THIS EDITION’S NEWS FROM MASTER PLUMBERS INCLUDES AN UPDATE ON THE SELF-VERIFICATION PILOT FOR PLUMBERS AND DRAINLAYERS.
Business Partner Forum held online Due to the Omicron surge in New Zealand, the annual Business Partner Forum and Member Forum were both held successfully online in late February and early March. Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace opened both events with an update on the work the organisation had undertaken to support members through the ever-changing workplace impacts of the Covid pandemic, including a recent video resource to help members apply for critical worker status. He followed this up with an overview of the updated Master Plumbers strategy 2022-2025 and member feedback from the latest Master Plumbers annual survey, which showed that the shortage of qualified tradespeople, consenting delays, and issues with the current training system were the three main challenges facing our industry. Greg finished his presentation by outlining key advocacy projects at Master Plumbers, which include the removal of lead from drinking water products; self-verification for plumbers and drainlayers; ensuring
the gasfitting sector is trained and ready to take advantage of viable alternative fuels to natural gas and LPG; and representation on the Construction & Infrastructure Workforce Development Council as a voice for the training needs of the PGD sector. Guest speakers included Ross Wakefield, Senior Advisor, Plumbing and Hydraulic Services at MBIE, who advised of upcoming consultation on plumbing and drainage systems and standards as part of the annual Building Code update (see page 24); and Gareth Kiernan, Chief Forecaster at Infometrics, who provided a construction outlook, predicting continued strong construction activity for the next 18 months, with capacity pressures and material constraints presenting the biggest challenge. Members can find the updated Master Plumbers strategy in the member log-in area of the website www.masterplumbers.org.nz, under Rules & Strategy.
In his economic forecast presentation, Gareth Kiernan noted that a squeeze on household budgets, high interest rates and a very tight labour market were causing a drop in consumer spending behaviour.
5,000 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS!
Thank you to each and every follower of the Master Plumbers Facebook page, which has reached the milestone of 5,000 followers. We’re so grateful you’ve connected with us to keep abreast of exciting19. activities, competitions and initiatives coming up at Master Plumbers. Great to have you with us. www.facebook.com/masterplumbersnz
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