A MESSAGE FROM PHOEBE’S FRIENDS

Caelum

Warena

My experience getting into the plumbing trade was very difficult. I grew up in an environment where making it big in the trades was becoming a scaffolder and moving to Australia. Nothing else was an obtainable option other than working in a factory/mill making just over the bare minimum wage for the next 20 years, because not many Māori people were in the trade. Getting in was all about who you knew and not so much about what you can do.

Six months of applying and 15 different companies, where I feel my family name played a big part in not being shortlisted and I’ve never been so tired in my life. It was mentally consuming—I was waking up and going to bed thinking about work.”

Having experienced a bout of depression in her apprentice years when trying to combine a full working day with a punishing mountain bike training schedule, Phoebe has learnt how important it is to listen to her body and to know when enough is enough.

“Learning to prioritise and delegate are the hardest things to do, as I want things done how I would do them, but I know you can’t do stuff when you’re tired. You’ve got to stop and recharge—take a lunch break, sit outside and stare at the grass, or collapse in front of Brooklyn Nine-Nine at the end of the day!”

Joining Master Plumbers was also a no-brainer for getting good business support, she says. “It’s one of first things I did. They’ve got really good resources and protect our industry. Everyone needs to be to get an interview, but eventually someone gave me a shot.

For me a massive part of my motivation was to show that people of my background are capable of being a part of this trade and we can do well. Starting out in this trade was a massive culture shock. A lot of things were different, from the greetings to the way we dress and even the topics of conversation.

It took a while to adapt. Now after seven years in the trade I’ve learnt a lot about different walks of life and people’s journeys of how they got to where they are. It has given me a better understanding and respect of where people come from.

Dave Hodgson

“I’ve been in the plumbing industry for eight years. I started my apprenticeship with a local company and now I own my own business, Hodgson Plumbing and Gas.

“I’m local to Rotorua and grew up on the farm. My practical thinking mind started at a very young age, helping Mum out on the farm since the day I started walking. I live for being outdoors and working so it was no surprise school wasn’t for me.

“I left at the age of 16 knowing that was the best decision for my path in life. Before I left I had teachers tell me I wouldn’t make it far in life. Now those same teachers are my clients and I’ve also been asked to talk to the students at my old high school about a career in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying trade.

part of something like that if they’re going to be a legitimate business. They filter out the cowboys and grow our reputation as an important, respected trade.”

Having the support of her mum, dad and partner behind the scenes helps keep the show on the road, as do the many friends Phoebe has made through her work and mountain biking.

“I’d always had this thing for Rotorua, which has great mountain bike trails. I have lots of friends here, including Dave Hodgson of Hodgson Plumbing and Gas, who has been a massive part of helping me in Rose Line with advice and a listening ear, Julian Parker at 100% Plumbing & Gas, and Ben Howie, Manager at Foleys Rotorua.

“We all lean on each other, lending tools, labour and a hand on a job when needed. It’s a helpful and sharing vibe, supporting each other. We love it.”

“So you could say I made the right decision all those years ago.

“To all the young kids out there like me who might have struggled at school and with academic class work, know that there are other paths out there. I struggled a lot with my exams and study as I find it hard to sit down and concentrate on things like that. I got there in the end after focusing and putting my mind to it.

“You can do anything you want when you put your mind to it and focus your intentions. Find a career you love and don’t look back.”