and at
different rates. In fact, some leaks cannot be detected at the time of the test. Leaks may plug, then re-open under peculiar conditions.
A leak IS a physical path or hole, usually of irregular dimensions. The leak may be the tail end of a weld fracture, a speck of dirt on a gasket or a microgroove between fittings. Use Big Blu from All Controls NZ.
New Zealand now has a company dedicated to providing quality drain cleaning and CCTV equipment, backed by 30 years of trade knowledge and experience. Drainquip sells jetters specifically designed for plumbers and drain cleaners, easily fitting into a van or ute to confidently enable drain cleaning up to 150mm.
All Drainquip’s jetters are Honda powered, using Italian pumps with stainless steel hose reels. Larger units can also be designed and built to suit your individual requirements. A wide variety of CCTV pipe inspection systems and locators is also available, from budget pushrod models to large tractor cameras. Drainquip service everything they sell, with all spare parts available—and also offer a full
range of accessories including hose, reels, dye, probes, paint and gloves.Let Drainquip help you with drain cleaning nozzle sizing and application to maximise machine performance. The company stocks high-quality, durable Warthog and Mustang nozzles as well as budget and disposable nozzles.
Have a problem with your existing equipment? Stuck on a job? Give Drainquip a call—there’s not much they haven’t experienced after drain cleaning and CCTV inspecting New Zealand drains for the past 30 years.
Contact Drainquip to find out more on 0800 538 226, info@drainquip.co.nz; www.drainquip.co.nz—or let Drainquip come to you in their mobile display van.
Say no to certificate pads and paper copies with easy-to-use, on-the-go digital certificates for gas work. You can now complete your gas certs from your phone with the new update in Fergus’ job management software. Templated plumbing and gas certificates are pre-populated with the job information. All you need to do is plug in what happened onsite, sign and save. Less typing onsite gets your certs completed faster and more accurately. Once completed, certificates are saved to your digital job card, alongside photos and notes. All your information is stored in one place, easily accessible and easy to find. Available certificates include: Gas Certificate of Compliance and Gas Safety Certificate, Gas Certificate of Compliance, and Gas Safety Certificate. Digital certificates are available as an add-on to Fergus job management software. Go to fergus.com to start your free two-week trial.
Hansen Easy Fit Compression Fittings
Hansen Easy Fit ID Compression Fittings
Hansen True Fit Threaded Fittings
Hansen True Fit Tank Fittings
Hansen Full Flow Ball Valves
Hansen Fastflo Valves
Hansen Easy Fit Poly Fittings
All employers in New Zealand, no matter what size, are able to use 90-day trial periods, with effect from 23 December 2023.
The new National-led Government has upheld its pre-election promise to restore 90-day employment trial periods for all businesses. Previously, 90-day trial periods only applied to employers with fewer than 20 employees. Note that trial periods can only apply to new employees. A trial period must also be agreed to by the employer and employee as part of a written employment agreement before the employee
starts working for the employer. If employers are hiring people on certain work visas, they also need to consider any immigration requirements relating to the use of trial periods.
Find out more at www.employment. govt.nz/starting-employment/trial-andprobationary-periods/trial-periods
With everything that’s happened in the last couple of years, lofty strategic planning has become more difficult. However, there is another way to successfully adapt to change.AUTHOR: MICHAEL HUNT, CHIEF BUSINESS ADVISOR, HALO TRADE GROUP
At the end of the day, strategy is about resource allocation. It defines what we focus on and give our resources too. It’s also possible to approach it from the bottom up. This perspective can help us to adapt to change more quickly, which is one of the key pillars of resilience.
How do we take a bottom-up approach to strategy?
A bottom-up approach to strategy doesn’t start with the big picture and futurefocused predictions, but with where you are and what you’ve got right now. It starts with your resources. It’s a look at what you have now in terms of people, skills and capabilities, and other assets, and what else you could be doing with them.
What moves could you make with the resources you have now?
It’s the identification of latent capacity and capability and it’s an opportunity to achieve greater financial security and potential growth.
Bottom-up strategy still looks at where you want to go—after all, you need to have somewhere you’re directing your resources towards. However, it looks at where you want to get in the shorter term and then what strategic moves you need to make to get there.
Bottom-up invites you to think more widely or even to take a ‘start again’ perspective. Armed with the office, people, and skill sets that your business currently
has, what would you do with them now if you were to start over?
While this is a worthwhile perspective to explore in the current environment, this shouldn’t be taken as an invitation to abandon the activities that have worked for you until this point. It’s not about cutting off your nose to spite your face, but it is worth considering what else you could be doing with what you have. It’s about thinking laterally about what you need to consider to deploy your resources effectively.
This idea may make some business people uncomfortable. It flies in the face of typical strategy. It could even appear tactical, and to some extent it is if you’re feeling forced to consider other options. However, it can also still be inherently strategic, especially as it can result in the uncovering of something genius.
If you want to put a bottom-up strategy into action in your business, consider the following steps:
1. Start with a problem statement. Clearly define the problem that you want your strategy to solve.
2. Diagnose the situation and opportunity. What do you need to impact to see success now?
3. Look at your current resource allocation. What latent or under-utilised resources do you have that you can redeploy?
4. Get creative. Mind map all of the available options, with no limits to your thinking.
5. Consider what will govern your decisionmaking process. Obviously, you won’t implement everything you’ve dreamed up, so how will you determine what makes the cut?
6. Define how you will measure success and determine progress, then commit to going through your plan more frequently, increasing the tempo to meet the market’s rate of change.
From recent times: Consider the case of a restaurant that’s unable to open, but still looking for ways to generate revenue. What resources do they have available that they can use to do this? Their kitchen, a company car, their people, their premises. How will they decide what activities are meaningful? How quickly can they iterate and make decisions?
They need to look at what impact they want to have and what gaps they need to plug. Then they can define the metrics for success: how will they know if what they are trying is working?
To unlock bottom-up thinking, you need shorter horizons and speeded-up cadences. Not only does this require structure and process, it also takes a commitment to looking at things more frequently. You also need creative thinking and a dose of entrepreneurial spirit—people prepared to push their thinking further, or advisors who will challenge the status quo when considering what you can do with the resources available.
The businesses that endure and thrive in today’s challenging environment will be those with resilience. It will be those that have great leadership and governance, a clear strategic direction, a highly engaged culture that is innovative and adaptive, and key relationships that provide options.
The way we do business this year is different, but what hasn’t changed is the need for a clear, executable strategic plan. Many, though, need to go about this differently to take advantage of opportunities, go beyond business as usual, and achieve something exceptional.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Halo Trade Group works with business owners to simplify their businesses. Halo will provide knowledge, and encourage and support you while putting in place the initiatives, methods and systems your business requires to propel your business forward.
Master Plumbers has reviewed all its HR and employment resources for members, to ensure they comply with the latest regulations.
In our ongoing efforts to support the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying community, Master Plumbers has worked with the employment team at law firm Duncan Cotterill to carry out a thorough review of the HR and employment resources available to our members.
All our employment agreements have a fresh look and a new, streamlined approach. New clauses have been introduced to better manage aspects like wages, and the business protection clause now includes a ‘non-compete’ component. We have also placed a renewed focus on ‘guaranteed hours’ to ensure employees are working to best practice.
Our HR guidance documents have been modified to cater specifically to the plumbing trade. We’ve also replaced the outdated Covid policy templates
and implemented a new epidemic and pandemic policy, designed to address any significant disease outbreak.
Many of our business-specific guides have also been reviewed, including the privacy policy template, succession planning resources and residential building contract resources.
Plus, in response to the unique demands of plumbing businesses, we are introducing tailored policies to cover aspects such as company vehicles, IT and social media—all designed to fit with your current company policies.
You can download the updated resources from the Master Plumbers member website. We encourage you to take advantage of these valuable tools to assist you with meeting best practice in your business.
With the passing of the Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Bill 2023, trial periods can now be used by all employers, regardless of size. All the updated Master Plumbers individual employment agreements permit a 90day trial period, offering flexibility both to employers and new recruits. Ensure compliance by making sure that the IEA is signed before the first job, and that the new hire hasn’t previously worked for the business.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Duston from the Master Plumbers HR team is available to Master Plumbers members to discuss any employee situation. Find Lisa’s contact details in the member log-in area at www.masterplumbers.org.nz
With the new year underway, now is the perfect time to ensure a secure and thriving work environment, says Master Plumbers Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor Rebecca Moss.
The transition to a new year offers an excellent opportunity to review the previous 12 months and renew the commitment to your own and your team’s health, safety, wellbeing, and professional growth.
An essential aspect is setting clear and achievable goals. These can range from enhancing safety protocols to investing in training programmes. By establishing specific objectives relevant to where you are currently, a roadmap for continuous improvement can be created.
In the spirit of embracing a healthier and more balanced work life, consider encouraging your team to prioritise their wellbeing this year. Whether it’s promoting regular breaks during the workday, providing access to wellness programmes, or fostering an open dialogue about mental health, creating a supportive workplace culture contributes positively to overall satisfaction and productivity.
The new year also provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce a culture of continuous learning. Encourage your team
members to pursue additional training or certifications that grab their interest and in turn enhance their skills and help keep them updated on the latest industry trends and safety practices.
By setting clear goals, fostering a supportive workplace culture, and promoting ongoing learning, we can ensure a prosperous and safe year ahead for not only our team, but the entire industry.
New year growth goals? Here’s the how and why on crafting a long-term marketing strategy for lasting success in 2024 and beyond.
AUTHOR: GEORGIA GIBBONS, SIDEKITWe all know word of mouth is the ultimate form of marketing a trades business can receive—building a solid reputation and reaching new people. But what happens when these referrals dwindle? Short-term marketing—aka the classifieds, referrals, signage, etc—secures the immediate sales that bring in the cash flow. However, relying too heavily on short-term gains can
take your attention off long-term business growth and an inability to tap into where the real money lies.
Nearly every business owner we talk to has big growth goals, and the secret sauce for getting them there is a long-term growth strategy. A tangible strategy has clear targets and actionable steps that will set your business up to thrive for a long time to come.
Here are three essential marketing elements of a long-term growth strategy to help you navigate between short-term sales and the desire to achieve your long-term growth goals.
1. Build brand awareness
Think of the industry giants that seem to be everywhere. The common denominator? A powerful brand. It’s not just about a logo. It’s about creating cohesion and maintaining touchpoints across multiple channels where your target customers are present.
2. Who, where and why
Clients often hesitate to commit before experiencing value, and marketing can bridge that gap. This could involve introducing new services, refining existing ones, or using your marketing to show how you meet the evolving needs of your clientele better than the rest.
3. Trust is key
Focus on building trust with your customers. Continue nurturing long-term relationships by delivering exceptional service, being responsive, and exceeding expectations. And action your growth strategy to establish you as the go-to plumber through content, testimonials, and case studies highlighting your expertise and unique selling propositions.
A concrete growth strategy lays the foundation for continuous work and opportunities to ensure your business not only survives but thrives.
Ready to hit those growth goals in 2024 and beyond? Talk to us: marketing@sidekit.nz. SideKit is a virtual marketing management and assistance business, supporting businesses across NZ.
On long, sunny days, plumbers doing tasks outside will be working up a sweat. We know energy drinks are not the hydration go-to. But are sports drinks any better?
AUTHOR: KELLY HYLAND
Sports drinks provide water, carbohydrates and some electrolytes to fuel and hydrate you during and after exercise. Most research targets the athlete population, and recommendations are specific to athletes undertaking prolonged high-intensity exercise or endurance and ultra-endurance events.
Sports drinks are not recommended for the general population—even those participating in physical activity—because energy output and sweat loss don’t usually warrant the need. Fuel and fluid can also be replaced by everyday foods and drinks, such as water or milk.
But, with 8-10+ hour days in the heat, is a plumber’s working day similar to an endurance event?
This is a challenging question to answer. We don’t know the typical energy output
“With 8-10+ hour days in the heat, is a plumber’s working day similar to an endurance event?”
of a plumber. Nor do we know average sweat rates, heart rates or perceived exertion, as there is little to no research out there. Furthermore, everyone’s physiological makeup is different. Two plumbers working under the same conditions won’t be losing fluid and electrolytes to the same extent.
Whether we should or shouldn’t, sports drinks are simply a convenient source of carbohydrates and fluid. Not surprisingly, they aren’t an essential part of anyone’s diet (or training regime) because we can get what we need from real food and beverages.
Habitual drinking of sports drinks can lead to unnecessary energy intake (and therefore weight gain), contribute to dental erosion, cause gut discomfort, and are costly to buy. Even our top athletes shouldn’t be drinking these at every training session all year round.
There may be a time and place for sports drinks in the plumbing sector, but choosing water and nutrient-dense snacks are healthy habits your body will thank you for in the long run.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kelly Hyland (NZRD) is the General Manager at Alex Hyland Plumbing Ltd. She has a Masters in Dietetics and Graduate Diploma in Teaching. She is passionate about improving health and wellbeing in the trade industry.
Helping you with
With a new fulltime Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor at Master Plumbers, the health and safety services for members are expanding. NZ Plumber provides the lowdown on what’s available.
“Iaim to be visible, approachable and accessible,” says Rebecca Moss of her appointment to the new role of Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor at Master Plumbers.
Working across both the Master Plumbers and Masterlink brands, Rebecca has started as she means to go on—engaging with member businesses, Masterlink host employers and apprentices to find out how she can assist with their health, safety and wellbeing needs.
“I’m here to help businesses enhance and simplify their health and safety practices and
systems,” she says. “I can also assist members with job and task specific requirements and employee engagement.”
For plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, having an efficient and effective health and safety system in place is paramount.
Master Plumbers offers its members a range of tools to help them implement a fit-for-purpose system in their businesses.
These include the cloud-based BWARE health and safety software platform, available to members at two price points depending on the desired number of application users. Both include unlimited reporting users.
The first option allows for up to five application users to complete forms, and comprises worker records, incident reporting and management, forms and checklists, a mobile app and reporting.
The Master Plumbers BWARE Health & Safety App is available to members in two value-for-money price points.
The second option allows for up to 10 application users to complete forms and includes all the above features plus risk assessments and training records.
Rebecca looks forward to introducing more member businesses to the benefits of the BWARE system to help them with recording and reporting workplace incidents.
The full list of resources currently available to Master Plumbers members: Master Plumbers BWARE health and safety app (two price options) Free Health, Safety and Wellbeing Helpline, connecting people to advice and support
Wellbeing guidance materials
MATES in Construction General Awareness training sessions held at regional branches
Discounted health and safety advisory service with First 4 Safety Free video series on topics such as worker engagement and risk management
Discounted Red Cross First Aid courses
Discounted Site Safe membership. Find full details in the member log-in area at www.masterplumbers.org.nz
“Incidents and near misses are learning opportunities for businesses and their teams, and my goal is to get a better understanding of how harm is happening in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses,” says Rebecca. “This will help identify areas where Master Plumbers can further develop relevant training and resources for members and Masterlink apprentices.”
With employers responsible for workplace mental wellbeing as well as physical health and safety, Rebecca has become an integral part of the award-winning Wellbeing on Tap programme from Master Plumbers. Look out for her new health, safety and wellbeing column in NZ Plumber, starting on page 63 of this edition.
“There are numerous life-related factors that contribute to mental stress, and providing resources and support in these areas may help alleviate some of the stress people face both at work and in their personal lives.”
Rebecca is at the end of the confidential 0800 Wellbeing helpline during business hours, helping connect people to mental health and wellbeing support services in their region—whether they be business owners, their staff or apprentices.
Former Wellbeing Guy Kereama Carmody continues to offer discounted support to member businesses, their employees and apprentices through his own Kereama Consulting business.
“I am looking to expand the wellbeing resources available through Wellbeing on Tap by introducing additional guidance for career starters,” says Rebecca. These include areas like managing finances and budgeting, navigating housing tenancies, and coping with stress,” she says. “There are numerous life-related factors that contribute to mental stress, and providing resources and support in these areas may help alleviate some of the stress people face both at work and in their personal lives.”
Rebecca also looks forward to growing the Master Plumbers relationship with MATES in Construction New Zealand, the workplace-based suicide prevention and early intervention programme designed to address high suicide rates in the construction industry.
MATES takes a community approach to providing training, case management and helpline services to help people create workplace environments that encourage positive wellbeing.
The partnership has already seen a number of MATES General Awareness training sessions being held around regional Master Plumbers branches and associations. Master Plumbers and Masterlink team members have also successfully completed MATES Connector training.
AJGNZ1303B
It is natural to be thinking about your business goals as we get underway with a new year. Setting challenging yet realistic targets is always healthy. Perhaps your goal is to achieve a certain sales target, or to grow the size of your operation with new equipment.
Having set your business goals, the trick to achieving them is to focus on the process.
One of the toughest aspects of being a small business owner is the need to operate at two levels of focus and corresponding work mode. High-level strategic focus is needed to set longer term goals, while lower-level focus brings top quality to the dozens of minor daily actions in your business operations. The ideal work mode for high-level focus is one of reflection and observation. By contrast, delivering outcomes to clients is best done with steady tempo and action. It is only when a business completes the minor actions well that the high-level targets will be achieved.
In larger businesses, these different levels of focus are split between different people. The leader of a large corporation will set the strategic direction for the enterprise but will have many operational staff who ensure the business actions are completed. Likewise, the frontline staff need not concern themselves with the high-level direction of the enterprise, leaving them energy and focus to carry out their daily tasks. For the small business, this dual focus all sits with the owner.
Let’s imagine as the owner-operator of a trade business you have set the challenging but realistic target for the year ahead of increasing sales by 20%. Having done this, the next task is to identify the seemingly insignificant processes your business undertakes every day. For example, answering the phone is a process that might occur several times each day.
When this process is done well—in a professional, polite and courteous way—it is likely to lead to good outcomes, regardless of who is on the other end of the phone. Conversely, every time this seemingly minor process is done poorly—by answering the phone in a casual, abrupt or dismissive way—achieving the high-level targets is made that much harder. The same goes for all other processes: preparing quotes, completing work for clients, interacting with other contractors, sending invoices, undertaking training.
When helping business clients, we first identify a dozen or so important processes specific to their business. Then we ask the client to describe how each process can be done in a high-quality way and in a low-quality way, imagining the likely outcomes of these different approaches. We have some fun doing this, especially when thinking of the chaos likely to occur with certain approaches!
The next step is to use systems and tools to ensure these processes are actually done in a high-quality way. This may include checklists, guidance documents or schedules. It may include adopting new technology or designing feedback loops. It may even include amending some of the owner’s personal habits, which impact his or her ability to undertake the processes in a high-quality way.
Bringing focus to business processes is often overlooked by owners keen to rush headlong toward their targets—but investing a few hours to refine your processes is bound to pay off and make hitting those targets much more likely.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brett Crombie is a trade specialist accountant at Straightedge Accounting. For assistance developing a business plan, or for tax and accounting services, contact Brett on 021 301 022 or email brett.crombie@straightedge.nz
With the end of the financial year fast approaching, Fergus explains how job management software takes the hassle out of the annual tax return.
For many small trades businesses, completing the end of the financial year (EOFY) tax return can be a daunting process, especially after a long day’s work. The habit of pushing paperwork to the side for ‘later’ often culminates in a frantic scramble as EOFY approaches. This tendency to postpone is not surprising when we consider the heavy workloads tradespeople commonly face.
According to research from Fergus, many are yet to embrace more efficient ways of working. Almost half (49%) haven’t adopted job management software, and a substantial 43% still rely on manual paperwork and spreadsheets. This attachment to traditional methods, while familiar, sets the stage for the annual EOFY scramble. Sticking to these older, less efficient practices makes tax preparation more challenging and time-consuming than it needs to be.
“With 1 April around the corner, trade business owners can avoid late nights and stressful searches for lost paperwork by embracing technology, such as job management software, before the new financial year kicks off,” says Dan Pollard, veteran plumber and founder of Fergus. “Job management platforms can do a lot of the heavy datalifting and make tax time much less stressful by ensuring transactions are systematically recorded and organised right from the start. This in turn can save tradies their sanity and streamline the EOFY process.”
Some of the benefits that will help trade businesses stay on top of their finances and keep track of jobs include:
1. Effectively manage paperwork year-round
Managing paperwork can be a headache, especially when it piles up over the year. With job management software, this process becomes a breeze. Forget about those boxes marked ‘receipts’ and ‘invoices’, this software automatically keeps track of everything: your quotes, invoices, and supplier invoices. This means that, come EOFY, there’s no need to search through filing cabinets or a truck’s glove box; all the documents and transaction records you need will be neatly organised and easily accessible online.
2. Direct financial integration and clarity
Keeping track of finances is crucial, and it’s even better when it’s hassle free. The integration between Fergus and accounting systems, such as Xero, means financial data is always up to date. When an invoice is updated in the job management software, it instantly reflects in Xero for a clear, real-time view of the business’s financial standing. This feature offers quick access to vital financial summaries, from what’s owed to the details of all invoices. It’s about making sure tradies have a complete and clear picture of their business finances at all times, without the extra legwork.
3. Comprehensive job tracking
Using job management software, you can find every detail of every job in one place. From customer information, job files, photos, notes, and schedules, it’s all there. When EOFY rolls around, complete job tracking is a lifesaver. It lets tradespeople see at a glance everything they’ve done over the year, making it easy to pull together financial and operational data. This means less stress and no missing pieces when it’s time to report finances.
“EOFY doesn’t have to be a nightmare if everything’s set up right,” says Dan. “Moving to a digital job management platform like Fergus not only means ditching the box of paperwork, but it also simplifies the process of collating key information for EOFY tax returns.
“Taking the initiative now and getting your business organised before 1 April reduces the time spent on paperwork at crunch time, freeing up more daylight hours for the actual work that drives your business. Better yet, there’ll be more time to kick back after a hard day on the tools.”
To learn more, visit www.fergus.com
Make a statement in your kitchen with the new Galiano Kontact® Pull-Down Sink Mixer.
A user focused design for the busy modern kitchen space for all those times when you have your hands full. Kontact® sink mixers are elegant, effortless, and practical. Choose from one of the 6 stunning finishes available in the Galiano range.
Greens Tapware - designed and engineered in NZ since 1935 – fostering the plumbing industry today for a bright future tomorrow.
SCAN QR CODE TO SEE HOW THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS
greenstapware.com
greenstapware.com
The change in government will bring structural changes to training delivery, but EarnLearn – Specialist Trades Training will continue to work closely with trainees and employers to ensure there’s no disruption to training.
AUTHOR: EARNLEARN – SPECIALIST TRADES TRAININGEarnLearn – Specialist Trades Training has been working with industry to implement changes in its Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (PGD) programmes to ensure both learners and employers are fully supported on the path to qualification.
From the feedback received, one of the key changes to the PGD programmes in 2024 will be increasing the length of Block Course One from three days to five. This extended introductory block course is designed to ensure new trainees can be properly inducted into their apprenticeship, and have everything they need to succeed.
This includes learning to use the online portal for submitting assessments throughout their programme. There are also no longer any prerequisites required to attend Block Course One, as all
topics will be covered off in the extended introductory course. The first 12 weeks of an apprenticeship programme is critical to the success of the trainee. This is the time to cement good study habits by ensuring set times each week are put aside for assessments, the trainee is familiar with how the programme is undertaken and understands where to go for help. For PGD, the aim of Block Course One is that all PGD apprentices understand what’s required of them and are familiar with the learning material so they are well prepared for practical tasks that will be taught and assessed in the next block courses.
2024 will also see EarnLearn increasingly focused on the use of plain English and improved clarity across all online theory assessments to assist trainees.
The EarnLearn team is also working closely with PGD employers and trainees to ensure there is greater clarity around how PGD programmes are structured, with each year of training mapped out against what a trainee is likely to experience on the job in that year. While this means trainees can’t accelerate or condense their qualifications into a shorter period, it helps ensure their training remains aligned with their practical experience. Other programme changes implemented in 2023 include: adaptable learner plans, personalised to the training needs of each trainee, offering greater visibility of their challenges and successes more assessors to reduce marking wait time for assessments and increase trainee progression to block courses new training sessions for some on-job units and new exam preparation classes. With a change of government in 2023, structural changes to vocational training in New Zealand are in the pipeline. However, EarnLearn – Specialist Trades Training will continue to work closely with trainees and employers to ensure there is no disruption to training, and that they continue to have access to high, quality, fit-forpurpose training.
www.earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz
a week and that is how I got my first taste of the trade.
“It is really cool that we have all the different trades working in together here at the university. There is a lot of communication between jobs—which makes it easy—and I work with a lot of older guys here, so I have learned lots of valuable information.”
The work Teigan does at the university is different from the normal domestic and commercial plumbing work—and she likes the variety. “It is a different box of frogs really compared to house plumbing. There is quite a large range of work, from uni flats to all the halls of residence, to all the labs.”
“ITeigan Jopson says school leavers should consider following her path into an apprenticeship.AUTHOR: PETER WHITE
like providing the amenity and just doing a good job, making things look nice and also safeguarding people—especially those who are disabled,” says Teigan Jopson. “I suppose that’s the whole point of plumbing and I think that is important.”
Teigan is nearing the end of her fiveyear plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying
apprenticeship through Masterlink. She has been hosted throughout her time by the University of Otago’s Property Services Division in Dunedin.
Doing the Gateway programme in her final year at high school was the kick-start to her getting an apprenticeship when she left school. “It was great. Gateway put me with a company to get some experience for
In 2022, Teigan was honoured to be highly commended in the Apprentice Category of the NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) NZ Excellence Awards.
She was quite surprised to get the award—it has given her confidence a huge boost to know that she can achieve high goals. “It is not just because I am a female. I just like doing the job and not having the gender involved really. It was great to be commended for my work.”
Teigan has also taken a great deal of confidence from winning a Masterlink Outward Bound Scholarship in 2023 and attending a Building Leaders course. “It was an awesome experience and I am very
“I just like doing the job and not having the gender involved really. It was great to be commended for my work.”
grateful for it. I learned more about myself and just being able to grow in a safe and supportive environment— which is also important for a female in the trades.”
There are far more females working in the trades than ever before, which Teigan says is a positive thing. “It is good that more girls are getting into it because we can do it. Your sex has nothing to do with anything—if you can do a good job, that is what matters.”
Teigan attended Taieri College in Mosgiel. Her favourite subjects in Year 13 were oil painting, photography, English, biology and advancement, which helped her learn to study and take notes. She says school leavers should consider following her path into an apprenticeship. “When I was at school, I just wanted to get out there, get handy, get on the tools and make some money. I took the opportunity and ran with it.”
This article first appeared in Leaving School magazine Issue #28
Learning from your mistakes is all part of the apprenticeship process, as Sebastian Sekene has discovered. “Last year I slightly messed up a channel drain job,” he says. “I measured it off a string line and got one of the measurements wrong, which meant a door couldn’t open because the drain was too high in relation to finished floor level.”
So, when his latest project called for channel drains around the outside of a new school block, he knew he had to get back on that horse and try again. This time he used a laser measure and it went like a dream.
That’s not to say the job hasn’t required some hard slog. “To base prep the drains, I spent two weeks digging by hand in the hot sun,” he says. “I had to keep going to the shop to grab sports drinks to keep my hydration up, which I don’t usually need to do.”
And, having spent a whole day wheelbarrowing rocks from one pile to another ready for compacting, he was more than happy to accept an offer of help from a digger operator subcontracting on site. “With no music to distract me, as earphones aren’t allowed on site, I had found myself thinking about the dirt and whether the rocks are older than all humans on earth,” he says with a laugh.
Once the channel drains are complete, Sebastian will most likely move on to the inside of the building, which needs two bathroom blocks, two kitchens and two hot water cylinders installed. If so, it will be the fourth time he’s worked on this particular school block project, which he reckons is because he lives closest to the job.
“I worked here at the very beginning in April last year, installing the underslab drainage pipes, and I returned last November for the waste pipes in the level one kitchen.”
Asked what projects are coming up next, Sebastian says he doesn’t even know what colour undies he’s wearing tomorrow, let alone what work he has lined up for the rest of the month. Finishing the channel drains is the only deadline he has in his diary right now.
Contracts Manager Tom Poole will usually ring him on a Friday to give him the next week’s jobs to be done. Sebastian sends Tom regular photographs of his work as he goes along, and Tom will also do site walk throughs at various stages of each project.
Whilst Sebastian may not know what future jobs are lined up, he does have a firm handle on the health and safety
requirements for each. “As a site foreman, that is definitely part of my role,” he says. “We have a daily pre-start sheet and a weekly toolbox talk to identify hazards and risks, and any changes that might have occurred from one day to the next. I also have to arrange hot work permits if we’re planning to use a grinder or something similar.”
Being in the fifth and final year of his apprenticeship, Sebastian says there’s now an expectation for him to be able to problem solve on site without too many calls back and forth to the workshop—and there’s a lot of satisfaction in being able to do that.
Looks like he can now count channel drains as a competency mastered!
Installing a complete bathroom in just threeand-a-half hours tested the mettle of the 10 contestants at the National Final of the 2023 Plumbing World Young Plumber of the Year—with Cody Hall of CF Reese Plumbing coming out on top.
he 2023 Plumbing World Young Plumber of the Year National Final brought together 10 outstanding young tradespeople from around the country. These talented individuals outshone nearly 350 young plumbers across branch events and regional final stages to compete for the supreme title at Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton, in mid-November 2023.
The three-day event started in Auckland, where the finalists spent two days visiting some of Plumbing World’s platinum sponsor suppliers to learn more about the industry and the day-to-day products they use in their roles. Then it was on to Hamilton, where the finalists went straight into a demanding 45-minute theory test before meeting up for dinner with members of the Plumbing World Young Plumbers Club steering committee. Competition day started bright and early with two live crosses to the AM Show, where NZPM CEO Rob Kidd showcased the plumbing industry to presenter William Waiirua. This was followed by individual panel interviews and a gruelling 3.5-hour practical skills test to install a complete bathroom, including the hot water cylinder, valve train and front-ofwall installation for a shower, basin, toilet and tapware under the eagle eyes of six prominent industry judges.
Huge congratulations to all 10 deserving national finalists, who proudly represented their respective regions and our trade on the national stage.
NATIONAL WINNER
Cody Hall
C F Reese Plumbing Waikato/ King Country RUNNER UP
Liam Dewar
Quantum Waste Water Systems Lower North Island
3RD PLACE
Blake Patrick
Limitless Plumbing and Gas
Northern Region
4TH PLACE
Tristan Harris
Revolution Plumbing and Gas
Canterbury/ West Coast
5TH PLACE & MVP
Ben Howie
Foley Plumbing Southern
Finalist
Douglas Walter
Ken Toohey Plumbing
Canterbury/ West Coast (Wild Card)
Finalist
Hamish Jeffries
R L Jeffries Plumbing
Northern (Wild Card)
Finalist
Haven Bellamy
Haven Plumbing
BOP/ Central Plateau
Finalist
Kyle Allington
Hawkins Plumbing
Wellington/ Marlborough
Finalist
Liam Fox
Plumbing St Lukes
Auckland Metro
Thanks to Plumbing World’s generous sponsors, they were once again able to donate all plumbing products used in the final to Habitat for Humanity. This community-focused charity will use the products to repair and upgrade local families’ homes.
Red Bull energised the crowd with cold beverages, racing car simulators and tunes good enough to dance to via their new DJ event vehicle.
MC Laura Daniel entertained at the awards dinner and announced the 2023 National Winner—Cody Hall of Hamilton-based CF Reese Plumbing. Cody stood out amongst a very high calibre field. A third generation Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, Cody was a 2021 national finalist, giving him a good foundation to work from and take out the 2023 title. It was fantastic to see him supported by his wife Sarah and his wider family.
Cody’s prize pool includes a trip for two to Plumbing World’s next overseas trip to Port Douglas in May 2024, along with NZPM shares, Milwaukee power tools, Toolware Test pump and accessories, a one-year subscription to NZ Plumber magazine and much more.
Cody’s employer, CF Reese Plumbing—a loyal NZPM Co-operative shareholder— also received almost $5,000 worth of prizes in recognition of their employee taking out the 2023 Young Plumber of the Year title.
Prizes included a Cobra Fly-XL Golf Club package courtesy of Puma, NZPM shares, petrol vouchers, and tools thanks to Milwaukee and ToolWare.
The Plumbing World Young Plumber of the Year competition continues to go from strength to strength, reinforcing that the future of plumbing is in very safe hands. With the support of their customers and suppliers, Plumbing World looks forward to celebrating and showcasing the trade in 2024. Entries for the 2024 Young Plumber of the Year competition are now open at www.ypc.co.nz
Follow updates on social media @youngplumbersclubnz
The Iplex Rainwater™ Systems unique fitting range with rubber ring joint design offers a simple clip in solution reducing assembly time and the need for solvent cement jointing of the spouting profiles.
LEAD-FREE STAINLESS STEEL 304
We are plumbers designing for plumbers.
Flow Consulting is pleased to provide BIM modelling services direct to commercial plumbing companies.
Our Waikato based team are NZ trade qualified hydraulic services consultants and BIM modelling specialists.
• White-labelled coordinated plumbing designs to assist with your design build projects that require modelling in Revit
• Services coordination and clash detection
• Shop drawings
• As-builts in Revit or Auto cad
Our Services Include: 0800
www.flowconsulting.co.nz
1 Easy Installation 2 Easy Cleaning 3 Easy Repairs & Maintenance 4 BRANZ Appraised 5 15 Year Product Warranty
How long have you been a firefighter and why?
I have volunteered at Bay View Fire Brigade since 2001. It’s a family tradition. My dad has been a volunteer firefighter for around 30 years and still works at Mahia Volunteer Fire Brigade. Plus, my great grandfather was a volunteer on the Spitfire brigade before it became Napier Fire Station.
What does your role involve?
I oversee the day-to-day operations of the station, train volunteers, and attend area meetings. Most crucially, I must be ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.
How do your balance your plumbing role with firefighting duties?
I am grateful for the support from Laser Plumbing & Electrical co-owners Brenda and Geoff Roberts and Paul Manaena. If it’s something big, and I’m able to leave the job, they let me go. They quite often still pay me for the time I am away as well, which is really appreciated and shows their support for the fire service.
What has been your biggest firefighting challenge to date?
The 36-hour-straight operation on the first night of Cyclone Gabrielle. This was unlike anything I’ve encountered. It took just 20 minutes for the floodwaters to rise from the hub caps of the ute to over the bonnet. We worked on the front lines of rescues, first aid, and welfare checks.
A local command centre was established at Napier Fire Station as Urban Search and Rescue teams converged in the area from across New Zealand, with Bay View Fire Station becoming a forward control point. A power outage meant plans were coordinated by torchlight, adding to the logistical nightmare.
On hearing of the challenges faced by the Bay View Volunteer Fire Brigade during Cyclone Gabrielle, the team at Laser Plumbing & Electrical Napier decided it was time for some significant infrastructure improvements to the fire station.
“In a crisis, the whole community relies on fire station volunteers, but the stations are reliant on power and water, so they need to be off the grid,” says Brenda Roberts, co-owner of Laser Napier.
Laser New Zealand franchises collaborated to donate around $16,000 towards a Cyclone Gabrielle fund, of which Laser Napier spent $8,000 plus their staff time on plumbing and electrical equipment for the Bay View fire station, including essential power cords and a generator, to ensure the station could seamlessly transition to off-grid operations.
The plumbing system was upgraded to gas, with Mico Plumbing donating a Rinnai Infinity unit, allowing exhausted, silt-covered firefighters the simple luxury of a hot
shower before heading home.
“Over the course of a few days, at least 15 Laser Napier staff members got involved,” says Brenda. “We had plumbers and electricians volunteering their time, as well as support from the office staff, who regularly refilled cups of coffee, and from Dave at Mico Hastings.
“The Laser Napier electrical team rewired the fire station’s infrastructure to operate off a generator, installed LED lights, and upgraded the switchboard for generator compatibility. The station can now function seamlessly in the absence of electricity—a huge help for firefighters during critical moments.”
Laser Plumbing & Electrical Napier has a history of supporting dedicated fire station volunteers, having also participated in the fundraising for the Taradale Fire Station. Through this and their ongoing support of Nick’s volunteer work, the team demonstrate their commitment to essential services and civic responsibility.
This interesting set up was found by Iain Hislop at Koru Plumbing & Gas. Thanks for sharing Iain!
“This is a job I went to quote,” says Jatinder Sidhu at JT Carter Plumbers. “I ended up not doing it and explaining to the customer how dangerous and illegal it is.”
Email your photos to the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz
Thanks to Jonathan Hutchison of Hutchinson Plumbing Gasfitting & Drainlaying for sending in this one. “My apprentice Dennis Tule discovered this little pearla. I thought it was quite clever.”
“Found this little beauty under the sink in an apartment block in Auckland,” says Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing. “We have started replacing kitchens to 300 units—wonder how many more will be like this or worse?
Appears the waste master was removed when the tenant moved out. I guess at least they reconnected the waste to stop the smell.”
