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THIS EDITION’S ROUND-UP OF NEWS AND ADVOCACY WORK FROM MASTER PLUMBERS.

Building consent system “not meeting objectives”

As part of its wider building system reform programme, MBIE recently sought feedback on its review of the current building consent system.

Master Plumbers made its views known by the 4 September closing date. The primary focus of the consent system should be to ensure building work is safe, free from defects and meets minimum quality standards, said CEO Greg Wallace, whilst adding that the system also needs to be efficient to ensure building work is not unduly hindered.

“Master Plumbers does not consider that the current consent system is achieving either set of objectives,” he says. “This is because of the heavy responsibility on BCAs and especially inspectors. We believe this could be reduced by expanding self-certification to plumbing and drainlaying work.”

In its written feedback to MBIE, Master Plumbers said the key elements of self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers would be:

Clear rules setting out tradesperson responsibilities and requirements A training and registration regime to ensure tradespeople are competent (already largely in place and coordinated by the industry) A credible auditing regime An enforceable obligation on the certifier to remediate over a suitable period.

“Master Plumbers also sees the use of technology as essential in providing an accessible, centralised record of work.”

The significant variances in requirements across New Zealand’s 69 building consent authorities is a major hindrance, according to Master Plumbers. This, along with the lack of innovation for the system, the time-consuming, bureaucratic nature of the consent process, and the reliance on a small number of BCA inspectors, who often don’t have the same level of specialist knowledge and experience as registered plumbers and drainlayers, means the current consent system does not deliver the right outcomes in terms of quality, cost and timeliness.

Consultation submission form

Review of the Building Consent System

Master Plumbers provided feedback on MBIE’s recent consultation on its review of the building consent system.

Read the Master Plumbers submission in full in the member area at www.masterplumbers.org.nz

Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace being presented with his Industry Recognition Award by NZPM co-operative Director Craig McCord at the 2022 Plumbing World Excellence Awards.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CEO GREG WALLACE!

Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace was awarded at the 2022 Plumbing World Excellence Awards in September with an Industry Recognition Award to acknowledge his outstanding service, loyalty and commitment to the success of the New Zealand plumbing industry.

“This is a special one-off award to recognise someone who has gone way beyond the extra mile over the past couple of very challenging Covid impacted years in outstanding support of and campaigning for the plumbing industry,” said Plumbing World CEO Rob Kidd.

Among other awards presented on the night was another one-off, the NZPM Recognition Award, going to NZPM co-operative Chair John DeBernardo. “As I reflect on the past 11 years that I have been with the company, and more specifically the past few months with the news about John’s health, it is more than fitting that we recognise and acknowledge John for his tremendous contribution to our NZPM co-operative,” said Rob Kidd.

It was John’s father, Ido DeBernardo who, along with a group of like-minded plumbers, put their hands in their pockets to establish the NZPM co-operative back in 1964, he said. “It is you who have been instrumental in transforming it into the modern, professional and great co-operative business it is today,” Rob told John, who attended the awards night via Zoom, with wife Michele.

From this year, the annual Plumbing World contribution award is renamed the DeBernardo Contribution Award in recognition of both Ido and John DeBernardo. All the 2022 finalists had contributed between 10 and 25 years to Plumbing World, with the award going to Lower Central Regional Manager Mark Fox.

The Taurus Branch of the Year Award, presented by Plumbing World since 1985 for achievement across all areas of branch operations, went to Plumbing World Lower Hutt.

NZPM co-operative Chair John DeBernardo accepting his NZPM Recognition Award via Zoom.

Plumbing World Lower Central Regional Manager Mark Fox with the newly named DeBernardo Contribution Award.

Keith Cook, Plumbing World Lower Hutt Branch Manager, with the 2022 Taurus Branch of the Year Award.

GET BEHIND MOVEMBER— AND BE IN TO WIN!

Master Plumbers and Dux have teamed to get behind Movember— and we need your help! Join our Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Industry Challenge and, together, let’s get behind this great cause, supporting men’s health.

All the money your team raises will go towards funding groundbreaking projects that help save men’s lives—so have fun, get creative and get into it! We’ll shout the team with the highest Movember fundraiser a team event worth up to $500.

Plus, we’re giving away a $159 Chuffed Gift Box for each mo style category: Trucker/Handlebar, Connoisseur and Slug. Upload a before and after photo in line with the official Movember rules and you could win!

AND our Mo Sisters can get involved too. The guy or girl with the highest number of kms run or walked on our 60km Challenge also wins a $159 Chuffed Gift Box.

How to enter

Just scan the QR code here or go to https://nz.movember.com/ mospace/network/view/id/52203

Get to know new Master Plumbers Training Administrator Victoria Young with our quick Q&A.

NAME: Victoria Young ROLE: Training

Administrator

Tell us a bit about your role I look after booking and organising all the training courses that Master Plumbers runs, as well as investigating new facilitators and training courses for us to hold in the future.

What did you do before this? I studied Interior Architecture, finishing up my Masters at the start of this year. I worked as a waitress during my undergrad summers in Christchurch, and then at the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand during my post-grad. These jobs have allowed me to expand my customer relations skills as well as network with others in the wider building industry, which I am enjoying getting involved in.

Where do you call home? I was born and raised in Christchurch and moved to Wellington to pursue architecture when I was 18. I’ve been in Welly for over five years now and consider it to be home.

When not in Welly, where’s your favourite holiday spot? Portugal—the architecture and culture are so vibrant. I went just before the Covid lockdowns, and I will definitely be going back as soon as I can. I also went to Fiji earlier this year and it was incredible. We stayed at an eco-resort, so we were completely disconnected from the world and met the loveliest people.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work? I have always been a creative person, so I have been doing pottery and painting in my spare time at my local art workshop. I have found it is a great creative outlet now that I have finished university and have more free time.

NEW: BRANDED UNIFORM ORDERS

To save our members time and energy, Master Plumbers and Always Made Special (AMS) have put together a top-quality workwear range, already branded with the Master Plumbers logo.

Just get your own business logo added— and you’re ready to go!

You can either work with AMS to have your logo included on your orders, or use your own branding company to add your business logo.

The range includes overalls, jackets, singlets, thermals and more. If you would like to see other workwear added to the catalogue, please let Master Plumbers know at any time. How to order

Master Plumbers members can make online orders by signing in to the AMS portal at www.ams.wip.co.nz/masterplumbers For any order queries, please contact AMS. info@uniformsmadeeasy.co.nz

Freephone 0800 365 4585

2023 NEW ZEALAND PLUMBING CONFERENCE UPDATE

Bookings will open soon for the 2023 New Zealand Plumbing Conference. Next year’s event is being held at the vibrant and contemporary Te Pae convention centre in Ōtautahi Christchurch from 3-5 May—save the date now!

We’ve listened to your feedback and updated the programme format for the 2023 event. To give attendees plenty of time to browse the trade expo and engage with suppliers, the expo will open on the afternoon of Wednesday 3 May.

We’ve secured accommodation at a range of price points at the Crowne Plaza and Fable Hotel—both just a few minutes’ walk from Te Pae.

Watch this space for more details on a packed programme of activities, guest speakers, business sessions and evening social events. Plus, of course, the 2023 New Zealand Plumbing Awards. We look forward to welcoming all member businesses to Ōtautahi Christchurch for a conference that’s even bigger and better than before!

Opened in Ōtautahi Christchurch in December 2021, Te Pae is the fabulous, worldclass venue for the New Zealand Plumbing Conference from 3-5 May 2023.

NEW MEMBERS

A warm welcome to new member businesses of Master Plumbers:

Emcole Drainage & Wastewater Solutions Ltd – Auckland

Nuflow North Harbour Ltd – Auckland

Veza Drainage Ltd – Auckland

Gaarryn T Plumbing Ltd – Waikato

KZN Plumbing Ltd – Waikato

Matarangi Plumbing Ltd – Bay of Plenty/Coromandel

Pinnacle Plumbing & Gas Ltd – Bay of Plenty/Coromandel

Plumbnetix Ltd – Bay of Plenty/Coromandel

Egmont Plumbing and Gas Ltd – Taranaki

Beyond Plumbing Ltd – Hawkes Bay

Direct Gas and Plumbing Ltd – Wellington

Mana Civil Contracting Ltd – Wellington

Just 1 Plumber Ltd – Canterbury

Matt The Plumber Ltd – Canterbury

Morgan Thomas Plumbing & Drainage Ltd – Canterbury

Plumb and Flow – Canterbury

Fantail Plumbing & Gas Ltd – Queenstown

FATHER’S DAY PRIZE WINNERS!

Congratulations to the three winners of our Father’s Day Prize Draw, who each win a Rheem Fishing Prize Bundle of a Penn rod and reel set, chilly bag, fleece T and camo light cap with bottle opener!

Wayne Service of Hurunui

Drainage & Plumbing

Lindsey Robbins of Spargo Plumbing

Brett Verner of BD Verner Thanks to Rheem and Masterlink, who teamed up with Master Plumbers for this fantastic giveaway.

WANT TO JOIN?

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 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 to discuss our two-year membership deal!

Alana Fourie 021 985 894 afourie@masterplumbers.org.nz Or contact 0800 502 102 membership@masterplumbers.org.nz