OUT & ABOUT

Connection is what the local Master Plumbers branches and associations are all about, as these latest events show.

Money for MATES

The Master Plumbers Wellington and Hutt Valley/ Wairarapa Branches raised a truly awesome $26,675 for MATES in Construction at their Wellbeing Charity Dinner. Master Plumbers Membership Services Advisor Henry Cassin (left) was delighted to join Master Plumbers Wellington President Dave Norris in handing over the cheque to Hayden Griffiths of MATES.

Celebrating in Canterbury

Master Plumbers Canterbury and Business Partner representatives got together at the Retropolitan Bar in Christchurch for some Christmas celebrations. Shown here, from left, are Rhonda de Gouw, Holly Timms and Sam Squire.

Gisborne coffee catch up

Enjoying a Master Plumbers Coffee Catch Up in Gisborne towards the end of 2022. More events are planned around the motu in 2023.

Wellbeing on the road

These photos show recent Master Plumbers Wellbeing Toolbox Talks. The roadshow will continue in 2023.

New president for South Canterbury

Having been a member of Master Plumbers for many years, Mike Hubbard felt the time was right to step into the South Canterbury President's role when it came up. Mike took over from long-standing President Jack Rate, who he did his initial apprenticeship with back in 1995!

Operating rurally, in the Mackenzie District, Mike finds that the communication, training and networking available through Master Plumbers is invaluable for keeping current in the trade. He has taken on this role as an opportunity to participate further within the organisation. Mike hopes to keep promoting the importance of Master Plumbers and to engage more members throughout South Canterbury.

Award winners for Volcanic Plateau

McBeth Plumbing and Gas in Taupō (pictured) took out four awards at the Master Plumbers Volcanic Plateau Awards in January—including the top Volcanic Plateau Master Plumber of the Year! Robert Bruell won Most Outstanding Plumber, Chris Davis Most Outstanding Drainlayer and Emma de Salis Best Second Year Apprentice. The prized Volcanic Plateau Apprentice of the Year Award went to Logan Hirst of Advanced Plumbing. Logan looks after many of the company’s high-end house builds in the region and is the lead tradesperson at the new Taupō Airport upgrade.

To find out what branch and association events are coming your way, visit www.masterplumbers.org.nz/events

PULL OUT YOUR MASTERLINK DIARIES AND NOTE SOME ENTRY DEADLINES YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!

BE IN QUICK: OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIP ENTRIES CLOSING SOON

“I’m a much better person. Much more confident and now know what I want to achieve in life.”

That’s what Hamilton plumber Quintin Trott had to say after his Masterlink Outward Bound Scholarship experience. If you’re a Masterlink apprentice and would like the chance to go on this year’s fully funded 16-day Outward Bound Building Leaders course, there’s still time to apply! TEN Outward Bound Scholarships are available through this Masterlink partnership with Methven Caroma. Selected participants will join other construction industry trainees on the Marlborough Sounds course, which runs from 28 June to 13 July inclusive (12 working days). Up for the challenge?

Apply today at www.masterlink.co.nz/scholarships-outward-bound

YOU KNOW THE DRILL!

A reminder that Masterlink apprentices who complete all the Masterlink online Health & Safety modules receive an awesome Makita Cordless Hammer Driver Drill Kit in recognition of their learning. Shown here are some of the most recent recipients—ka rawe!

ARE YOU THE NEXT YOUNG PLUMBER OF THE YEAR?

Masterlink is a sponsor and massive supporter of Plumbing World’s Young Plumber of the Year—this industry’s flagship event for showcasing and rewarding the best and brightest in the plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting industry.

The branch, regional and national competitions recognise excellence in our trades, celebrate industry training and acknowledge the support of the amazing employers and suppliers that keep the wheels turning.

In 2023, hundreds of contestants will once more be battling it out for a spot in the national final at Claudelands, Hamilton. There’ll be great prizes up for grabs, personal development opportunities and— for those who make it to the national final—a whole lot more.

NOMINATE A MATE!

Know someone who’d make an excellent plumber, drainlayer and/or gasfitter?? Be in to WIN a $100 Prezzy Card* by nominating a mate to Masterlink.

Talk to your Regional Manager or enter online at www.masterlink.co.nz

Or just email recruitment@masterlink.co.nz

*T&Cs apply

GET TO KNOW THE TEAM Danny Ledwith

Regional Manager

OTAGO/SOUTH CANTERBURY

Danny Ledwith is the new point of contact for Masterlink hosts and apprentices in the Otago and South Canterbury regions. “As a Regional Manager, I support apprentices through their apprenticeship, carrying out quarterly appraisals with apprentices and hosts for full transparency on how their qualifications are progressing.”

Danny says he loves the relationship building side of the job. “Being able to mentor and support people through a life-changing journey is something I am passionate about and seeing them come out the other side with their qualification is really cool!”

Danny wants to see apprentices work hard and enjoy the journey. “It’s five years of learning and gaining experience that will be invaluable in the long run, so do it with a smile on your face!” he says.

He also looks to build strong working relationships with hosts. “I want our hosts to feel they are investing in their business and are positive about working with Masterlink.”

Originally from Ireland, Danny is now a permanent New Zealand resident. “I came to New Zealand for six months in 2016 and I’m still here! I have a house, fiancée and dog here in Dunedin and this is now home for me.”

Before joining Masterlink, Danny worked as the Federation Development Manager for Football South in Dunedin. “I am a sport fantatic and love being active through sport. I am desperately trying to reduce my golf handicap at the moment but we won’t go into that....”

When not working or playing sport, Danny enjoys relaxing with friends and family or mowing his lawns!