NZ Plumber April-May 2018

APRIL/MAY 2018

READ ALL ABOUT IT

NZ Plumbing Conference highlights

2017 list MPA Fina

BEST OF THE BEST

National award winners

PODS & PREFABS

Implications for plumbers

THE HEAT IS ON

Heating technical theme

// L I G H T C O N S T R U C T I O N E X C AVAT O R S With an extensive history of quality engineering and innovation, the new Hitachi mini excavators have evolved to deliver a new level of precision, power and productivity.

ZX17U-5 / ZX26U-5

ZX33U-5 / ZX38U-5 / ZX48U-5 / ZX55U-5 / ZX65USB-5

(New Models)

120315_Hitachi_Light_Excavators_V3

SPECIFICATIONS MAKE

MODEL

WEIGHT kg

WIDTH Blade mm

BUCKET m3

DIG DEPTH mm

BREAKOUT kgf

POWER hp @ rpm

FLOW L/min

Hitachi

ZAXIS 17U-5

1880

980/1280

0.044

2190

1630

14.4 @ 2400

2 x 19.2

Hitachi

ZAXIS 26U-5

2570

1500

0.06

2590

2300

19.7 @ 2200

2 x 35.2/ 1 x 17.6

Hitachi

ZAXIS 33U-5

3510

1550

0.11

3130

2770

28.4 @ 2400

2 x 38.4/ 1 x 22.8

Hitachi

ZAXIS 38U-5

3960

1740

0.11

3460

2760

28.4 @ 2400

2 x 38.4/ 1 x 22.8

Hitachi

ZAXIS 48U-5

4900

1960

0.13

3630

3270

37.8 @ 2400

120

Hitachi

ZAXIS 55U-5

5210

2000

0.13

3830

3760

37.8 @ 2400

120

Hitachi

ZAXIS 65USB-5

6470

2000

0.18

4120

4190

45.7 @ 2000

144

See first-hand the features of the new Hitachi ZX17U-5 & ZX26U-5 excavators with live demonstrations taking place throughout the country. For more information and to register visit www.cableprice.co.nz or contact your local CablePrice sales representative.

Models shown are for illustration purposes only and may or may not include options available in New Zealand.

Weights noted are for cabin units. (Excludes ZX17U-5 and ZX26U-5)

0800 555 456 sales@cableprice.co.nz www.cableprice.co.nz

EDITORIAL

Volume 70, Number 2 MAGAZINE TEAM CEO Greg Wallace EDITOR Beverly Sellers 03 543 2008 beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz DESIGN Sally Travis Design www.sallytravisdesign.co.nz PRINT Service Printers 258 Taranaki Street Wellington 6141 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 beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz To order an annual subscription, go to www.masterplumbers.org.nz MAILING LIST For enquiries, or to update your details: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz Non-Master Plumbers’ members with address detail changes should notify the PGD Board direct, giving their registration number licensing@pgdb.co.nz

Product quality Winners and losers in the New Zealand plumbing product marketplace.

IT’S GREAT TO see reputable plumbing products being recognised at the annual New Zealand Plumbing Awards. This year’s winner was Marley Twist®—a clever rainwater diverter that turns your downpipe into a source of water for the garden, cleaning or emergency use.

NZ Plumbing Conference attendees got to see and handle many other excellent newly launched products and services during the two-day trade exhibition. If you couldn’t make it to Hamilton for the event, turn to p74 for a sample of what was on show.

Sadly, not all products conform to such high standards. As Colleen Upton says in our feature article on p12: “There are actually sales guys out there hawking tapware and the like, who are bold enough to ask you to your face: ‘What brand or standard do you want us to put on this product?’ Naturally, this stuff comes at a good price, but only fools would go there!”

Colleen is expressing her concerns about overseas substandard plumbing product being imported unchecked into New Zealand—and she’s not alone. Gasfitter Howard White has similar concerns about unstamped glass being used for splashbacks behind gas hobs in our article on p48.

In the list of plumbing industry issues that Master Plumbers wants the Government to address as a matter of urgency, this is priority number one… and no wonder.

So, let’s hear it for those in the industry—manufacturers, suppliers and installers—who set the bar high. The very best were recognised at the 2018 New Zealand Plumbing Awards, and we feature them on p37.

Beverly Sellers Editor, NZ Plumber, beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz

TO ADVERTISE Contact Catherine Schuster cschuster@masterplumbers.org.nz Above: Some of the cast and crew of Master Plumbers and Masterlink (including the Ed) enjoying the Marley Fun Night Dinner at Hobbiton during the 2018 NZ Plumbing Conference.

NZ Plumber is the official magazine of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc. Contact details for the MPGD Board, Society 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.

OVER TO YOU The best email, letter, tip or photo sent in by readers that we publish on this page wins a $30 prize voucher!

Do you have a picture, story or news to share? Or feedback on any of the articles you’ve read in NZ Plumber? We’d love to hear from you. Email the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz or give me a call on 03 543 2008.

Backflow feedback Great to see the article by Peter McLennan on backflow prevention (well lack of it) in NZ Plumber Feb Mar issue. Hopefully a few of the water suppliers had a chance to read the article and do something about it.

Hugh Chapman HJ Chapman Plumbing Ltd Thanks for writing in Hugh—our prize voucher is on its way.

April/May 2018

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58

57

Inside this issue

60

APRIL/MAY 2018

WHAT’S ON 7

New Master Plumbers training courses

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS 8

CEO Greg Wallace on industry priorities; improved Mobilcard savings; 2018 Master Plumber of the Year; NZ Plumber 70th anniversary prize winner; Best in Brand prize; membership milestones

IN FOCUS 12 Small but perfectly formed?

What tiny houses and pods mean for the plumbing industry

REAL LIVES 16 Wheel appeal

Fundraising bike tour for a plumber and his partner 42 Collecting memories

Roger Herd: 50 years in the industry and a museum of memorabilia

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April/May 2018

TECHNICAL THEME: HEATING 21 Wetback cylinders

Copper and stainless steel options 22 Servicing cabinet heaters

LPG Association Code of Practice 26 Handling the pressure?

Insights into expansion vessels

CONFERENCE 2018 33 Mighty Waikato

An event to remember 34 Down to business

AGM reporting 37 Worthy winners

2018 NZ Plumbing Awards winners 40 Expo excellence

Stars of the trade show

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT 28 Clean slate

Restoring a roof the traditional way

NUTS & BOLTS 46 Gas ring

Caravan installations; making notifications; withholding certificates 48 Splashback standards

Toughened glass concerns 50 Can you taste it?

Water chlorination questions answered

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER APRIL/MAY 2018

33

READ ALL ABOUT IT

37

BEST OF THE BEST

12

PODS & PREFABS

NZ Plumbing Conference highlights

2017 MPA Finalist

National award winners Implications for plumbers

20

THE HEAT IS ON

Heating technical theme

69

53 Tech points

Wiring rules changes; new roof design guide; LPG cylinder restraints

INDUSTRY TALK 54 Plumbing World welcomes ‘Home’

Customer focus for Plumbing World 54 Forward for water

One of this year’s biggest environmental challenges 55 An ‘almost plumber’

Andrea Lovell’s regular column 56 PGDB kicks off campaign

Round two for Sort the Pros from the Cons 57 The Ultimate Reno—coming soon!

Master Plumbers partners with new TV series 57 Subbies not to blame

Why subcontractors are not the cause of Fletcher Building’s woes

SMART BUSINESS 58 Secrets and lies

Avoid breaching newly expanded anti price-fixing rules 60 Stopping cybercrime

One of the biggest threats to your business 62 Employment law changes

BNZ on what the proposed changes mean for you

Cover photograph: The assembled 2018 NZ Plumbing Awards guests, with Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace in the foreground. Photograph by Craig Brown.

67 Better Business Growth

A new service from Skills

SAFETY FIRST 69 Site traffic safety

Importance of on-site traffic management systems

NEXT GENERATION 72 Masterlink messageboard

Masterlink value proposition

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

63 Goodbye guesswork

Inland Revenue takes aim at provisional tax

74 Round-up of new products and services on display at the conference

65 Eye on the overheads

A major cause of cash flow problems

78 Offcuts

You couldn’t make it up…

66 Health & wellbeing

People work better when they feel good

81 Dodgy plumbing

Everything dodgy, including the kitchen sink

AND FINALLY

66 Measuring productivity

Benefits of investing in technology and measurement systems April/May 2018

5

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What’s on Some brand-new Master Plumbers training courses for 2018.

Top Quality Customer Service—All the Time

EVENTS

If you have an event you would like to promote in a future edition of NZ Plumber, please email the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz

What’s New in Law—2018 Dates: Now until 18 June

Dates: Now until 28 August

Venues: Nationwide

Venues: Nationwide

Presenter: Dr Gigi Fenster

Present: Lynn Harris

Cost: $90.00 ex GST (member price); free to Masterlink apprentices

Cost: $90 ex GST (member price); free to Masterlink apprentices This new Master Plumbers training course is targeted at plumbers, apprentices and office staff who are in contact with customers.

Today’s customers are more knowledgeable about their rights and less willing to put up with service, or lack of service, that fails to meet their expectations.

This course provides new insights into meeting customer expectations, managing and minimising complaints, and providing excellent customer service—even on the worst days.

Book and pay at www.masterplumbers.org.nz/training

Preparing Quotations Date: 2 May-8 August Venues: Nationwide Presenter: Rod Miller Cost: $90 ex GST (member price); free to Masterlink apprentices Knowing how to prepare well-considered quotes is an important part of growing your business. However, getting your quotes right can be a challenge. You need to ensure you have a competitive price but also that your costs are covered and you make a decent profit.

Presenter Rod Miller is well versed in preparing quotes and managing a range of commercial and domestic jobs. He brings all his practical knowledge and experience to this course to share with attendees.

To be discussed: • Does the project fit your business?

• Taking considered steps to arrive at a price that wins you work over your competitors • Describing job components clearly and accurately • Effective dealings with suppliers • Having a workable plan in place • Practical examples • Clearly defining the terms and conditions of your quote • Taking a professional approach to presenting your quote • How to manage the job once the quote is accepted Book and pay at www.masterplumbers.org.nz/training

Master Plumbers’ popular What’s New in Law course has been updated for 2018. This practical workshop provides an overview of important legal developments in the past year, and of laws that have ongoing impact on the industry.

It includes: • Introduction to the Construction Contracts Act and how it has changed our law on retention money • Understanding of liquidated damages and how our courts interpret these • Understanding of ‘fitness for purpose’ and how it has been considered in recent court cases • Overview of the CTV collapse, the Royal Commission report, and why charges were not laid • Introduction to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 with a particular focus on who holds duties under the Act • Copies of forms and pro-forma documents.

Book and pay at www.masterplumbers.org.nz/training

Getting Payment Dates: 21 June-24 August Venues: Nationwide Presenter: Dr Gigi Fenster Cost $90 ex GST (member price); free to Masterlink apprentices Problems with getting payment from a client can be a source of stress for many businesses. This practical workshop considers some of the hurdles you may encounter, and the legal tools that can be used to overcome these.

Participants will gain: • Understanding of how your initial quote can be used to protect your payment rights • Understanding of the Letter of Demand • Understanding of when legal fees and debt collection fees can be claimed • Overview of the Construction Contracts Act and how it can be used to promote and enforce your payment rights • Introduction to the court system, with particular focus on when Disputes Tribunal can be used • Introduction to insolvency and its effect on payment • Understanding of retention money and when it is repaid • Copies of relevant forms and pro-forma documents.

Book and pay at www.masterplumbers.org.nz/training April/May 2018

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MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Plumbing industry issues A number of key plumbing industry issues were discussed at our recent meeting with Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa.

IN MASTER PLUMBERS’ view, there are four priority issues that require urgent attention: the quality of plumbing products available in New Zealand, plumber self-certification, current skills shortages, and Standards funding.

Before our meeting, we provided a detailed briefing to the Minister, putting forward possible solutions to these issues. With regards to product quality, we believe New Zealand needs to follow Australia’s lead and legislate point of sale compliance, which would require evidence from merchants and resellers that their products comply with New Zealand Standards. We feel it is unfair and unreasonable to expect plumbers to be able to identify issues with products, such as potential lead contamination in pipework and tapware.

We have also raised our concerns about this with Consumer New Zealand, and they have agreed to investigate the possibility of product research and testing.

On the matter of plumber selfcertification, we find it staggering that less than 50 percent of consented plumbing work actually gets physically

NEW MEMBERS Warm welcome to: • United Plumbing Engineering Ltd, Auckland • White Water Plumbing Ltd, Alexandra

Want to join?

Special two-year membership deal available.

0800 502 102 membership@masterplumbers. org.nz www.masterplumbers.org.nz

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April/May 2018

inspected in some areas—and yet the industry must still pay consent fees.

It seems nonsensical that a gasfitter can certify all his or her work, but a plumber must undergo sometimes as many as three inspections before sign off. Looking to Australia once more, plumber selfcertification has been in place for 12 years and there is a robust audit process to ensure compliance.

To the third issue, the Minister acknowledged that MBIE data showed a significant shortfall in qualified tradespeople. She said consideration was being given to a government-led initiative that would require trade businesses to have apprentices among their staff in order to be able to tender for government-funded projects and public private partnerships.

Lastly, we addressed the workload and cost involved for Master Plumbers in helping develop and maintain Standards for the industry as a whole. We asked the Minister to review the current funding model, as we don’t believe it is sustainable or serving the construction industry well.

We believe these issues for the plumbing sector should be considered separately from a wider construction industry review—particularly, plumbing product quality due to possible consumer health risks.

The Minister expressed a desire to

have a strong working relationship with Master Plumbers, and our feedback will be sought on any draft papers that result from our discussions.

On a different note, we are thrilled to have negotiated an increased fuel discount for members. Following a threemonth tender process with three major suppliers to ensure we are delivering the best possible value, we have secured a new deal with Mobil, providing members with 12 cents off diesel and petrol at the pump price or 20 cents off diesel at national price (more details on p9).

As part of this initiative, all members will receive a Mobilcard, which will double a membership card. Members will also be able to use a barcode on the back when purchasing other discounted products from our discount partners, such as Hirepool and Pit Stop.

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who attended and supported the New Zealand Plumbing Conference. To have more than 300 people attend the awards night is outstanding and proves our industry is in great shape.

Greg Wallace, CEO Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ

3-Night Deluxe Air NZ Mystery Break winner We have a winner from last edition’s 70thbirthday prize draw!

In the last edition of NZ Plumber, we ran a prize draw to win a 3-Night Air New Zealand Deluxe Mystery Break for 2, including return air travel, rental car and deluxe 4-5 star twin/double accommodation for three nights.

Readers were asked to count the pictures of mini wrenches dotted throughout the magazine, and those who entered with

the correct number went into the draw (it was nine by the way!).

Congratulations to our prize draw winner Mike Pooley of Pooley Plumbing in Wellington—we hope you have a superb break at your mystery destination!

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

2018 Master Plumber of the Year

Huge congratulations to the team at Hutt Gas and Plumbing, winners of the 2018 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year Award.

Professional, friendly, tidy, prompt, efficient and knowledgeable.

These are just some of the words used by customers to describe their dealings with this year’s winning business—Hutt Gas and Plumbing. Operating in the Wellington region for over 25 years, this company also takes pride in having trained more than 45 apprentices, many of whom have gone on to run their own successful businesses.

Directors Scott Adin, Darren Smith and Colleen Upton have shown their commitment to the industry in many ways, including contributing to the Skills Leadership and Governance Group setting new qualifications for the industry.

In the past two years, Hutt Gas and Plumbing has undergone a full rebrand of its fleet, signage, uniforms, stationery and online presence. In 2017, it was recognised as an example of business success by accounting software company Xero, selected to appear on billboards, digital media and print as part of its Xero Switch campaign.

We’ll bring you more about this award-winning business in the next edition.

Turn to page 37 to discover all the award winners from the 2018 New Zealand Plumbing Awards.

Mighty Waikato event

Record numbers turned up to the 2018 NZ Plumbing Conference.

It was great to see so many delegates, guests, partners, sponsors and suppliers at Hamilton’s Claudelands Events Centre this March. A huge amount of planning went into ensuring the 2018 NZ Plumbing Conference was a successful, informative and entertaining event—and it’s fabulous to see members taking full advantage of what’s on offer for their businesses.

The full lowdown from a superb event starts on page 33.

Greater savings on fuel!

New things are coming to you with our improved Master Plumbers Mobilcard fuel deal.

Mobilcard is the simplest, most secure way of paying for fuel for your vehicles with benefits in administration, cost and control of your money. No more staff reimbursements for whatever they bought at the service station, and a simple one bill a month for your accounting and tax expense records.

We are delighted to have brought increased discounts directly to you. From any Mobilcard acceptor, you can now get 12 cents per litre off the pump price for your petrol and diesel purchases.

If you are a high diesel user, or are in a high fuel price area, you may want a special diesel price card which allows you to get 20 cents per litre off Mobil’s national diesel price. (This national price tends to be slightly above the average countrywide pump price.)

Go to www.mobil.co.nz/en/find to discover where you can receive your Master Plumbers discounts—180 out of 330 are Mobil branded service stations, and the list also includes New World and Pak'nSave fuel sites.

If you save this web address on your smart phone, you’ll quickly be able to see where you can top up your tank for less when you’re on the move.

Further down the track, we’ll be upgrading your Master Plumbers Mobilcard with one that also acts as a membership card, including a bar code on the back for other discounted product purchases from Master Plumbers discount partners.

April/May 2018

9

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Best in Brand winner—and your turn!

A $200 Prezzy Card for this edition’s winner. The next could be yours…

Congrats to Foleys in Dunedin, winners of this edition’s Best in Brand prize for their first-class use of Master Plumbers’ branding on their new vehicles.

“We are going through an extensive programme at the moment to rebrand our vehicles and this is what the new ones look like,” says Foleys Marketing Manager Tracy Pleasants. “Our Master Plumbers vehicle stickers are a big part of the design, and a big part of our story and reputation.”

Be in to win To enter, just send us photo or two of how you use the Master Plumbers brand on your vehicles, workwear or signage.

Email them to Sarah Rowe by Friday 11 May 2018 srowe@masterplumbers.org.nz

20 years at Master Plumbers Marking a team milestone.

Company Accountant Christine Robertson has been on the Master Plumbers national team in Wellington for 20 years—a milestone worth celebrating, we think! Christine joined Master Plumbers in March 1998, in the days when the national office was based in Taranaki Street, George Verry was the CEO, and Master Plumbers also owned the ITO. Since then, Master Plumbers has moved to its current premises on Ghuznee Street, the ITO has become the independent Skills Organisation

and Master Plumbers has established Masterlink Ltd, the group apprentice training scheme.

Masterlink accounts management takes up a good deal of Christine’s time, as does NZ Plumbers’ Journal Ltd—both separate companies under the Master Plumbers group umbrella.

“Every day is different,” says Christine, whose other roles include handling Master Plumbers finances, budgeting and staff salary payments—as well as looking after the finances of the Master Plumbers branches.

“I also liaise with IRD and Stats NZ representatives, our bank, auditors and tax agents, and ensure deadlines are met on financial reporting to CEO Greg Wallace, the Master Plumbers Board and management team,” she says.

Congratulations to Christine for two decades in this busy and vital role for Master Plumbers!

Membership Milestones Each year, Membership Milestone Certificates are presented to member businesses, in recognition of their loyalty and contribution to Master Plumbers.

At the 2018 New Zealand Plumbing Conference, 10 of this year’s total 40 Membership Milestone Certificates were presented, with the remainder to be presented at local Association and Branch meetings.

10-Year Certificates • AC Plumbing & Gasfitting Ltd • AP Plumbing & Gasfitting Ltd • Allgas & Plumbing Services Ltd • Alliance Plumbing Ltd • BD Verner • Bay Gasfitting & Electrical • CGP Ltd t/a Copestake Gas and Plumbing

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April/May 2018

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Drainmate 2016 Ltd Dunedin Plumbing & Gas Ltd Gemco Trades Ltd Garner Holdings Ltd Glenn Rawson Plumbing Ltd t/a Steenson Plumbing Henbridge Plumbing & Gas Ltd Imax Plumbing & Gas Ltd KPC Ltd Laser Plumbing Matamata Plumb Tech (Waikato) Ltd Plumbing Magic Ltd Pooman Ltd Quantum Plumbing Ltd Straight Flush Plumbing Ltd Te Awamutu Plumbing & Drainage 2016 Ltd University of Otago Valley Drainlaying Ltd Wallis Plumbing

20-Year Certificates • Armstrong Plumbing BOP Trust • Bay Gas Ltd • Chard Drainage Ltd • Greg Miller Plumbing • Hamilton Plumbing (2014) Ltd • Michael Pinfold Plumbing and Drainlaying Ltd • Moase Plumbing • Norwest Gasfitting Ltd • Peter Diver Plumbing & Drainage Ltd • WJ Tevendale Ltd 30-Year Certificates • Clyne & Bennie 1988 Ltd • Funnell’s Gas & Plumbing Ltd • Les Cannon Plumbing • PL Gas Appliances Ltd • Tui Plumbing & Gas

Platinum Partners Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Platinum Partners for their support:

Gold Partners Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Gold Partners for their support:

Silver Partners Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Silver Partners for their support:

April/May 2018

11

IN FOCUS

Small but perfectly formed?

Tiny houses and pods are construction buzzwords. Ross Miller investigates what this growing trend means for the plumbing industry.

“SOLVING THE NATIONAL housing crisis is a massive task and one we are rolling up our sleeves and getting on with.” So said Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford in March.

A recent independent stocktake of NZ housing has revealed population growth outstripping housing stock growth by 2.1 percent between 2012 and 2017.

Net migration has ballooned from 32,853 to 262,762 between the 2007-12 and 2012-17 periods, with Auckland growing at a rate of 40,000 a year.

More homes need to be built, and quickly—and, according to the report, the Government’s KiwiBuild programme will “help develop new innovative approaches”.

Prefab solutions Prefabricated housing is one potential solution that’s attracting plenty of interest—particularly in Auckland. If metropolitan area growth is to be kept out of Auckland’s surrounding high-value horticultural area, it either needs to go into high-rise living, or small housing on small sections, or communes of tiny houses especially suited to singles or older couples.

Pods and tiny housing are well suited to prefabrication, which has the advantages of speed, accuracy and on-time building.

this is still emerging technology and there are lots of conversations to be had

Membership organisation Prefab NZ has conducted research that shows New Zealand already has the off-site capacity to deliver high-quality homes for KiwiBuild, without the need to look overseas. Members say they could deliver around 7,000 more homes each year from 2020, which would deliver 70% of KiwiBuild’s target of 10,000 homes per year over 10 years.

Manufacturers and builders surveyed said they were ready to reinvest around 8% of revenue, and up to 20% in some cases, to deliver KiwiBuild.

“This is astonishing news,” says PrefabNZ Chief Executive Pamela Bell. “New Zealand housing manufacturers and builders are telling us that they are willing to forego some profit in the short term to deliver KiwiBuild. This research is economic proof that our innovative construction industry does not need a big multi-national outsider in order to deliver on the KiwiBuild promise.”

“We can have several New Zealand businesses using innovative building methods working together, using homegrown materials and sharing specialist expertise. For example, different companies might make wall panels, or roof pieces or bathroom pods, or any of the elements that go into a building.”

Celebrity architect Tommy Honey is among the growing number of people in the building industry getting behind the idea of prefab housing. He is creating an online network called Slimby that will enable homeowners to earn money from their unused back sections. Slimby stands for ‘shared living in my backyard’ and would see homeowners rent prefabricated granny

Above: Modular housing specialist First Light Studio works to AS/NZ 3500 for most of its plumbing and drainage design, and has no problem with the idea of a standard national certification for factory-produced structures.

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April/May 2018

IN FOCUS

flats, then make them available to short or long-term tenants. involved from the beginning—not just the client, but all the He sees this as an opportunity to provide cheaper housing trades as well,” says Ben. “There’s little point in arriving on site for renters and holidaymakers, as well as additional income for to have the advantages of a factory build negated by the fact that homeowners. Tommy, who launched PrefabNZ’s Snug pod house things don’t connect up easily. design competition this March (see p14), says the units will “This means there is a higher level of detail required in the be built offsite by a construction or prefab company and then early stages of the design—so that all the products and systems placed in the homeowner’s backyard. being specified work together, fit together, and He is confident the scheme will not comply with local body regulations across the contravene any Auckland Council board. Integrated design workshops involving regulations. Homeowners are allowed design, engineering and services specialists to put a second minor dwelling on their need to be factored into the process from the property as long as it does not exceed beginning.” certain size limitations.

The advantages of prefab as Ben sees it are: “Homeowners are already able quality control, speed, optimising materials and to independently arrange Council reducing waste; and computer-cutting where consent and then approach a prefab possible—all with a goal of reducing cost and manufacturer to have a prefab granny increasing efficiency while maintaining a top flat installed. The difference with this quality product. The other obvious benefit for the model, however, is that the homeowner tradesperson is a more comfortable, indoor work now has the choice to lease the granny environment that is not subject to weather delays flat rather than buying it outright.” and doesn’t require crawling round under a house He anticipates the cost of entry will on a muddy site.

Above: Hutt Gas & Plumbing General be around $15,000 to $20,000 for the Manager Colleen Upton is concerned that plumbers connecting modules to the homeowner. The landowner and the Call for certification mains will be responsible for the whole prefab company will both get a cut of First Light works to AS/NZ 3500 for the majority module. the money earned from the tenancy. of its plumbing and drainage design, and the “Anyone can quit out at any time. If after a few years, the team enjoys working with a variety of contractors to get diverse landlord says, ‘I don’t want it anymore, take it away’, we can just inputs and experience to feed back into future work. pick it up and take it elsewhere,” he says. ​ Ben has no problem with the idea of a standard national certification for factory-produced structures, ensuring all Complex design strategy electric and plumbing installations are to standard. “This is Popping a small prefabicated house on a section may sound still emerging technology and there are lots of conversations to like simplicity itself—but the initial design is more complex. be had along the way. We all have to upskill, and to adapt our Regardless of its size, considerably more design strategy is methods of working, so that we can meet the increased demand needed for a prefab home than a traditionally constructed home, for residential construction in the immediate future.” according to First Light Studio Director Ben Jagersma.

However, not all pod designers are necessarily so professional This architectural firm has developed a niche speciality in in their approach and this needs addressing, says Colleen Upton, prefab and energy efficient buildings since being set up in 2012 General Manager of Hutt Gas and Plumbing. by a team of Victoria University graduates who took third place What concerns Colleen is that imported bathroom pods in the US Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Competition. may already be being fitted in hotels, and before long, whole Getting their competition entry from New Zealand to the USA prefab buildings may be arriving on ships, without necessarily meant prefabricating the house in transportable modules that conforming to New Zealand Standards. could be ‘plugged’ together on arrival.

“There is no self-certification for plumbers in New Zealand, so In 2015, First Light Studio won PrefabNZ’s UNIpod design those who connect the modules to the mains will undoubtedly competition for an open-source universal prefab bathroom and be asked to sign a producer statement that makes them kitchen pod. The prototype can provide all the required services responsible not only for the connection they are doing, but the to single units in multi-storey developments. whole module/pod. If anything goes wrong, the product fails, “In terms of prefabrication, it’s important to get everyone or proves completely unsuitable for New Zealand conditions, the plumber who signed the producer statement could be held to account financially, professionally and through the PGDB disciplinary process.

“I am not saying the standard of workmanship or product in locally-produced kitset or modular housing is not up to scratch, or that it is being installed by unauthorised plumbers. I’m saying >

the plumber who signed the producer statement could be held to account

April/May 2018

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IN FOCUS

that, for everyone’s protection and peace of mind, there needs to be certification that the made-up product conforms to local regulations, so there is a clear line of responsibility over that and the installation or connection of the made-up building or pod.”

Product and consent concerns People would be amazed at some of the product that is available in New Zealand, says Colleen. Some pipe and product produced in China can be stamped with whatever the purchaser requires (eg, NZ Standard etc), and it is not even close to the required quality. “There are actually sales guys out there hawking tapware and the like, who are bold enough to ask you to your face: ‘What brand or standard do you want us to put on this product?’

Naturally, this stuff comes at a good price, but only fools would go there!”

Another concern, says Colleen, is that a mini house put together in Christchurch to local territory authority regulations, may not conform to Bay of Plenty regulations.

“We cannot delay this. Approval has already been given for one community of locally-produced mini houses. The need for this housing is real and urgent, so we have some catching up to do on the compliance side for everybody’s protection.

“We look to government departments like MBIE to give some guidance and direction to our industry, as well as our colleagues in other regulated industries. For example, will sparkies be happy to connect up pods or prefab housing where they haven’t had a chance to inspect the wiring? Will they be prepared to certify it?

“Also, where do council inspectors’ responsibilities start and finish? There is no pre-line inspection. The concern is that the responsibility will be pushed down to those subcontractors who need the work and who don’t want to draw a line in the sand and say, ‘Show me the proof that this has been done to code and regulations using quality products that meet the appropriate standards’.”

Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace says the organisation has voiced its concerns to MBIE about plumbing inspections for pods and other factory assembled modular housing. “We want to see the same approach to inspections for this kind of housing as for houses constructed in the traditional manner, and MBIE has promised to come back to us with clarification,” he says.

“Master Plumbers has no problem with the concept of prefab buildings. We just want to ensure that houses made and assembled overseas have the necessary New Zealand plumbing certification and approvals.” ■

Snug as a bug PrefabNZ is currently running a SNUG competition to design a small ‘back garden’ dwelling—“somewhere that can be a home for your children as they adventure out into independent living, a safe place for extended family members, or a work-space”.

The aim of the competition, it says, is to “open up the conversation about alternative housing options”.

The winning one- or two-bedroom house prototype could be ‘pre-consented’ by Auckland council, or indeed any council, as part of a solution to the housing crisis.

The competition has a $10,000 prize pool and was launched by architect Tommy Honey. The Snug design parameters are to create a well-designed prefab ‘accessory’ dweling unit that can supplement an existing residential property. It has to be: • • • • • •

self-contained unit between 30m2 and 65m2 (65m2 as per Auckland council minor dwelling definition) suitable for Auckland single house and mixed housing (urban and suburban) zones offsite construction/design for manufacture and assembly consideration for living, sleeping, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, utility and storage spaces concept design for marketing and judging purposes, towards a ‘pattern-book’ of Snug solutions designed for manufacture with construction drawings and details.

The Centre for Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment estimates that as many as 180,000 homes could be made

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Above: The SNUG design competition was launched this March at the PrefabNZ CoLab 2018 conference.

quickly on existing backyards. Obviously there will be major demand for add-on infrastucture, so plumbers will be busy if this happens.

The key to pre-fab’s advantages is volume—and that is where the industry will be looking to the Government for surety to promote investment.

Fletcher Residential, for instance, is interested in participating in the market. “Kiwibuild offers an opportunity for developers to get this kind of visibility and surety over future pipelines, and we are excited to see the Government is looking at a range of delivery options for the initiative over the next decade,” says CEO Steve Evans.

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REAL LIVES

Wheel appeal

The freedom of bike travel, and a desire to support suicide awareness, saw this Kiwi couple’s OE extend to include an 18-month cycling tour. By Helen Murdoch.

PLUMBER CAMERON SMITH, 28, and his partner Monique Nees, 27, left Clyde in September 2014 armed with two-year visas and plans to live in London, working, travelling and visiting family.

All too quickly their time was up. “We wanted to travel a lot more when our visas ran out,” says Cameron.

Initially, they decided to cycle for five or six weeks, riding to a music festival in Budapest, Hungary—but it didn’t stop there.

They eventually arrived home just before last Christmas, having covered 33 countries and completed a three-month tour of New Zealand.

“We loved the freedom to travel and do what you wanted, so

everyone has been affected by suicide in some way

we just kept making it up as we went along,” he says. Meeting another couple who were fundraising while travelling gave them the idea to do something similar—interacting with local schools and communities on suicide and mental health.

Monique graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Applied Science focussing on public health, with her final thesis on youth suicide. Both she and Cameron have lost school friends to suicide, and Monique has also lost family members. “Everyone has been affected by suicide in some way, so it was a natural progression,” says Cameron.

So, KiwiBums on Bikes was born—and the mission to cycle home to Alexandra via Cape Reinga and Bluff. In total, they travelled over 30,000 kilometres, taking back roads and meeting people from a whole range of different cultures and walks of life.

Above: Cameron and Monique at the Rheinfall in Switzerland in July 2016.

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Above: Making breakfast at Meteora, Greece.

Conversations with communities about mental health and suicide really ramped up when they reached New Zealand, says Cameron. “We were blown away how people we met on our tour spoke about suicide and mental health and were aware of it.

“And that is the main goal: to normalise conversations, so it is spoken about openly to enable people to feel comfortable reaching out.

“As a youth growing up in a rural community I was lucky and never had suicidal thoughts. But, looking back, there was never a comfortable way to express yourself if you did.” >

Above: Monique with a young fan at a local festival in the north of Vietnam in February 2017.

REAL LIVES

Money can only help so much when talking about mental health, he says.

Travelling made him realise how lucky New Zealanders are and question why our country has such an issue with suicide and mental health.

“I used to be a bit of a straight shooter and believed you made your own luck. But you don’t know people’s circumstances and what is going on in someone’s head—and you need to be aware and open to it.”

Now Cromwell based, Cameron is busy keeping up with his plumbing workload while Monique studies for her Masters, with the aim of teaching health and wellbeing in schools.

“When we were in Australia we talked about saving and doing another trip, but we are enjoying being home,” he says. “We’ll get out on the bikes again, but it might be a shorter journey.”

The couple’s Givealittle page, along with sales of merchandise by friends owning Dunedin’s The Print Room and Auckland’s Monday Roots, raised around $5,000 for the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust. ■

Above: Beach riding into Byron Bay, Australia, last September.

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Above: Hard work on the 42nd Traverse, Taumarunui, last October.

you don’t know people’s circumstances and what is going on in someone’s head

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TECHNICAL THEME

THE HEAT IS ON From hydronic central heating systems, to solid fuel fires and gas heaters—plumbers and gasfitters are the installation experts.

In this section

21 22 26

Wetback cylinders Servicing cabinet heaters Handling the pressure?

TECHNICAL THEME

Wetback cylinders David Waite of Rheem outlines the differences between copper and stainless steel wetback cylinders.

Copper cylinders

The traditional way to store water heated from a wetback fireplace is using a low pressure storage water heater. This wetback copper hot water cylinder has extra connections, allowing a direct feed from the wetback firebox heat exchanger to the cylinder via flow and return pipes.

The gradient on these pipes is important, so G12 and the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed to ensure safety and best performance (see Figure 1).

Above: Figure 1—Low pressure wetback layout.

Stainless steel coiled cylinders

Stainless steel mains pressure cylinders suitable for wetbacks are gaining in popularity (see Figure 2). This type of cylinder is fitted with an internal heating coil. The water heated by the wetback fireplace is circulated through the coil in the cylinder rather than directly into the cylinder.

The coil circuit must be open vented because the water in this circuit is being heated by an uncontrolled heat source. The open vent needs to be located from the highest point of the coil, and a header tank or pressure reducing valve must be used to replace the water lost in the coiled system.

The water inside the cylinder can operate at normal mains pressure, like a standard mains pressure cylinder. The coil design is important so that the hot water from the fireplace can naturally thermosiphon without the aid of a pump, and stratify in the cylinder. As with low pressure wetback cylinders, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

With a mains pressure wetback system, the potable water and water in the coil never mix. However, because of the low volume of water in the coil and circuit, the maximum wetback heater output is limited to 3kW. The stainless coiled wetback cylinder has many advantages, including being able to deliver mains pressure water at the outlets, and can be placed higher in the system to get better flow and return from the wetback fire, as the pressure at the tap is not reliant on the open vent low pressure system or header tank.

Inserted inside the cylinder is an inlet copper riser extending almost to the top of the cylinder. This assists with stratification of the hot and cold water. The size of the riser is determined by the size of the cylinder.

Just like standard low pressure cylinders, a header tank or a pressure reducing valve must be used to reduce the mains pressure to standard low pressure (76kPa).

However, a wetback copper cylinder must be open vented as it is supplied by an uncontrolled heat source, which is directly heating the potable water in the cylinder.

a wetback copper cylinder must be open vented as it is supplied by an uncontrolled heat source

Above: Figure 2—Pressure cylinder wetback (valve tank supply) layout.

April/May 2018

21

TECHNICAL THEME

Servicing cabinet heaters The LPG Association’s Guide for Cabinet Heater Servicing includes a servicing procedure for gasfitters to follow.

CABINET HEATERS NEED regular servicing and, if used frequently, an annual service is ‘prudent’, advises the Guide for Cabinet Heater Servicing (LPG Association Code of Practice No.4).

The Code of Practice describes procedures for periodic servicing to ensure safe operation throughout the appliance’s working life.It also gives guidance on servicing facilities and equipment, and repairs—plus provides samples of a typical cabinet heater servicing report and appliance service label.

Here we look specifically at the servicing procedures in the Code of Practice.

Stop Press

The Government will be consulting later this year on minimum heating standards in rental properties, and seeking feedback on the types of heaters landlords can provide in rental properties. Master Plumbers wants to see cabinet heaters and other portable unflued gas heaters banned from use in residential properties. Read more about this in the next edition.

Customer and heater information Record details of the customer, the appliance and its condition as shown on the Service Report Form (sample given in Appendix C of the Code of Practice).

Visual inspection of appliance Check and record that the dressguard (mesh screen for catalytic appliances) and appliance panels, including rear panel, are firmly attached. If any are missing or damaged they must be replaced with authorised spare parts.

For radiant heaters, check and record any fault or damage found in relation to pilots, burners, ceramic plaques or fireclay cement. Any such damage requires repair in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

For catalytic heaters, check and record any fault or damage found in relation to pilot or catalytic panel. Any such damage requires repair.

On appliances more than five years old, check if there is evidence of the pilot being replaced in the last five years. If there is no such evidence, the pilot will require verification or replacement in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Depress the igniter several times and make sure there is a reliable spark from the ignition electrode. If there is no spark or it is erratic, the appliance requires repair.

Record the date of manufacture stamped on the regulator and printed on the hose. Record if there is dirt or corrosion on the appliance.

Internal cleaning Remove the front or bottom kick plate.

Radiant heaters Clean the tops of main burner injectors and pilots with a soft paintbrush, taking care not to cause damage to delicate items such as pilot shutters.

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If they cannot be cleaned in this manner then they must be repaired or replaced. If the pilot is damaged in any way it must be changed. Pilots cannot be unblocked or repaired without affecting their calibrated cut-off point.

If possible, cover the tops of jets and pilot (masking tape is ideal for this but take care with other types of tape), and blow out the inside of the appliance using compressed air.

Eye protection and respiratory protection must always be worn when doing this.

Ensure the plaque ports (holes) and venturis are clean of dust, dirt and fluff/lint. Take care not to damage ceramic plaques, particularly soft ceramics and flame effect beds, electrodes and pilots.

When the appliance has been thoroughly cleaned, replace the front or bottom kick plate.

Catalytic heaters Clean the top of the pilot with a soft paintbrush, taking care not to cause damage to delicate items such as pilot shutters.

If they cannot be cleaned in this manner then they must be repaired or replaced. If the pilot is damaged in any way it must be changed. Pilots cannot be unblocked or repaired without affecting their calibrated cut-off point.

Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of the appliance.

Ensure the appliance is clean of dust, dirt and fluff/lint. Take care not to damage the catalytic panel, electrodes and pilots.

In no circumstances should the heater be blown out to remove dust as damage to the catalytic panel could occur. A vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency filter must always be used.

If the face panel mesh has been dented or pushed inward, then pull or spring it out to the original position.

When the appliance has been thoroughly cleaned, replace the front or bottom kick plate.

Hose replacement Note: The hose and regulator assembly on a cabinet heater must be permanently fitted to the appliance (ie, fastened with crimp type hose clamps at the hose connections to both appliance and regulator). Screw or worm drive hose clips are not acceptable.

The hose should be replaced by a similar length of new approved LPG hose to BS3212, AS1869, ISO 2928, ensuring the hose is long enough to fit the regulator on to the cylinder with the cylinder outside the appliance, if it is: • Unmarked or not marked with any of the approved standards; • Damaged, chafed or worn; • More than five years old.

To remove the hose, undo screw or worm type clips or use pliers to cut crimp type clips and then shave the hose along the length of the tail(s) sufficiently to allow the hose to be pulled off the tail. Do not cut with the point of a blade. Damage or score marks on the surface of the tails may cause leaks.

Discarded hose should be cut into small lengths to prevent re-use.

When fitting hose, it should be pushed fully over the nozzles of the appliance and regulator and must be secured firmly in position with correctly sized crimp shells or eared (Oetiker) crimp rings.

Regulator replacement See Note in previous section.

The regulator must be replaced using an approved clip-on or QCC type LPG regulator having an outlet pressure of 2.75kPa (28mbar) and of a type appropriate to the gas cylinder in use if it is: • Damaged; • Showing signs of corrosion; • Not of a type appropriate for the gas cylinder; • Not date marked on the regulator body or cover • Not an approved type • Over 10 years old.

Note that the use of POL regulators is not permitted with cabinet heaters.

Remove the regulator by cutting the hose as close to the regulator nozzle as possible, if the hose is to be re-used.

When attaching the hose to the regulator it should be pushed fully over the regulator tail and secured firmly in position with correctly sized crimp shells or eared (Oetiker) crimp rings.

If a new regulator is fitted, the customer must be given any instructions that were provided with the regulator. >

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TECHNICAL THEME

Gas check Note: The appliance must be operated with the bottom panel on, as absence of the panel may affect the performance of plaques (or catalytic pad) or pilots.

Radiant heaters Connect the appliance to a full LPG cylinder using the appliance regulator fitted. Check for smooth ignition when the appliance is operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the appliance does not light or cross light smoothly, it requires repair.

Check that the flame supervision device ‘holds in’ within 20 seconds. If there is a problem with ‘hold in’, check that the thermocouple nut into the control is tight.

Check for free smooth and correct operation of the control. If it is difficult to operate, the appliance requires repair.

Set the control to the HIGH position and let the appliance warm up for five minutes, then observe the appearance of the plaques. If they show flare, are dull or show a blue, the appliance requires repair.

Catalytic heaters Connect the appliance to a full LPG cylinder using the appliance regulator fitted. Check for smooth ignition when the appliance is operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the appliance does not light smoothly, it requires repair.

Check that the flame supervision device ‘holds in’ within 20 seconds. If there is a problem with ‘hold in’, check that the thermocouple nut into the control is tight.

Check for free smooth and correct operation of the control. If it is difficult to operate, the appliance requires repair.

Set the control to the HIGH position and let the appliance warm up for five minutes, then observe the front face of the catalytic panel. On most appliances the panel will have to be viewed through the facing mesh, as this may not be easily removed; subdued lighting may make inspection easier. Inspect for bright spots, damage and wear, such as holes, ‘bald’ patches and cuts.

If the panel shows such features, then the appliance requires repair in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check for leakage A leakage check should be carried out whenever a heater is presented for service or repair, and must be carried out when any components are removed and replaced.

Check that all unions are tightened and that internal pipe work is undamaged. Connect the appliance to a gas supply, light the appliance, select HIGH setting and check all joints of gas carrying components for leakage, using a soapy water solution and soft brush, or electronic sniffer. Rectify any leaks as necessary and retest.

Flame Supervision Device Drop Out Time (FSD) When the appliance has warmed up, turn off the gas supply at 24

April/May 2018

the regulator or cylinder valve. The time until the FSD is heard to click shut should be measured.

The time for the FSD to close will normally be 30-50 seconds.

Sixty seconds is the maximum allowance.

If the flame supervision device takes more than 60 seconds to close, the appliance requires repair.

After the FSD has closed, turn on the gas at the regulator or cylinder valve and check that no gas is passing to the burners by attempting to re-light with a taper.

If gas passes to the burners, the appliance requires repair.

Turn off the gas, and disconnect the regulator.

Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) pilot In the absence of instructions to the contrary, provided for the ODS pilot by the manufacturer, consideration should be given to replacing the ODS pilot if it is over five years old.

It is essential that the pilot/thermocouple/electrode assembly is undamaged and clean, and their relative positions are correct.

If the thermocouple and/or the spark electrode are substantially obstructing the pilot orifice, the pilot life will be delayed. Any obstruction will act as flame retention and in this respect the thermocouple tip will have greater effect than the spark electrode because it is larger.

Misalignment should have been detected in carrying out the ‘Gas check’ and ‘Flame supervision check’. If necessary, adjust the electrode but check that a reliable spark which will light the pilot is still obtainable, and that the thermocouple is not positioned too near the plaques, nor touching the top of the pilot.

Castors and door catch Re-align and/or replace each component as necessary.

Final preparation Clean the appliance thoroughly.

Secure the regulator with tape to the valve or door to prevent it rattling around and causing damage in transit.

Complete and affix an appliance service badge (sample given in Appendix D of the Code of Practice).

It is strongly recommended that persons servicing cabinet heaters maintain a true and correct record of work carried out.

This may be a carbon copy or photocopy of the customer sheet and repair record, or it could be a separate logbook.

Note: Special requirements for catalytic heaters When completing the general information form, it should be noted that after 10 years of normal service, the heater will be near the end of its serviceable life and should not be subject to further servicing. In this case, recommend that the customer should purchase a replacement.

Catalytic heaters produced before 1983 may be fitted with an asbestos-based catalytic bed. Any work involving asbestos is subject to health and safety regulations, which require that suitable precautions are taken to control exposure.

Download LPGA Code of Practice No.4 at www.gasnz.org.nz/ lpg-association-of-new-zealand/lpga/codes-of-practice

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TECHNICAL THEME

Handling the pressure?

CENTRAL HEATING NEW Zealand’s technical team has supported heating engineers and plumbers on more than 6,000 projects nationwide.

Installing a new heating system is a straightforward process, but there are still one or two ‘grey areas’ where installers require additional support or advice—expansion vessels being one of them.

In the past, central heating systems had header tanks to cope with the thermal expansion of water. These days, most installations use an expansion vessel. The advantage is that system water is not exposed to air, which reduces levels of corrosion. Also, the system can be pressurised, which is better for pumping fluids and eliminating air locks.

An expansion vessel is a chamber with an internal rubber diaphragm. On one side of the diaphragm is heating system water; on the other side is pressurised air via a Schrader valve.

From factory, the air side of the expansion vessel is pressurised to 1 bar. The expansion vessel is then connected to a heating system, preferably on the cooler return water side.

When a heating system is filled with water to a pressure of 1 bar, the expansion vessel is in equilibrium, as both water and air sides of the diaphragm are equal pressure. As the system heats up, the water expands and the diaphragm moves to accommodate the expansion. When the water cools, the diaphragm retracts and the expansion vessel maintains pressure, with the air pressure acting like a spring.

Installation

The majority of heat sources include an expansion vessel that covers typical system expansion requirements for the output and water temperature of the heat source. It is critical always to check if the vessel is correct for your system water volume and pressure relief valve vent rating. Often, on a larger system, an additional expansion vessel will be required to maintain correct system pressure throughout the heating cycle.

If the expansion vessel volume is too small, the pressure relief valve will vent, resulting in a system pressure drop and eventual system failure.

System water volume is easily calculated from the radiators or underfloor Above, from top: An expansion vessel attached to a central heating system system. If in doubt, contact (cold) and an expansion vessel in your central heating system operation (hot).

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Nathan Hartshorn of Central Heating New Zealand shares some insights into expansion vessels.

Above: An external boiler with the panel off, showing the expansion vessel.

provider, who will help you correctly size the vessel and offer advice on upgrades and replacements.

Checking vessel integrity

On an annual service, it is recommended to check the expansion vessel. This is a good indicator of how the system is operating. A common mistake is to check the vessel air pressure without dropping the system water pressure to zero. This is the correct method and must be done when the system is cold. A simple car or bike pressure gauge and pump are used to check and add pressure at the Schrader valve. Ensure the system water pressure is then topped up to equal the expansion vessel air pressure (for example, 1.0 bar).

An internal system or pipework leak can be another cause of pressure loss. Don’t be tempted just to keep topping up. It’s a bad idea. You continue to feed the leak, which introduces air into the system via fresh water, and you lose the chemical inhibitor that protects the system from the inside. Over time, this leads to a build-up of corrosion within the system.

In Europe, expansion vessels are also used on hot water cylinders, with the same principle of absorbing water expansion, with huge savings in energy and water consumption.

Clean green NZ could adopt this approach!

About the author: Nathan Hartshorn is an aftersales technician at Central Heating New Zealand.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Clean slate

Younger staff at Foley Plumbers got to work with traditional plumbing materials on this Dunedin heritage project. By Matthew Lowe.

Slate artistry

The firm has had three people at the site, along with the builders, since about March 2017. It has also exposed other employees to the intricacies of working with old-fashioned slate tiles and plumbing materials.

“You don’t get to do a lot of this type of work nowadays and young guys would not normally see lead work and slating—there is a real art to it,” Craig says.

“You have got to take your time with them, you can’t rush it.

They are great materials to work with and having a craftsman slater with experience [in such work] helps.

“People are retiring and if they do not pass on these crafts they are going to be lost. We have been introducing guys to the slate and lead work so they can get that experience because they may well never see it again—but if they do they will know what to do and how to do it well.

“Being part of this project helps their understanding of how things work, because with a slate roof it is very much about how

Photograph courtesy of Salmond Reed Architects.

MAKING A HISTORIC priory watertight has been embraced by a plumbing company as a chance to expose its younger staff to working with materials rarely used these days.

Foley Plumbers in Dunedin has teamed up with Stewart Construction to help protect the city’s Dominican Priory from the elements.

The priory was built in 1877 and was the home of Dunedin’s Dominican nuns for more than 100 years. However, in recent times the building’s condition had deteriorated and the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin decided to repair the slate tile roof, and replace copper and lead rainwater disposal systems.

The $900,000 project, which is almost complete, also involves earthquake strengthening parts of the Heritage New Zealand category one building.

Craig Foley, director of Foley Plumbers and the firm’s Dunedin hub manager, says the builders had to replace a lot of timbers before his staff could tackle the slate work to stop rain entering the priory.

Above: Dominican Priory has been vacant—except for pigeons—for a number of years.

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After the Dominican Sisters left the Priory in 1983 it was sold to an anonymous member of the church and, in 1988, the property was gifted to the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin. A developer from the North Island had been interested in purchasing the building in 2005, but that deal fell through and it has mostly been vacant since.

Craig, who is also national Chairman of Master Plumbers, says the priory had “been empty for a long time, except for pigeons” and little of the original plumbing work around the roof has been retained.

His team had 30,000 slate tiles shipped from Wales for the job, the first of which arrived last July. > Above right: About 30,000 slate tiles were shipped from Wales for the project.

Right: Damaged slate work at the priory needed replacing to make the building watertight.

Photograph courtesy of Catholic Diocese of Dunedin.

Like-for-like replacement

Photograph courtesy of Salmond Reed Architects.

every tile overlays each other from bottom to top. You get a very good finish, it looks nice and guys walk off the job and are really proud of it.”

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April/May 2018

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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Photograph courtesy of Salmond Reed Architects.

“We had to import the slates from Wales mainly because of cost effectiveness. The type of slates we needed, because they come in different sizes and grades, had to be good quality,” he says.

“We are also replacing the guttering and valley gutters and spouting and tidying it up. What was there was not flash, so it is all being replaced. It is going back to heritage stuff and that is swapping like for like. It is new copper and lead and goes back to the building’s old look.

“There are challenges given its heritage status but our craftsman slater is very good at what he does—we have got the expertise to do this kind of job.”

Previous work on slate roofs by Foley Plumbers has included buildings in Dunedin belonging to the University of Otago.

The 70-room priory achieved the distinction of being the largest non-reinforced concrete building in the Southern Hemisphere when it opened.

Members of the diocese hope a ‘cosmetic clean’ and the work to prevent water damage to the building will lead to interest for people wanting to buy the property.

The roof work and earthquake strengthening, which had Salmond Reed Architects as the heritage architect on the project, is all the diocese has committed itself to at this stage and it is not planning to undertake further work on the building’s interior.

“The new slate roofing and associated plumbing works have been mainly funded with grants from New Zealand Lotteries Commission, Otago Community Trust and the Dunedin City Council Heritage Fund,” says Bill Haydon, Catholic Property Services property manager.

“Without their generous support, the work to the roof would not have been affordable by the Dunedin Diocese.” ■

Photograph courtesy of Catholic Diocese of Dunedin.

Above: The priory rooftop before the remedial project began.

Ready for purchase

Above: The roof’s original look is being recreated with slate and copper.

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PLUMBING CONFERENCE 2018 21-23 MARCH, HAMILTON

Mighty Waikato!

Each day of the 2018 NZ Plumbing Conference contained a packed and engaging agenda.

Wednesday Claudelands in Hamilton was the setting for the 2018 NZ Plumbing Conference this March. A short walk across the Waikato River from the Novotel and Ibis Conference accommodation, it was a spacious venue for the speakers, technical workshops and trade exhibition.

It was also the base for the PGDB & Mico CPD training session. Held on the opening day, this was followed by the Master Plumbers AGM (see p34).

From there, attendees got their first glimpse of the large trade expo during the Master Plumbers and Allproof KickStart Happy Hour, with the Mico Welcome Night buffet dinner under the vines at Vilagrad Winery providing a convivial end to the first day.

Thursday Two-time Olympic Gold winner Eric Murray passed his medals around the audience while speaking of the huge amount of planning and perseverance required to reach goals, whether in sport or business.

Eric was followed by BNZ Chief Economist Tony Alexander, who engaged the audience with his take on New Zealand’s current ‘capacity constrained economy’, which has seen 14% growth over the past four-year period, compared to the 2.6% average over the past 25 years.

The decline in dairying has been offset by booming sectors, such as construction and tourism, he said—and by population growth. “We are no longer a country from which young people get out.”

He sounded a note of warning about the false impression that everyone is moving out of Auckland to the regions. Some regions are pulling out all the stops to build new residential housing, but may be risking over-supply.

Presentations from PGDB Chief Executive Martin Sawyers and Skills Organisation Head of Engagement Di Lithgow followed, with concerns raised from the floor about training provider performance and a desire to see the ITO collaborating more closely with the industry.

Leadership expert Dr Lester Levy spoke about the difference between leadership and management. Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm, he said, but it takes leadership to deal with turbulent times when the course is uncertain.

Wrapping up the day’s speaker sessions was Hamilton-based WorkSafe Assessor Brent Austin, who highlighted the health risks from working with asbestos, silica dust and solvents.

The Marley Fun Night Dinner at Hobbiton provided the perfect end to the day, with guests in hobbit attire taken on a tour of the movie set, followed by a lantern-lit buffet dinner.

Top: At the Vilagrad Winery for the Mico Welcome Night Dinner.

Above: Nik McIntosh of Beca at the Plumbing Technical Session.

Friday The final day began with an update from Hamilton East List MP Jamie Strange on behalf of Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa, who was unable to attend. MBIE projects included ‘smarter compliance pathways’, occupational regulatory reform and, of course, KiwiBuild. There would also be a comprehensive review of the current building product assurance system, he said.

He took away audience questions for the Minister relating to plumbing self-certification, modular housing, skills shortages, apprentice training and a need for more uniformity among councils.

Jamie Fitzgerald spoke next, sharing his learnings about achieving peak performance though his ocean-going and Antarctic adventures. Having a shared purpose and a clear goal are critical to success, he said.

Rounding off Friday morning was a choice of technical trade sessions in plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting, with plenty of open discussion on common issues.

In the afternoon, Master Plumbers’ members could opt to attend a business workshop from BNZ Head of Small Business Harry Ferreira or enjoy the Mobil Leisure Afternoon Activities.

Another full day came to an end with a talk by Darrel Hadley of local success story Good George Brewing, followed later by the 2018 New Zealand Plumbing Awards Dinner, sponsored by Plumbing World. More about the winners on p37.

April/May 2018

33

NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE 2018 21-23 MARCH, HAMILTON

Membership matters Performance for the Master Plumbers group was discussed at the Society’s Annual General Meeting.

DELEGATES FROM Master Plumbers Branches and Associations attended the national Annual General Meeting on 21 March.

President’s report In 2017, four Associations had become Branches and seven were in transition. In his report, National President Rod Miller noted that the new Branch format had a more relaxed feel, in not having to be as structured as Associations.

He thanked Associations and Branches for inviting him to their meetings during 2017. “I think all regions have enjoyed a very busy and demanding year, with the main issue being staff shortages—and we all know the only way to fix this is to employ more apprentices,” he said.

Rod also noted that Master Plumbers was in a “very good space with new members, innovative IT systems, and good marketing plans”.

Directors’ report Chairman Craig Foley said the Society had been busy meeting members’ needs in 2017, through member support, representation, advocacy, training, Quality Assurance, communications and marketing, branding, and the expansion of the Business Partner programme.

He noted that health and safety was a priority for the sector.

CEO Greg Wallace and the Board had undertaken to assist members in areas such as advocacy and resources, he said. These included the Master Plumbers Health & Safety Manual and apps for reporting.

“I would also like to remind members that agreeing to the Code of Conduct is a fundamental part of being a Master Plumber,” he concluded. “It is there to assist us all in delivering a high level of service to our customers.”

CEO’s report CEO Greg Wallace said Master Plumbers’ advocacy work had increased rapidly towards the end of 2017 with the change in Government. “There is now a new environment to work in, and plenty of ministerial meetings planned to ensure our industry is at the forefront of construction-related developments.”

The Master Plumbers’ brand had been further strengthened during 2017 with the decision to carry out ongoing face-to-face Quality Assurance reviews of a random selection of at least 15 percent of the membership, said Greg—noting that Quality Assurance reviews were an added-value resource that aligned 34

April/May 2018

Above: Delegates from 15 of the 17 Associations and Branches attended the AGM.

with the Master Plumbers motto of ‘Representing Excellence’.

Master Plumbers would continue to work with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board to ensure qualified tradespeople were acting competently and in compliance with NZ law, he said.

Greg concluded by thanking the Board and staff along with all Master Plumbers’ Business Partners. “We couldn’t provide services to members without our Business Partners,” he said.

Masterlink “from strength to strength” This Master Plumbers’ subsidiary was established 16 years ago to increase the number of high calibre apprentices in New Zealand as well as to provide a return to Master Plumbers for the benefit of all members.

The company performed well in all regions in 2017, said Mark Whitehead in his Masterlink report. Two new Regional Managers had started in Auckland, and a new National Business Manager role had been created to assist the Regional Managers in a time of growth within the business. A new Business Development Manager for Master Plumbers and Masterlink had also been appointed in the South Island.

There had been a continued focus on health and safety during 2017, which had added some costs to the business, as with many other businesses in the sector. “Continuing improvements are being made to Masterlink’s health and safety practices and reporting, giving the company the ability to track incidents and implement solutions,” said Mark.

Initiatives during the year had included the successful introduction of an online apprentice payroll system, a new hazard-reporting feature for the apprentice health and safety app, and a new health and safety software package, which would further improve reporting in 2018.

Numerous meetings had been held with government officials and TEC, NZQA, Skills and MBIE representatives to discuss concerns about nationwide training providers—resulting in agreement by TEC and Skills to undertake a full review, said Mark.

NZ Plumber “a real asset” Chairman Craig Foley noted that NZ Plumber magazine was a real asset, which had year on year added to the bottom-line income for the Master Plumbers group. He thanked Master Plumbers’ Business Partners for their ongoing support of the magazine.

In 2017, NZ Plumber had become a New Zealand Magazine Media Awards finalist in three categories—one of only two construction-related magazines in New Zealand to reach the finals.

A free digital version was available to all members, giving them access to the magazine on their desktop or mobile devices.

“The magazine provides its nationwide readership with relevant articles on business, technical and human-interest topics, along with news from Master Plumbers, Masterlink and the industry at large,” said Craig.

LAUNDRY OUTLET BOX Designed to keep pipework tidy and compact.

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The 2018-19 Master Plumbers Board In 2018, John DeBernardo, Martin de Gouw and Bruce Trenwith were due to retire by rotation as Directors of the Board of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ. John and Martin offered themselves for re-election. Bruce Trenwith decided not to stand for re-election, and was thanked at the AGM for his many services to the Board, including his time as National President from 2013-2015.

“The more you give, the more you get out of Master Plumbers,” said Bruce.

In the first-ever electronic ballot for the Society, members voted in John DeBernardo, Martin de Gouw and Jon Lewis for the three available positions on the 2018-19 Board.

The full Board comprises: • Grayson Allen • John DeBernardo • Martin de Gouw • Craig Foley • Jon Lewis • Rod Miller • Dave Strong • Mark Whitehead.

The Chairman and Deputy Chairman, President and VicePresident were to be appointed at the first Board meeting following the AGM.

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LAUNDRY OUTLET BOX Above: The 2018-19 Master Plumbers Board, from left: John DeBernardo, Mark Whitehead, Jon Lewis, Rod Miller (outgoing President), Martin de Gouw, Craig Foley and Dave Strong. The Chair and President roles would be decided at the next Board meeting.

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NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE 2018 21-23 MARCH, HAMILTON

Celebrating the winners

What a night! Congratulations to all the finalists and winners at the 2018 New Zealand Plumbing Awards.

MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR 2018 The winner is: Hutt Gas and Plumbing Hutt Gas and Plumbing has been serving customers for more than 25 years, and the majority of their work comes from returning customers and referrals.

As a business, they invest heavily in training and strive for the highest quality. Since 1992, they have trained more than 45 new apprentices, with the majority remaining in the industry. There are 14 plumbing businesses in Wellington now owned by or employing former Hutt Gas and Plumbing graduates.

A strong advocate for women in construction, the company currently employs two of the 22 nationwide female apprentices.

Headed up by Directors Scott Adin, Darren Smith and Colleen Upton, Hutt Gas and Plumbing frequently volunteers longterm involvement in industry initiatives, which allows them to demonstrate their commitment to continued growth in the plumbing industry, maintain strong relationships and gain valuable leadership skills.

Above: Hutt Gas and Plumbing Directors (from left) Scott Adin, Colleen Upton and Darren Smith receiving the supreme national award.

The company regularly receives extremely positive feedback from customers about their prompt, efficient service.

Look out for a profile of this award-winning business in the next edition.

PLUMBING WORLD SCHOLARSHIPS 2018

OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO THE INDUSTRY 2018

The winners are: • Leon Watson, Adams Plumbing & Drainage 2010 Ltd • Tom Walls, The Plumber • Valentino Eyer, Rogers & Rogers • Kaleb Reeve, Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services (1992) Ltd • Albert Singh, W Mattson Ltd • Scott Gillespie, Advantage Ltd

The winner is: Roger Herd

This year, six Masterlink apprentices were awarded Plumbing World Scholarships for showing maturity, diligence and outstanding progress in their training. All were at the NZ Plumbing Awards Dinner to receive their certificates plus a $1,000 Plumbing World voucher.

Look out for more about these scholarship winners in the next edition of NZ Plumber.

Above: Master Plumbers Chair Craig Foley (left) and Plumbing World National Sales and Operations Manager Simon Lavery (right) with Plumbing World Scholarship winners (from left): Albert Singh, Kaleb Reeve, Valentino Eyer, Leon Watson, Tom Walls, Scott Gillespie.

Roger Herd is a true Southern gentleman—born and bred in Dunedin, where he has spent his whole working life. He started as an apprentice plumber 50 years ago at A&T Burt, then one of the largest national plumbing and plumbing supply companies in the country, Above: Roger Herd (left) later going on to become a services receiving his award from Master Plumbers Chair Craig manager with Chubb Fire and Foley.

Services.

Roger has been an active Member of the Otago Master Plumbers Association, serving in many roles, including President.

He also served on the national Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, serving a term as President.

Roger has worked with Masterlink for the past 15 years, and is currently Masterlink South Island Manager. In this role, he displays his true passion for giving back to the plumbing industry through attracting young people into plumbing apprenticeships.

During his time with Masterlink, Roger has signed up and mentored over 180 apprentices. A real highlight for him is seeing previous apprentices having set up in business and now taking on their own Masterlink apprentices. Three of the apprentices mentored by Roger over the years have gone on to win the James Douglas Medallion.

April/May 2018

37

NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE 2018 21-23 MARCH, HAMILTON

PLUMBER, GASFITTER OR DRAINLAYER OF THE YEAR 2018 The winner is: Michael Goldsworthy, Taumarunui Plumbing Ltd Taumarunui Plumbing employee Michael Goldsworthy sets out to achieve excellence in all aspects of his life. As well as becoming a Tradesman Plumber, Certifying Gasfitter and Certifying Drainlayer, he has also successfully completed additional training, including electrical Associated Tradesperson training, AirTech sewage treatment systems, Solid Fuel Appliance Installation Technician and Solar Installer Certification.

Michael is passionate about ensuring our skilled trades are held in high repute, for which he is highly regarded within the community. He receives great feedback from customers, colleagues and other trades in relation to his excellent work ethic, problem solving abilities and methodical approach.

Michael embraces any challenge he faces systematically and excels in assisting others in the industry. He is the perfect role model for apprentices, and his employer is proud to have him on board.

JAMES DOUGLAS MEDALLION 2018 The finalists are: Kelly Adam of Impact Roofing and Plumbing (Plumbing), Patrick Howard of Hutt Gas and Plumbing (Gasfitting), and Kieran Howden of DrainPro (Drainlaying) The overall winner is: Kelly Adam Skills presents the James Douglas Medallion to the previous year’s outstanding apprentice who has completed their National Certificates and passed their registration exams.

This year’s overall winner, Kelly Adam, is now running his own contracts and training up and coming young plumbers and gasfitters. He is an excellent tradesman, whose work is always top quality and customers have provided feedback on how impressed they are with his work ethic. He has excellent problem solving skills and uses his intelligence and creativity to come up with the best solution to any given task. Prior to choosing plumbing as a career, Kelly completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in accounting. However, he decided accounting was not for him and committed to a four-year apprenticeship.

Above: Michael Goldsworthy (centre) with Plumbing World General Manager Rob Kidd (left) and Craig Foley.

Above: Skills Organisation CEO Garry Fissenden (left) presented the James Douglas Medallion finalist awards to Patrick Howard (left), Kelly Adam (centre) and Kieran Howard (right). Kelly was the overall winner.

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2018

The winner is: Jon Lewis, The Lewis Plumbing Company (NZ) Ltd

The winner is: Marley Twist® Global consumers are becoming increasingly sustainability conscious. The Marley Twist, designed and manufactured entirely in New Zealand, is a compact rainwater diverter that turns a downpipe into a tap, and allows urban households to Above: Marley NZ and Aliaxis collect a supplementary water NZ Managing Director Mike supply in a small tank of up to MacDonald accepting the Product 1,000 litres. of the Year award from Craig Foley.

It features an easy on/off ‘twist’ control, direct connection to standard hose fittings, and an in-built leaf filter to protect the quality of the collected water.

This free collected water can be used for watering the garden, washing cars and pets, topping up pools, ponds and fish tanks, or general cleaning. In areas prone to natural disasters, the water collected by Twist can also be used as an emergency supply should normal supply be compromised.

Marley Twist is available in a range of colours to match the popular Marley Stratus Design Series®. It has received awesome feedback and is a game changer in the market.

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April/May 2018

TRAINING LEADER OF THE YEAR 2018 Over his plumbing career, Jon Lewis has trained a number of apprentices. He encourages his staff to take any opportunities available to them to broaden their own knowledge and qualifications.

He supported three of the Above: Jon Lewis (centre) receiving company’s staff to enter his award from Garry Fissenden and Craig Foley. the inaugural Plumbing World Young Plumber of the Year Award in 2017, resulting in staff member Julian Parker taking out the title.

As well as running The Lewis Plumbing Company (NZ) Ltd, Jon runs Backflow Prevention Ltd, is a member of Water New Zealand’s Backflow Prevention Special Interest Group, and the Master Plumbers’ New Zealand representative on plumbing and backflow standards. Jon currently delivers training in backflow prevention for Opus Environmental, and has also run Master Plumbers’ training courses on backflow hazard identification.

He made a decision to be more than ‘just a plumber’ and to engage in the industry. He does this by taking steps to further his own education, and by educating other plumbers on the importance of being part of the industry and having a voice.

NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE 2018 21-23 MARCH, HAMILTON

GRAEME VICTOR SMITH CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY 2018 The winner is: Gordon Diggle, EG Glennie & Co 1980 Ltd Gordon served his plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeship at Glennies in the 1970s, gaining his qualifications in 1980. He bought the company when he was just 25 years old, and still runs it today with his wife Sue. Gordon has trained numerous apprentices over the years, many of them going on to become business owners in their own right.

Gordon has a willingness to help others and it is not uncommon for ex-employees to seek advice from him about technical or business issues.

Glennies will be marking its 90th anniversary this year. Today’s customers enjoy the personal, friendly and professional service that Gordon has made his hallmark. Integrity and honesty are always at the forefront of his business dealings.

He is a true credit to Master Plumbers and to the New Zealand plumbing industry as a whole.

Above: Gordon Diggle (centre) accepts his award from Graeme Smith (left) and Craig Foley.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2018 The winner is: Optum Ltd The Glenorchy campsite on the shores of Lake Wakatipu had become very run down following multiple bankruptcies and a lack of infrastructure investment. The Camp Glenorchy project saw it completely transformed, becoming registered under the Net Zero Energy Certification pathway. Camp Glenorchy has been designed with a goal of using 50 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than standard visitor accommodation facilities.

Optum Ltd was engaged to install the plumbing and drainage for the project, as well as the heating and solar—with most, if not all, the building’s energy to be solar-powered.

Composting toilets at the camp save approximately 30,000 litres of water each year. All rainwater is collected in three large in-ground water tanks, then pumped and filtered for irrigation, and UV treated to NZ drinking water standards for the potable water supply.

Optum Managing Director Kevin Henderson is very proud of his team working on the project for carrying out highly complex

Above: Kevin Henderson (second from left) and Lukas Kirchner (third from left) accepted the Project of the Year award on behalf of the whole Optum team involved with Camp Glenorchy.

work to exacting standards in extreme conditions, from freezing ice and snow, to heavy rainfall and searing heat.

KAVA CUP 2018 Congratulations to Conference hosts, the Waikato Master Plumbers Association, for winning this year’s Kava Cup for their community involvement on the Chartwell Scout Hall in Hamilton.

Rising damp in the Scout Hall had caused damage to the building and equipment, as well as a bad smell. Waikato Association Members volunteered their time, machinery and equipment, and spent a Saturday upgrading the stormwater and subsoil drainage system.

Right, from left: Warren Thompson, Mike Foote, Dave Morgan, Mike Wilson, Brent Tupaea and David Whitfield of the Waikato Mater Plumbers Association with the Kava Cup.

April/May 2018

39

NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE 2018 21-23 MARCH, HAMILTON

Expo excellence WITH ALL MORNING and afternoon teas and lunches held in the spacious exhibition hall at Claudelands, there was plenty of time for Conference participants to browse the extensive showcase of products and services, and talk direct with manufacturers, suppliers and service providers.

The expo included vans, jet skis and boats—well suited to the audience of plumbers, who reputedly have the highest boat ownership in New Zealand.

Several awesome prizes were drawn at the close of the show, and Mobilcard also offered all Master Plumbers members a special additional Conference fuel discount until the end of March.

There was a record number of exhibitors at this year’s Conference.

Above: The Master Plumbers and Allproof KickStart Happy Hour in the exhibition hall.

THANKS GO TO… The New Zealand Plumbing Conference can only be held with the support of our Conference sponsors and exhibitors.

First and foremost, thanks go to Plumbing World, our Principal Conference and NZ Plumbing Awards Sponsor, and to Platinum Sponsors Mico and Marley for the Mico Welcome Night Dinner and Marley Fun Night Dinner.

Our thanks also to Allproof for sponsoring the Master Plumbers KickStart Happy Hour.

We are grateful to Conference Sponsors aquatherm and Vodafone for sponsoring morning, afternoon teas and lunches, and to Skills for the Conference satchels.

MM Kembla, simPRO and Masterlink made it possible for us to invite Keynote Speakers Eric Murray, Dr Lester Levy and Jamie Fitzgerald.

As Trade Industry Sponsors, Apex Valves, Aqualine and Ecodan

by Mitsubishi Electric supported the Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Technical Sessions.

We also acknowledge Contact Rockgas for sponsoring the excellent full-day Partner Activity Programme and Mobilcard for the fun Mobil Leisure Afternoon Activities.

Last but not least, we thank Greens Tapware for sponsoring the Conference App, and Rinnai and Hirepool for sponsoring the popular coffee carts.

A to Z of exhibitors: • • • • • • • • • • • 40

Allproof Industries Apex Valves Aqualine Products Aquatherm NZ Ltd Buteline NZ Ltd Cable Price Camco Industries Caroma Industries Ltd Central Heating New Zealand Crombie Lockwood NZ Ltd Debtorinfo NZ Ltd

April/May 2018

• • • • • • • • • • • •

DLM Wallace Pumps Dux Industries Ecodan by Mitsubishi Electric Greens Global Ltd Hansen Products Hayes Metals Holdfast NZ Ltd Hydroflow Distributors Ltd Kohler NZ Konnect Ridgid LEAP Australasia Ltd Mactrap Separators

• • • • • • • • • • •

Marley NZ Ltd Masterlink Methven Mico NZ MM Kembla Mobil Oil NZ Ltd Peter Cocks Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board Plumbing World Reliance Worldwide Corporation Rheem NZ Ltd

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Rinnai New Zealand simPRO SPK Industries Ltd Spratt Insurance Brokers Stiebel Eltron System Control Engineering NZ Ltd Teletrac Navman The Skills Organisation Toyota Unitray Vodafone WorkSafe NZ

In-Sink Screen & Plug

Actamatic Liquid & Powder

Pro-Watch Pump

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PGDB/MICO CPD

ROAD SHOW 2018

TO REGISTER VISIT: https://ecommerce.skills.org.nz/pgdb2018

OR CALL 0508 754 557

0800 101 999 | www.mico.co.nz

WIN, EAT, LEARN, NETWORK • We’ll shout you breakfast on morning sessions • Have a bite and a drink on us at the Happy Hour • Attend the interactive training session • Your chance to ask the questions you need answering • Get the latest product updates at the trade stands

• BE IN TO WIN! Trade stand competitions on offer and go in the draw to...

WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO VIETNAM HOSTED BY MICO IN 2019 4 PRIZE PACKS UP FOR GRABS!

• Get access to exclusive trade stand deals • Have a catch up with other industry members

SESSIONS MORNING SESSION WITH TRADE SHOW

MORNING SESSION WITHOUT TRADE SHOW

AFTERNOON SESSION WITH TRADE SHOW

AFTERNOON SESSION WITHOUT TRADE SHOW

7:00am – 8:00am (Breakfast and browse trade stands)

8:30 – 11:30am (CPD training)*

2:00pm – 3:00pm (Browse trade stands)

2:00pm – 5:00pm (CPD training)*

*Includes morning tea

3:00pm – 6:00pm (CPD training)*

5:00pm – 6:00pm (Happy hour)

6:00pm – 7:00pm (Happy hour)

*Includes afternoon tea

8:00am – 11:00am (CPD training)* *Includes morning tea

*Includes afternoon tea

DATES & LOCATIONS

= Session without Trade Show

DATE

SESSION

VENUE

DATE

SESSION

VENUE

Tue 8/5

Invercargill PM

Workingmen’s Club

Wed 23/5

Christchurch PM

Addington Raceway

Wed 9/5

QT/Central Otago PM

Milbrook Resort

Mon 28/5

Greymouth PM

Shantytown

Thu 10/5

Dunedin PM

Forsyth Barr Stadium

Wed 30/5

Nelson PM

Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco

Mon 14/15

Oamaru PM

Oamaru Club

Thu 31/5

Blenheim PM

Marlborough Convention Centre

Tue 15/5

Timaru PM

Southern Events Centre

Wed 6/6

Wellington AM

Trentham Racecourse

Wed 16/5

Ashburton PM

Ashburton RSA

Wed 6/6

Wellington PM

Trentham Racecourse

Tue 22/5

Christchurch AM

Addington Raceway

Thu 7/6

Wellington PM

Trentham Racecourse

Tue 22/5

Christchurch PM

Addington Raceway

Fri 8/6

Kapiti AM

Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf

Wed 23/5

Christchurch AM

Addington Raceway

REAL LIVES

Collecting memories IN HIS PRIVATE museum in Dunedin, Roger Herd keeps a veritable treasure trove of memorabilia.

Brightly painted early 20th century petrol pumps stand beside rows of children’s pedal cars and a selection of clockwork toys. Enamel advertising signs from the 1950s decorate the walls, and lamps of all shapes and varieties hang from the ceiling.

Some items were purchased at auction, others through word of mouth and yet more from Trade Me—and all were bought here in New Zealand.

Amongst all the memorabilia stored in the fully insulated (and virtually dust free) museum, there is also space for a motorised pushbike and a couple of vintage cars: a rare coachbuilt 1927 Roadster and an Austin 7 built in third scale.

The car restorations started it all, says Roger, who shares his hobby with a group of friends who all help each other out. “A collector came out to look at my Austin and said my garage could do with some signs and stuff.” Roger took him at his word, and soon the pedal cars followed (“I put it down to a deprived childhood!”). There are now at least 40 of these in his collection—some restored and others waiting their turn.

His favourites, though, are the old petrol pumps, which he has restored from scratch—taking them apart and putting them back together again. Dating from 1911 to the 1960s, the pumps

A love of vintage cars started Roger Herd on his passion for collecting memorabilia, including old plumbing tools and fittings.

Above: Roger standing by two of his immaculately restored petrol pumps.

his favourites are the old petrol pumps, which he has restored from scratch

Above: Old plumbing tools and fittings make up part of Roger’s collection.

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April/May 2018

Above: The working display of lamps include a gold miner’s lamp, a roadwork lamp, and a harbour master’s light.

REAL LIVES

clockwork toys stand on a table, ready to be wound up and set in motion make a magnificent display, with their large glass globes, shiny brass fittings, enamel paintwork and hand-painted signwriting.

He says he got the first one 15 years ago and now has more than 20 in various states of repair. “I’d come across them on farms, and get my staff to help haul them back in pieces, so I could build them in here. They’re extremely heavy, as they have cast iron bases.”

Roger’s collection extends to the family home—though Lynn keeps a watchful eye to ensure it doesn’t extend too far… Here, myriad clockwork toys stand on a table, ready to be wound up and set in motion, thanks to Roger’s meticulous restoration work. “Everything is in working order,” he says.

For example, there’s a monkey who shoots a ball into a hoop, a pair of fairground boxers who throw punches, a ferris wheel that turns, a cross-legged man who puffs on miniature cigarettes and a young boy who walks along carrying a suitcase.

Roger’s four-and-a-half-year-old grandson loves to come over and see all the toys, but he’s very careful not to touch without his granddad’s permission.

Roger is going to have more time to work on his collection with retirement beckoning, but he says he’s not going to extend the garage space—he’ll just become more selective. Only time will tell… ■

Above: Some of Roger’s clockwork toys—all restored and in working order.

The little oblong car racetrack in the foreground is over 100 years old.

Above: Roger loves these old cigarette ads, promising good health and ‘no cough’.

50 years in the industry A plumber’s bicycle in Roger Herd’s museum gives a clue to his background. The bike bears the name of A&T Burt, the company where Roger started as a plumbing apprentice 50 years ago.

At the time, A&T Burt was one of the biggest national plumbing and plumbing supply companies in the country. Roger stayed there for around 37 years, rising through the ranks and seeing several changes in owners. By the time he left, it was Chubb Fire and Services, and Roger was the Services Manager, managing a staff of 10.

A dedicated member of the plumbing industry, Roger joined the Otago Master Plumbers Association around 25 years ago, serving a term as President. He went on to serve on the national Master

Plumbers Board, including one term as national President.

His involvement with the Master Plumbers Masterlink group apprentice training programme began in 2003, when he became a part-time coordinator for Otago/Southland. He went full time five years later, and is set to go part-time in his role as Masterlink South Island Manager later this year.

He is a passionate supporter of apprentice training, and has grown Masterlink sign-up numbers in his region from around four when he started to the current 70-plus.

Roger has won the New Zealand Outstanding Services to the Industry Award twice—once in 2008 and again in 2018 (see p37).

April/May 2018 45

NUTS & BOLTS

Gas Ring

Our latest round up of gasfitting news.

Withholding gas certificates

Gas installations in caravans

Public comment was recently sought on a draft amendment to the caravan installation code, which seeks to standardise compliance plate requirements across Australia and New Zealand. Two changes were proposed in the draft: 1. A change to the warning labels that will need to be applied near cookers.

2. The introduction of a new requirement for the placement of a ‘Gas Compliance Plate’ when gasfitting. The compliance plate will indicate whether it is a new installation or an alteration and will identify the caravan, the gasfitting certification number and the gasfitter certifying the installation.

These types of compliance plates are already required in some states in Australia for both caravan and domestic installations.

There are no immediate plans to make this requirement part of the regulatory regime in New Zealand, but Energy Safety believes it will provide a way for consumers to be able to determine the compliance of their vehicle.

The current gas installation standard for caravans and boats is AS/NZS 5601 Gas installations—Part 2: LP Gas installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes: 2013.

Need to make a notification?

Did you know you need to notify Energy Safety if you discover a dangerous gas installation?

Any person carrying out gasfitting who has grounds to believe that a gas installation or gas appliance presents immediate danger to life or property must advise Energy Safety and the owner or occupier of the property.

If a property owner has given permission to undertake the repair of an immediately dangerous situation, and a practitioner is not able to carry out the repair that day for any reason (including workload), notification to Energy Safety must still be undertaken as soon as reasonably practicable.

If a practitioner finds a gas appliance or installation is noncompliant, no notification needs to be made to Energy Safety.

Find the installation fault notice form at www.energysafety.govt. nz/forms/installation-fault-notice-form

46

April/May 2018

Master Plumbers recently sought legal advice from Duncan Cotterill on whether or not gasfitters can withhold a gas certificate or PS3 form until they have received payment from the client.

In summary: • They consider that a PS3 could be withheld until payment is received, because there is no specific statutory requirement for a PS3.

• They do not recommend withholding gas safety certificates for non-payment because: ° there is a statutory requirement to issue these certificates as soon as practicable, but at least within 20 working days; and

once the certificate is issued there is a requirement ° to provide a copy to the person who contracted for the work or the owner/occupier of the property, within a further 20 working days.

Producer statement (PS3 – Construction) On completion of building work, an owner must apply to the district or city council for a code compliance certificate certifying that the building work has been carried out in accordance with the building consent. The PS3 is routinely used by councils as part of the evidence that the work complies with the consent.

Neither the Building Act 2004 nor the standard application form for a code compliance certificate make any specific reference to a PS3. However the application form does refer to “other documents from personnel who carried out the work”, which could be said to include the PS3.

This general reference is in contrast to other documents that are expressly required under the Act. Duncan Cotterill consider that if there was a legal duty to provide the PS3, it would have been specifically referred to in the legislation.

“In support of this position, we note that the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board indicate on its website that they will not look into issues around the provision of a producer statement as a disciplinary offence that they can consider,” says Nick Crang at Duncan Cotterill. “However, it would also be worthwhile for gasfitters to check contracts carefully to ensure they are not agreeing to terms that would require them to provide the PS3 prior to being paid.”

Gas certificates The position is different for gas certificates. An application for a code compliance certificate must include an ‘energy work certificate’. This includes a gas safety certificate, issued after gasfitting installation work has been completed. The person doing the connection or their supervisor must issue a gas safety certificate as soon as practicable after the installation is connected to a gas supply, but no later than 20 working days after the connection.

NUTS & BOLTS

Once issued, the issuer must provide a copy of the gas safety certificate to the person who contracted for the work or the owner/occupier of the property, within a further 20 working days.

Given the express legislative requirements to issue and provide a gas safety certificate, and for it to be included with an application with a code compliance certificate, Duncan Cotterill do not recommend that these certificates be withheld where the client has failed to pay for the work.

Gas certificate infringement notice In its March newsletter, Energy Safety also reminded gasfitters and electrical workers that they must supply certificates for gasfitting and installation prescribed electrical work (PEW) to the person who commissioned the work within 20 working days.

“This reminder comes after we audited a gasfitter’s certification of gasfitting following a complaint that a gas certificate hadn’t been received after work had been completed.

“We found the gasfitter had not issued a gas certificate within 20 days of connection to the gas supply, and it was only issued once contacted by us.

“The subsequent issued certificate contained several faults. The gasfitter was issued an infringement notice for breaching Regulation 50(c) of the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations.”

Gas hob clearances and splashbacks

There has been a change in the reference standard for sourcing information on clearances and suitable materials for splashbacks installed adjacent to gas hobs, noted BRANZ in its March Guideline. The new reference document is AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Gas installations – Part 1: General installations.

For splashback requirements, use Table C1 on page 148. For the most common splashback materials, the requirements are: •

•

•

• •

(750mm for an exhaust fan) splashback heights – not less than 150mm above the periphery of the nearest burner side or back clearances to the splashback – if less than 200mm, the surface shall be protected in accordance with clause 6.10.1.2, which is summarised above.

For full details, always refer to the Standard.

Caravan & motorhome self-containment

Over the summer months, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) received several enquiries about self-containment certificates for caravans and motorhomes— particularly in regards to if and how plumbers can certify caravans and motorhomes for self-containment.

In its latest InfoBrief, the PGDB explains that correct selfcontainment helps ensure there is adequate provision for the containment of waste water created by the use of the caravan or motorhome. This, in turn, helps freedom campers have minimal adverse effect on the environment, it says.

Unlike gasfitting, plumbing in a caravan is generally not restricted work. This is because work on sanitary fixtures and appliances in vehicles is excluded from the Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act’s definition of sanitary plumbing.

“However, NZS 5465:2001 allows registered plumbers to certify for self-containment,” says the PGDB. In order to certify for self-containment, plumbers should purchase a copy of NZS 5465:2001 and follow the requirements outlined in the Standard.

Plumbers will need to issue a certificate and warrant card as per the requirements in the Standard.

ceramic tiles – 5mm minimum thickness over a minimum thickness of 10mm gypsum plasterboard or 6mm fibre-cement toughened safety glass – 5mm minimum thickness over a minimum thickness of 10mm gypsum plasterboard or 6mm fibre-cement sheet metal – 0.4mm minimum thickness over a minimum thickness of 12mm gypsum plasterboard or 6mm fibre-cement. (12mm plasterboard is not an available thickness in NZ, so use 13mm.)

Clearances around a domestic gas cooking appliance (stove or cooktop) are given in section 6.10 and Figure 6.3. Key clearances include: •

no less than 600mm to the underside of a range hood

April/May 2018 47

NUTS & BOLTS

Splashback standards

Unstamped glass splashbacks can make it hard for gasfitters to sign off gas hob installations, as Matthew Lowe explains.

REQUIREMENTS FOR TOUGHENED safety glass splashback installations adjacent to a gas hob are given in AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Gas installations – Part 1: General installations (see item on p47). However, ensuring the glass used is actually toughened can be tricky, because some manufacturers no longer stamp their products with a safety mark.

Gas hob installation Gasfitter Howard White, from LB White Ltd in Lower Hutt, raised concerns about the absence of safety stamps after having to turn detective to verify whether a some glass splashbacks installed by gas hobs conformed to New Zealand’s rules.

The dilemma first arose when he went to approve work done at a Wellington home last year. “One of my guys installed a gas hob and then the homeowners installed a splashback and I went out sign off the job,” Howard says. When he got there, however, he was unwilling to certify the work, as there was no stamp etched on the splashback to show it was made of toughened glass and fit for purpose, as required by the Standard.

“The homeowner had bought the glass from [a hardware store] and had got the paperwork as to where it was made and a phone number of the NZ importer. I rang them and they said they had got certification documents for the glass, which was made in China, and they sent them through.

“The documents said the glass complied to the NZ Standard but how are we to know when there is no stamp on the glass to prove it?”

Howard says the importers told him the glass was not stamped because it was being used for “cosmetic-decorative purposes and consumers wouldn’t like it”.

They sent him a copy of the Chinese manufacturer’s certificate of conformance—for AS/NZS 2208:1996, which covers toughened glass—issued by third party certification company based in Australia.

Howard encountered a similar problem this March with a splashback made in New Zealand and installed in a Lower Hutt home. “We’re not disputing that the glass is up to standard, but we are saying it should be marked—and that is clearly not happening in many cases,” he says. “If something happened where there was a problem with the splashback, all I have got is a letter from the company saying they only use toughened glass for their products.”

Above left: Example of a safety mark used on glass.

Above right: On this typical safety glass mark, the licence number is for third-party certification.

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April/May 2018

Non-permanent marking The Glass Association of New Zealand (GANZ) and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) both say toughened glass should usually carry a permanent stamp mark, but there are instances where a non-permanent marking or supporting documentation is acceptable.

Splashbacks are among glass items used in buildings that must meet certain requirements before people are allowed to use them due to the extreme heat they can be subjected to.

Brett Francis, GANZ Chief Executive, says the use of toughened glass for glass splashbacks is a requirement under the gas industry’s rules.

NUTS & BOLTS

“Generally, glass companies will stamp the glass. This however is very hard to see on painted glass and some companies will apply a removable sticker,” he says.

Brett urges gasfitters who have any concerns about a splashback to ask to see a certificate of compliance from the supplier or installer. He says the association would like to see a greater level of focus by officials and industry on the use of correctly marked safety glass.

“Showers etc are covered by NZS 4223.3:2016 [Glazing in buildings – Human impact safety requirements] and are all required to be marked with the minimum of name of manufacturer or supplier, type of safety glass, the standard it’s tested to, and the licence or identification number provided by a third party compliance certifier,” he says.

Advising the client “If no marking is present [in a splashback] we’d recommend any tradesman make the client aware in writing. This is then traceable in the case of future issues.

“The consequences of using non-marked glass are varied, from the simple no code compliance certificate being issued, to product failure with little or no come back on the supplier/ installer—potentially leaving the end user out of pocket.

“Liability would generally sit with the installer; therefore using a recognised specialist like a GANZ member gives a greater level of security.”

An MBIE spokesperson says if safety glass conforms to an industry standard it is required to bear a stamp mark, identifying the standard it conforms to.

“In most cases the mark must be permanent but in some cases a non-permanent marking may be permissible,” he says.

Advising the BCA “Under the performance-based Building Code, a building consent authority (BCA) could accept the use of safety glass without markings if it is satisfied about the origin of the glass and the manufacturer’s quality assurance.

“If (within the scope of a building consent) a tradesman notices glass that they believe should be toughened glass but is not marked, then they should notify the relevant BCA. If a building consent is not being assessed, a tradesman should seek additional information to satisfy themselves that the product meets the relevant standard or code requirement.”

The spokesperson adds that tradespeople installing glass products have a duty of care to ensure the work they do meets the requirements of the Building Code or of the legislation they are operating under.

A common concern?

Howard eventually signed off the two jobs after being advised by industry figures to make a note of his concerns in the job brief and to attach all the relevant documentation he had received about the glass.

“The suppliers said the glass complied, but for my gas certification it was hard to be fully confident that it does,” he says.

“I’m concerned there may be a lot of splashbacks like this out there and we may not know if this glass really complies. If it doesn’t carry a New Zealand Standard stamp how can we know if it is kosher?

“Only being supplied with documentation from a firm in China certainly raised a few alarms for me so I imagine other gasfitters must have hit the same problem.”

Addressing Howard’s concerns about the potential for belowpar products to be coming from overseas, MBIE says it does not monitor the importation of building products.

“Under New Zealand’s performance-based Building Code, different products and construction methods can be used as long as compliance with the code can be achieved,” the spokesperson says.

“Suppliers and importers also have a responsibility to ensure that the products they sell to consumers comply with the relevant provisions of the Building Code.” ■

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April/May 2018 49

NUTS & BOLTS

Can you taste it?

Water chlorination questions answered by Noel Roberts, Technical Manager at Water New Zealand.

“All these different forms can be used to treat drinking water supplies. Gas is certainly the most efficient and costeffective form because it is 100% pure and contains no other products.

The liquid form can be only 1% chlorine, so you have to then use a lot of it—and what’s the other 99%?”

CHRISTCHURCH’S WATER IS being chlorinated, meaning all of the country’s major cities now have chlorinated drinking water supplies. The garden city’s move came less than two months after the damning results from an inquiry into our drinking water were released.

So why do we chlorinate our water? Is it a controversial additive like fluoride? And what else do we need to know?

Noel Roberts, Technical Manager at Water New Zealand, a non-profit organisation focused on the water sector, has answers to the ins and outs of water chlorination.

What sort of concentration of chlorine is needed?

This depends on the original quality of the water.

“The Drinking-Water Standards do have criteria and the minimum dose is .2mg/L (ppm). The maximum is 5mg/ L(ppm). I don’t know anywhere in New Zealand that is up around the 5mg/L (ppm) mark.

What’s chlorine put into drinking water supplies for?

“Chlorine is the last barrier of protection, if you like. It will pick up bacteria, viruses and some protozoa. Protozoa are giardia and cryptosporidium—but chlorine won’t do anything for crypto. These are pathogens. They come from either humans or animals.”

if there are no bugs in the water, you won’t smell the chlorine

What’s the benefit of chlorine?

“Treatment processes like ozone and UV will treat everything that goes past them. But if it gets re-infected further down the track by, for example, a leaky pipe or vermin getting into a reservoir, or someone’s hydroponics getting back into the water reticulation somehow, the chlorine provides a residual disinfection.

“That’s where chlorine has a really big bonus over other forms of treatment.”

You can still treat with chlorine at the same place as other forms of treatment but it will remain in the water supply.

Ozone and other forms only work as the water passes through.

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April/May 2018

How many layers of protection are there?

“There are many, including physical filters and membranes, as well as ozone and UV treatment.”

How much does chlorination cost?

“It’s the cheapest and most cost-effective protection to put in place.

“There are three different ‘flavours’ of chlorine as well. You can get it as a gas.

You can get it as a potable liquid form (similar to Janola), and you can also get it as a powder, like is used in some swimming pools.

Can you smell it or taste it in the water?

“If there are no bugs in the water, you won’t smell the chlorine, as it isn’t doing anything.”

“It’s only when it’s actually doing something that you can smell it. So it depends on how clean your sources are and the other treatments upstream whether you’ll get any odours.”

Roberts says the majority of the population would not be able to taste the chlorine. Three per cent of the population are ‘supertasters’ with very sensitive tastebuds, he says, and they would likely be able to taste it.

A very small number of people have allergies to chlorine. It can be removed at point of use by a carbon filter.

At what concentration would chlorine have to be to be dangerous to people?

“Over 5 grams per cubic metre.

Swimming pools are typically in the 2-10 range. So they are certainly up there with those rates.

NUTS & BOLTS

there are very few first world countries that don’t chlorinate “But the drinking water standards are based on a lifetime effect. So I guess if you spent your life in a swimming pool, it might be a different story.

“But for drinking water, levels are based on no ill effects at all.”

The drinking water standards are based on an average person consuming two litres of water per day over a 72-year lifespan, with one in 100,000 people becoming ill.

How much does chlorine reduce risk of illness?

“With the exception of cryptosporidium... as long as there is enough chlorine there... it is believed to kill all other pathogens, bacteria and viruses.”

Who’s responsible for treatment and monitoring?

“The water supplier. Some contract it out.”

For example, Watercare does it for Auckland Council and City Care for Christchurch.

Is chlorination an international standard?

“There are very few first world countries that don’t chlorinate all their water supplies. The few that don't have really, really high engineering standards— higher than in New Zealand. Examples are Germany and the Netherlands.”

Are there major cities or towns in New Zealand that are without chlorination?

“Yes there are. They are rapidly

decreasing. Napier was, Lower Hutt was, Hastings was—they are about to change as well. Queenstown.

Safe drinking water The major and most common water quality concerns in New Zealand arise from microbiological contamination of the source waters, according to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) website at www.drinkingwater. esr.cri.nz. Animal, bird and even human effluent can make water unfit for consumption.

Bacteria have always been of major concern, while protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium are increasingly being highlighted as causing ill health through drinking water.

The Ministry of Health, through the provision of standards, guidelines and other tools, is tasked to ensure that an appropriate infrastructure is present to support the provision of clean and safe drinking water. The Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2007 gives the framework for ensuring safe drinking water is provided.

However, the water supply owner is responsible for monitoring water and

ensuring supply is safe. For larger supplies that’s usually the city or district council. For private supplies it’s the owner. About 87% of our population receives drinking water from local authorities, according to the Office of the Auditor General.

A Government inquiry into drinking water released in December 2017 revealed 2% of water supplies were not up to standard.

Internationally we do not compare well. “Public supplies in England and Wales, large Finnish supplies, and Scottish Water have all had greater than 99.8% compliance with E coli standards from 2011-2015,” the report found.

Water in New Zealand is graded as it leaves a treatment plant, based on quality. The purpose of this Public Health Grading is to compare water supplies and identify those which may not be delivering quality water. As of mid-2017, only those supplies with populations over 500 were graded.

Leaking cylinder reports

Much has been reported in the media about hot water cylinders leaking since the introduction of chlorine to the Hawke’s Bay water supply following the water contamination event.

However, according to a report in The NZ Herald in February, this is probably down to a lack of regular cylinder maintenance by homeowners.

One local plumber said most cases he’d seen were actually caused by the chlorine cleaning and exposing existing pinhole leaks that had become plugged up by mineral and lime scale over time.

Another plumbing firm advised homeowners in the region to check the date of their cylinder and keep an eye out for any moisture around it if the cylinder was more than 10 years old.

“There are a lot of suppliers that have reassessed their risks and decided chlorination is the way to go.”

Is there any reason why some areas aren’t chlorinating already?

“The drinking water standard has allowed for them not to chlorinate and that hasn’t been updated for 10-plus years. Some of the thinking that determined a secured bore status in drinking water standards now needs to be reassessed because we’ve realised the thinking was flawed.”

Is chlorination a no-brainer, given the cost?

“It is... of all the barriers of protection to put in it’s the most cost-effective and easiest, too. So there’s a lot less capital investment for that than for some of the other forms of treatment.” ■ Thanks to Noel Roberts at Water New Zealand for this article, which first appeared in stuff.co.nz

April/May 2018 51

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Tech points CHANGES TO ‘WIRING RULES’ Standards Australia recently announced that a new edition of AS/NZS 3000:2018 (‘wiring rules’) was expected to be published this March. Standards New Zealand is likely to approve the new Standard soon.

Energy Safety has put out a reminder that the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 cite AS/NZS 3000:2007 including its Amendments 1 and 2. “This means the 2007 Standard must be used to ensure compliance with the Regulations, until the Regulations are updated to cite the 2018 edition,” it says. This is likely to happen in late 2019.

Details of how AS/NZS 3000:2007 is applied can be found in Schedule 2 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 at www.legislation.govt.nz

NEW ROOF DESIGN GUIDE Produced for the building and construction industry, the BRANZ Roof Design guide identifies the many factors that need to be considered as part of the design and material selection. It’s also a way to stay across the many roofing materials, finishes and profiles. The aim of the guide is to identify and discuss the myriad factors that need to be considered as part of the design and material selection to achieve a successful roof.

Go to www.branz.co.nz/roofdesign to purchase.

NUTS & BOLTS

Rounding up the latest technical news in brief.

LPG CYLINDER SEISMIC RESTRAINT Research by Canterbury University students has validated that the way 45kg LPG cylinders have traditionally been affixed to buildings is adequate and appropriate, says the LPG Association. The students conducted the project for the Association as part of their final year research and development work. Testing did, however, find that some materials like poly-plaster and Hardies board performed less satisfactorily and the students designed a new ‘T’ bracket to improve holding performance. Following the project, a set of recommended fasteners and preparation considerations have been stated for each cladding material to ensure ongoing security of LPG cylinders.

GAS SAFETY MESSAGE GETTING OUT WorkSafe’s Energy Safety Summer Campaign featuring Claude the Cat apparently generated record-breaking reach. The campaign included a Facebook competition, in which users had to identify five gas and electricity risks. The website visits showed Kiwis were most interested in Residual Current Device (RCD) safety and gas safety in caravans.

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April/May 2018 53

INDUSTRY TALK

Plumbing World welcomes ‘home’ Look out for new signage on Plumbing World stores.

Plumbing World is there for both the trade and the consumer.

Most of its 48 stores nationwide incorporate showrooms where the public can view the extensive range of products available for their bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

In a new move, Plumbing World is adding the Home subbrand to its store signage to highlight its consumer offering.

“We have invested heavily in our showrooms and staff training, and we want to ensure consumers know they can come in store to find products for their homes, with specialist staff on hand to help,” says Plumbing World General Manager Rob Kidd.

Tradespeople will continue to receive the same high levels of service and product knowledge at their local branch. “When B AT H R O O

E M & HOM

2018

Left: Plumbing World is also updating its website and consumer brochures.

Above: Several Plumbing World showrooms already have the new signage.

customers come into Plumbing World to shop for products, they are introduced to our network of plumbers, who can provide them with solutions for their homes,” says Rob. All Plumbing World stores with showrooms will soon display the Home signage, which is being rolled out over the next six months.

Water use planning

NZ’s biggest environmental challenges this year include water quality and availability.

Water quality and availability, rapid urbanisation, and the • 89% are concerned about drinking water quality in NZ impact of natural hazards and climate change are the top three • 86% are concerned about water shortages planning issues affecting New Zealand in 2018 • 67% said the main driver to save water How do people save water at home? and beyond, according to the New Zealand is “doing their bit for the environment” % Planning Institute (NZPI).

(Auckland, where water and wastewater is 74 73% These challenges were among those generally charged on a volumetric basis, is the addressed at NZPI’s annual conference, held only region where saving money is a higher in Tauranga in March. “New Zealand is faced motivator than environmental concern) with the challenge of weighing up the need • 63% agree they would prefer to pay for how for protecting the environmental quality of much water they use rather than a fixed charge our water resource while also allowing for • 59% believe there should be a cost for the use of water for economic, social and % all users when taking water from the % 4 4 37% environment. cultural reasons—we must do this sustainably to ensure the resource is available for future View the full survey report at waternz.org.

26% 67% generations,” said NZPI Chair Bryce Julyan. nz/watersurvey Conference delegates included industry % 54% leaders, iwi, resource management experts, Are we running out?

62% 19 urban designers, scientists, environmental According to a recent BBC News report, Cape advocates, and local and central government Town, Moscow and Tokyo are among the 11 Above: Some of the findings in Water NZ’s consumer survey report. representatives. cities most likely to run out of drinking water.

London is also on the list. “Despite covering Water use survey about 70% of the Earth’s surface, water, especially drinking water In late 2017, Water New Zealand ran an independent online is not as plentiful as one might think,” it noted. “Only 3% of it is nationwide consumer survey on water use—the first of its kind fresh.” in NZ—and received more than 4,500 responses.

It is projected that global demand for fresh water will exceed Key findings included: supply by 40% in 2030, thanks to a mix of climate change, human action and population growth, according to the report. wait for a full load before turning on dishwasher or washing machine

turn off tap while brushing teeth

cover the pool to prevent evaporation

install water-efficient taps and shower heads

use the grey water system

use mulch in the garden to reduce moisture loss

fix leaking taps

take shorter showers

have dual-flush toilet

monitor water usage regularly

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April/May 2018

INDUSTRY TALK

In the office

Andrea Lovell explains the meaning of an ‘almost plumber’ —and why they’re worth their weight in gold.

Office staff are what our company call our ‘almost plumbers’. They usually know more about what is going on than the plumbers themselves. They are far more organised, and their technical knowledge is extremely impressive.

So, why is it that builders don’t want to talk to them, suppliers forget how important they are, and customers overlook them? Office staff are generally female and these people want to talk to a man—a plumber or the owner of the business (who they always assume is a man).

It took some of our builders a couple of years before they were willing to talk things over with me, even after telling them several times that I owned the business too. Just to get them to talk to me, I had to start telling people that [my husband and co-owner] Dale was away or had pulled back from the day-to-day running of the business. I still have the odd new QS telling me they need to talk to someone who knows what they are doing—and they soon get to know that I am the real boss!

So that’s me sorted, but how about the other almost plumbers in our company who don’t own it? Our Office Manager does as-builts, manuals, runs our maintenance plumbers and, as mentioned above, her knowledge is impressive.

Yet builders still ask our Contracts Manager for as-builts, even though they’ve been told 100 times our that our Office Manager deals with them—and she still gets male customers asking to talk to a plumber about a job, as they don’t think she will understand what they are talking about. This all seems very old-fashioned to me. Are we not living in the 21st century, and are women not as capable as men?

Remember how important the office staff in your company are and make sure you appreciate them, because sometimes your customers don’t.

And if your office manager is your wife, give her diamonds— she deserves it.

Focus your energy on the things that matter.

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INDUSTRY TALK

PGDB kicks off campaign Now in its second year, the PGDB’s Sort the Pros from the Cons campaign has a fresh new look.

The Sort the Pros from the Cons campaign, which backs legitimate tradespeople, has kicked off again. Its aim is to protect consumers, educate DIYers, and provide access to information about why it’s important to use licensed tradespeople.

“This campaign that highlights what can go wrong if you don’t use a licensed professional, will run over several years—a bit like a seatbelt or drink driving campaign—to ensure the public understands what is at stake when they engage an unauthorised tradesperson,” say the PGDB. New promotional options are available, including display material for your vehicles, your website, social media channels, publications, events and workplaces. The PGDB can modify artwork to fit your purpose, and supply artwork files for your signwriter or printer.

Plus, go to the PGDB website to like and share their new Sort the Pros from the Cons renovation hub on Facebook.

Find it all at www.pgdb.co.nz Right: One of the posters available in the PGDB’s new range of promotional materials.

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April/May 2018

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INDUSTRY TALK

The Ultimate Reno—coming soon!

Master Plumbers are Programme Partners for a brand-new TV series, due to air next month.

Alice and Caleb Pearson, winners of The Block NZ in 2013, are to host a new TV series called The Ultimate Reno.

The eight-episode series will follow the popular husband and wife duo as they renovate a 1960s home in the Auckland suburb of Glendowie. The storyline takes many twists and turns, as the pair constantly have to change their plans on encountering a new set of problems.

The downstairs area becomes a particular nightmare on the discovery of unsupported concrete block walls and a sewage pipeline running directly beneath the house.

Above: Former Block NZ winners Alice and Caleb Pearson will host the new TV series.

Left: Alice with apprentice Indee Lally of Auckland Plumbers Group.

Master Plumbers’ member business Auckland Plumbers Group are the on-screen plumbing partners, providing expert advice and services during the renovation. Plumber Tom Berkley and apprentice Indee Lally were purposefully chosen from the firm for the filming, as they represent the next generation of New Zealand’s plumbers.

The Ultimate Reno will air in hour-long weekend episodes on TV3 from late May.

Subbies not to blame

Subcontractors are not the cause of Fletcher Building’s woes, says STCF. With Fletcher Building announcing it won’t be bidding for vertical construction work after completing its current contracts, the industry is left wondering who will fill the gap for work of this kind.

The decision came in the wake of ongoing financial troubles for the company. Sir Ralph Norris resigned as chairman of Fletcher Building in February, saying someone needed to take accountability.

On the same day, Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (STCF) President Graham Burke put out a media release, strongly refuting the claim that subcontractors had contributed to Fletcher Building’s budget overruns by pushing prices up.

“Throughout Fletcher’s mounting difficulties, there has been an underlying inference that subcontractors are part of the problem,” he said. “The main contractor is in the position to negotiate contracts with subcontractors and they are in the position to bargain with the principal. They hold all the cards and they cannot blame subcontractors for internal mismanagement.

“It is not realistic for a main contractor to negotiate a contract with a subcontractor who gives a fixed term quote, and then come back over a year later and still expect that price.”

Master Plumbers is among the members of STCF, which represents the majority of subcontractors in New Zealand.

April/May 2018 57

SMART BUSINESS

Secrets and lies Plumbers need to take extra care to avoid breaching newly expanded anti price-fixing rules, advises Nick Crang of Duncan Cotterill.

THE NEW RULES are aimed at ‘cartel conduct’ generally and not only price-fixing.

A further amendment is also in the pipeline—this time looking to make breach of the anti-cartel conduct rules a criminal offence.

The new rules apply to all industries, including plumbers. As before, the cartel conduct provisions apply where businesses are in competition with each other. Generally, all plumbing businesses are in competition with each other in the local or regional areas that they operate in.

Under the new legislation, cartel conduct covers arrangements between competitors that fix prices, restrict output, or allocate markets between competitors.

Cartel conduct doesn’t require high level secret meetings where a room full of cigar smokers agree to fix petrol prices.

All it requires is an understanding between two or more competitors that they will reduce competition for their benefit.

An understanding can come about in conversations, texts, or even through an unspoken understanding.

For industries like the plumbing industry, the risks of price fixing are always present. The three things to watch out for to ensure you are not falling into the trap of cartel conduct are:

Price fixing

This is what cartels are notorious for—getting together and agreeing to set the price for goods and services. If two or more 58

April/May 2018

plumbers who compete with each other for customers agree to set their hourly rates or agree that every job has to cost at least $200, an illegal cartel has been formed. Agreeing on a discount is also a form of illegal price-setting.

One infamous price fixing cartel was the Heineken cartel, discovered in 2007 by the European Commission. That cartel involved an illegal agreement between the Heineken, Grolsch, and Bavaria beer companies to fix their prices in the Netherlands.

The cartel was uncovered when handwritten meeting notes from the three beer barons came into the regulators’ possession.

The handwritten notes showed secret meetings at a number of conferences attended by the beer companies, where they agreed to set the price for their beer in the Netherlands. The notes were written in code to avoid detection. The three companies were fined a total of €219.3 million.

Restricting output

Restricting output is new to cartel law, only being included in last year’s amendments to the Commerce Act. Restricting output means agreeing to limit the goods or services available to customers. Usually this is done to drive up prices due to increased demand. For plumbers, examples of how this could come about are if there was an agreement to respond only to one in every two emergency call outs, or an agreement that only a few plumbers could work after 5pm.

SMART BUSINESS Restricting output also covers bid rigging—that is, agreeing to enter inflated bids in a tender process to make other bids look better and ensure work is directed to that person or company.

Allocating markets

This is a particularly important issue to be aware of. An agreement that some plumbers will not offer services in certain geographical areas to allow others to operate without competition will breach the Commerce Act. Under the changes, it no longer matters if the majority of competitors were in on the agreement or not. It only requires two competitors to fall into the cartel provisions.

•

• • • •

Practical tips

Every plumber and every member of Master Plumbers needs to remember they are competitors for plumbing services. So what can you do to ensure you don’t breach the cartel provisions?

• Do not agree on or even discuss your hourly rates or other aspects of charges with other plumbers. Whilst discussing rates or charges does not directly breach the Commerce Act, it could lead to plumbers entering into illegal contracts or understandings. The Commerce Commission could also interpret the discussions as having that effect.

• For Association/Branch meetings, there should be regular reminders from the chair, perhaps at the beginning of the meeting, that those present should not discuss prices, discounts or any other matters relating to pricing. They also should not discuss nor come to any agreement that might substantially lessen competition—for example, in relation to supply arrangements.

•

Disclaimer: the content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.

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If pricing discussions occur during an Association or Branch meeting, members should raise an objection straight away, leave the meeting if the discussion continues and write a letter disassociating themselves from the pricing discussion immediately afterwards.

Review your business documentation, policies and procedures for compliance with the Commerce Act. Review your business publications, including websites and newsletters, for compliance with the Commerce Act. Take care when gathering or exchanging information.

Consider whether to seek an authorisation under section 58 of the Commerce Act for any agreements that may lessen competition but for which public benefits may outweigh competitive detriments.

Seek external legal advice promptly whenever potential competition issues arise. ■

About the author: Nick Crang is a Partner at Duncan Cotterill, Wellington. Nick specialises in public law, administrative law, competition and regulatory law, and energy law, and leads Duncan Cotterill’s public law practice. His recent work includes advising on competition issues under Part 2 of the Commerce Act and in mergers, pricing for monopoly infrastructure services, telecommunication deals, mergers in the public sector, funding arrangements and other contracts in the public sector. Contact Nick on 04 471 9440; nick.crang@duncancotterill.co.m

SMART BUSINESS

Stopping cybercrime WITH BUSINESS DEPENDENCE on technology at an all-time high, it’s hardly surprising some see this as an opportunity to commit cybercrimes for financial gain or notoriety.

Figures from the NZ National Cyber Security Centre show attacks increased by 78 percent in the years 2015-2016.

Microsoft reports that 200,000+ NZ businesses have been targeted, yet only half of NZ businesses are prepared for these kinds of cyber-attacks.

As IT systems and software have improved, so have the attack methods.

The days of common viruses that damaged data, or hackers that just wanted to snoop around, have been replaced with ransomware—applications that render data unusable until a fee is paid—and malware that infects computers with advertising and popups.

Cyber security companies are fighting a constant battle, and many antivirus software products boast a 90 percent or above blocking rating. However, security is only as good as the user, just as a lock on a door is pointless if the door is left open.

Common security threats The most common form of cyber threat users experience is phishing. Phishing is an attempt to gain information to exploit the victim. Most phishing attempts are via email seemingly coming from the organisation’s manager. The email usually takes the form of a request to transfer money or give financial details, and is 60

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One of the biggest threats to your business is encryption malware, as technology specialists ITroom explain.

often sent to the company accounts staff.

Another method is sending a link to a document that requires login via email, Dropbox, or any of the other common accounts people possess.

Your best defence against these is common sense. Emails requesting details that are out of context, or are unusual in tone should be checked by a quick phone call. The likelihood of a document download allowing authentication via multiple methods—eg, Microsoft, Facebook, Google or Dropbox accounts—is unlikely and should throw up a red flag.

Ransomware is one of the most crippling methods of cyber-attack for a business. This often takes the form of a popup suggesting you install an antivirus for system security, or a similar popup telling you to install a driver to make the computer work properly.

Once the ransomware takes hold of a machine it begins encrypting files, and if the computer is on a network it spreads encrypting over network shares and leaves copies of itself for unsuspecting users to execute. The files are rendered unusable unless a payment is made.

Protecting your data The best protection is a comprehensive backup strategy. ITroom take client data backups several times a day and replicate them offsite so your data is always safe. We can also arrange Security Awareness Training, which can test your

staff behaviour around common attack methods and provide reports on your weaknesses.

Additional ways to protect your data are to: • Ensure every computer has an antivirus application and this is kept up to date. As a bare minimum, the free Windows Defender should be used, but applications like Webroot or Eset Nod32 are considered some of the best in the business.

• Enforce strong password policies, and don’t use the same password across all your applications and services.

• Keep your software up to date— most companies release updates that contain security patches on a semi regular basis.

• Run a regular malware/spyware scan. Malwarebytes offer a couple of excellent free scanners. o https://www.malwarebytes. com/mwb-download/ o https://toolslib.net/ downloads/viewdownload/1adwcleaner/ Finally, there’s no beating common sense. Don’t be hasty to click on attachments or popups, check reply addresses to see if they are actually the person they purport to be, and pick up the phone if an email seems out of order. ■ For more information or to discover how we can help, call ITroom Ltd on 0800 10 10 95.

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SMART BUSINESS

Employment law changes WHEN OUR COALITION Government was sworn in late last year, it brought with it an expectation that some changes were afoot for our employment law.

We’ve since seen a number of announcements relating to changes in a range of areas of our employment landscape, and for small business employers, already busy juggling their ‘day job’ with the responsibilities of business ownership, it can be hard to get a steer on what the changes are, and which apply to their specific situation.

employment law recently, however, has been the scrapping of 90-day trial periods. While this is on the horizon for larger businesses, the Labourled Government’s Employment Relations Amendment Bill will allow small businesses (with fewer than 20 employees) to continue using 90-day trials, in an effort to keep their barriers to hiring low.

Increase in minimum wage

Also among the Bill’s modifications relating to the rights of employees is that reinstatement will be restored as a primary remedy to unjustified dismissal.

Given many small businesses operate almost like families, the ramifications of a reinstatement following what’s deemed an unjustified dismissal can potentially be highly challenging and complex.

The handling of employment disputes is an area where many small business owners express unease, and changes like these are a timely reminder to smaller employers that they need to adequately educate themselves on how correctly to handle these types of situations.

There’s no doubt that’s a challenge.

Keeping up with ongoing legislative changes and increasing compliance demands (such as those brought about with recent health and safety reforms)

One of the biggest changes potentially affecting small businesses is an increase in the minimum wage. From 1 April, this rose by 75 cents to $16.50 per hour, with further increases leading towards a targeted $20 by April 2021. For many employers, the cost pressures associated with these increases will be a hot topic.

Paid parental leave

We’re also on the cusp of changes to paid parental leave, which will increase from 18 to 22 weeks from this July, again with further increases leading towards a targeted 26 weeks of paid parental leave from 1 July 2020.

Scrapping the 90-day trial period One of the most discussed changes to

Reinstatement as a primary remedy for unjustified dismissal

CLASSIFIED ADS

The cost to advertise is $60+GST for Master Plumbers' members; $100+GST for nonmembers. Just send your text (up to 100 words) to advertising@masterplumbers.org.nz

Looking for an Island lifestyle – Rarotonga?

PTS Plumbing is a very well-established business—with steady income from the start!

The company operates in the commercial and domestic markets; also Government infrastructure projects. As the new owner you will benefit from significant goodwill & substantial growth. A large building with existing staff and vehicles completes what is an exceptional opportunity. This business is priced to sell! The Vendor is ready to retire after 30 years of enjoying his business—and is staying on the Island. Contact: Gordon Fridge (Link Business) Mob: +64 22 156 9330

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BNZ outlines what the proposed employment law changes mean for your business.

puts greater cost and time pressures on small business owners who, as we’ve mentioned, are often already stretched.

And without a raft of specialist support staff around them-such as the HR practitioners you’d typically have in larger firms-small business employers can find themselves in situations where they simply don’t know what they don’t know.

Protect yourself

Building trusted relationships with good advisors, therefore, is key to staying on top of legislative changes and your obligations as an employer. Outsourcing certain aspects of your employment requirements to external specialists can also be helpful, or investigating the growing range of software tools that can specifically help small businesses manage their compliance and HR needs. ■ This is solely for information purposes (and is only for New Zealand residents). None of the matters in this article are personalised advice and no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made in this article. Neither BNZ nor any person involved in the preparation of this article accepts any liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance on, all or any part of this article. The information and recommendations are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of BNZ.

SMART BUSINESS

Goodbye guesswork The Inland Revenue takes aim at provisional tax.

PROVISIONAL TAX IS being made a whole lot easier for small businesses.

Inland Revenue is urging businesses with annual turnover under $5 million to talk with their accounting software provider or tax agent about a new option that allows them to pay provisional tax only when they are making a profit.

The Accounting Income Method, or AIM, makes managing cash flows simpler because provisional tax payments are based on the business’s actual results.

Inland Revenue’s Deputy Commissioner for Transformation, Greg James, says IR has created a product that takes the guesswork out of provisional tax payments.

“At the moment, businesses often have to take a stab in the dark about their projected earnings for the current year,” he says.

“When that’s off the mark, it can lead either to an overpayment of tax and a long wait for a refund, or an underpayment and a subsequent penalty charge.

“The beauty of AIM is that your tax payments are in line with your business cycles and if you go into loss you can collect your refund of overpaid provisional tax immediately.”

A series of webinars are being hosted to talk through the benefits for small businesses and explain how it all works.

Three accounting software providers will be offering AIM as part of their package: MYOB, Reckon and Xero.

“You don’t have to be a tax genius to make the calculation,” Greg James says. “The accounting software does all the work.

“We think this could make life easier for tens of thousands of small businesses but now is the time to check if it suits your circumstances. We suggest you talk it over with your tax professional or software provider.”

The new rules introducing AIM took effect from 1 April 2018 and apply from the 2018-19 and later income years.

Find out more and sign up for an AIM webinar at www.ird.govt.nz/AIM ■

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Eye on the overheads THERE ARE EIGHT main issues that cause cash flow problems in a company: 1. a corporate lifestyle beyond the ability of the company to finance 2. not enough sales 3. slow invoicing 4. bad collection practices 5. leakage (ie, stock and other items walking out the door or not being charged) 6. incorrect pricing (ie, insufficient margins) 7. inefficient staff 8. a lack of hours being charged each day.

Every one of those factors can cause a business to have cash flow problems or even cause the company to fail. Here, we’ll look at company lifestyles, because plenty of companies cannot afford theirs.

It is always good to see tradespeople succeeding in their chosen field and one of the signs of their success is the vehicle they drive. Leasing is a good way for tradespeople to have a nice vehicle while keeping their capital to finance their business, and I believe that most business advisors would agree.

However company lifestyles can become a burden on the revenue stream, if for instance that vehicle is too expensive to lease or too expensive to run.

If you look at your last year’s accounts, you will see what you spent to keep the doors open. You should review all those costs and you may be very surprised just how much you can save by being frugal.

There are lots of suppliers keen to do business with you, and you should not hesitate to ask for a quote for all of those expenses. Include in that power, phone,

reducing costs is just as important as increasing sales

SMART BUSINESS

Overheads that are excessive or out of control are a major cause of cash flow problems and business failures, warns George Owen.

data, advertising, photocopying, industrial clothing, vehicle expenses, fuel, tyres, tools, consumables, stationery, computer service insurance and more. Small savings on each one soon add up.

Reducing costs is just as important as increasing sales.

It is easy to establish how much overhead it costs each hour you are open for business by simple maths—a figure, I might add, that surprises a lot of people.

If you have taken a strong stance in getting those overheads down, then you should see an improvement in your profitability and cash flow immediately. It is not OK to say the overhead is what it is; it is what you make it. ■

Terms of trade seminars Debtorinfo is running a nationwide terms of trade seminar for plumbing firms, starting in late April. The cost is $199 inc GST for Master Plumbers' members (with up to two participants from one company each able to take advantage of this price) and $499 inc GST for non-members.

To book, call 0800 734 335 or email georgeowen@xtra.co.nz

In the last edition, I made the point that business people should ensure their business is making a healthy profit to give them the money they need to live well, rather than relying on a Lotto win.

These comments did not sit comfortably with one reader, who called to say money was not his god and he would continue helping people by doing work at less than market rates.

Many business people fear that a better lifestyle can only happen at the expense of others and by compromising their values. Some struggle with what they perceive as a choice to do good or to make a profit.

Everyone’s goal should be to succeed, and if you choose to get into business, making a profit will be one measure of success.

I am not suggesting you amass so much money as to ruin your life, but rather not to let insufficient money ruin your life. Believing in your own worth is a great place to start.

About the author: George Owen is Managing Director of Debtorinfo NZ Ltd, a Master Plumbers Business Partner.

If you have a question, call George on 0800 734 335.

April/May 2018 65

SMART BUSINESS

Health & wellbeing People work better when they feel good, says HR specialist Lisa Duston.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING is an important factor in today’s NZ workplaces. Those promoting health and wellbeing have better engagement from their people, reduced absenteeism and higher productivity—and their people enjoy improved wellbeing and higher job satisfaction. Why aren’t more businesses encouraging this, I say!

When it comes to health and safety at work, there should be as much emphasis on health as there is on safety. Employee wellness has a huge impact on a business, with significant productivity losses when employees are off sick or back at work before they are fully recovered.

According to a 2017 Wellness in the Workplace survey by Business New Zealand and Southern Cross, New Zealand lost nearly 6.6 million working days to absence in 2016. One employee absence can cost the employer $600-$1,000 a year.

How employees feel in the workplace has a major impact on their general wellbeing. Employees want (and need) to feel good at work—they spend too many hours there not to—and this comes down to a business doing its bit for its people.

Improving health and wellbeing in your workplace doesn’t need to be complicated. A few ideas include:

•

Work flexibility – Allow for some flexibility for employees to enjoy a better work/life balance • Support employees who are unwell – Ensure they take the time needed to recover • Wellbeing activities – Allow time to do something fun as a team • Ask your people – What they would like?

• Time with the team – Morning tea shouts or team lunches • Celebrate successes – Acknowledge individual and business achievements.

With a little bit of time and some creative thinking, you can make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of your people, which in turn helps your business. Give me a call if you’d like to discuss or brainstorm some ideas. ■ About the author: Lisa Duston is HR Manager at Master Plumbers. Lisa offers HR advice to Master Plumbers’ members at competitive rates (first 30 minutes free).

Contact Lisa on 021 245 1704 or email lduston@masterplumbers.org.nz

Measuring productivity DEMAND FOR CONSTRUCTION related occupations will increase by 11 per cent between 2016 and 2022, according to 2017 Government projections. The demand for plumbers is expected to grow by 15 per cent—rising 32 per cent in Auckland.

Meanwhile, economists have been discussing OECD findings on low levels of productivity in New Zealand. Suggestions for improvement include upskilling the workforce, increasing business investment and improving management.

The gas, plumbing and drainlaying sector focuses strongly on licences and qualifications—so how do well-certified trade businesses make productivity gains? Through investment in technology to manage and streamline job processes, and by measuring performance with a range of metrics.

Teletrac Navman’s 2017 Telematics Benchmark Report found that reducing operational cost is the top business goal across all sectors with fleet vehicles in New Zealand. 46 per cent of Kiwi organisations with telematics, reported seeing a measurably positive effect on their fuel expenditure, and 23 per cent lowered their rate of vehicle accidents.

Congestion is the most challenging issue faced by fleets, with 62 per cent identifying this problem.

For tradespeople with several jobs lined up per day, telematics 66

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Trades businesses can improve productivity by investing in technology and measurement, as Ian Daniel of Teletrac Navman explains.

may provide some relief, through real-time rerouting to avoid choke points and bottlenecks. Businesses with telematics monitor distance driven (56 per cent), proof of service (46 per cent), hours of service (46 per cent), and maintenance (37 per cent)—these four metrics are hugely valuable to trade fleets looking to boost productivity.

Here are five productivity tips for using GPS fleet management technology: 1. Integrate fleet management software with job management and invoicing software for fast and accurate back office processing 2. Use alerts to run effective distance-based maintenance to address wear and tear 3. Allocate closest staff to the job sites—especially for urgent jobs 4. Quickly answer customer enquiries on expected travel times from the main office 5. Monitor and improve driver behaviour to reduce excessive fuel use on speeding, harsh braking and overacceleration. ■ About the author: Ian Daniel is Vice President and Managing Director of Teletrac Navman, Asia Pacific.

Better Business Growth

The Skills Organisation is launching a new service to assist plumbing and electrical businesses.

SKILLS HAVE ENGAGED the services of the former CEO of Master Electricians, Neville Simpson, to deliver a network of experienced trade specific advisors to increase business capability of SMEs across the Specialist Trades represented by The Skills Organisation—in particular plumbing and electrical.

Using industry stakeholders to identify SMEs that are either start-ups, growing or in need of assistance, Skills will make experienced advisors available for one-on-one advice and assistance under the Better Business Growth project.

The trade advisors will speak the lingo, ‘been there done that’ and have a passion to see SMEs and the industry grow.

The service will initially be free for participants—but the business owner will ultimately be expected to pay for it.

Stakeholders are being consulted as to how they might support the project as it develops and grows.

Neville has already received strong support for this project from industry wholesalers, suppliers and trade associations, as well as many existing business owners.

A first successful pilot will soon be followed by a second to solidify the process. The Better Business Growth service will then be available on a national basis.

Key objectives 1. Establish why the owner has gone into business 2. Review their goals and aspirations 3. Introduce structure, process and planning and seek to remove the haphazard development that affects many SMEs 4. Introduce business and financial literacy skills throughout 5. Encourage succession planning 6. Build a business that will lead not only to productivity gains but also increased employment opportunities 7. Get the owner working on rather than in the business 8. Give the owner some time back.

Anyone wanting further detail should get in contact with Neville on 0274 801235 or nevilles@skills.org.nz ■

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WE’RE FINDING NEW ZEALAND’S NEXT TOP TRADIE

Recognising talent via the Young Plumber of the Year awards At Plumbing World, we believe in high standards for plumbers, suppliers, and anyone else involved in the industry. And as New Zealand faces a shortage of qualified plumbers, we need to make sure newbies are well-trained, certified, and keen to meet those standards.

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SAFETY FIRST

Site traffic safety A recent Worksafe prosecution highlights the need to have traffic management systems in place on all worksites— especially when using an excavator.

A LARGE DRAINAGE contractor was fined nearly $50,000 in 2017, and had already agreed to pay $50,000 in reparations at an earlier hearing, after an employee was run over by an excavator.

Since the incident, the company has undertaken to retrain the man to enable him back into full employment within the business, and has made some significant, positive changes, “but it should not have taken a life-changing incident to spur the company to change,” said WorkSafe Chief Inspector Keith Stewart following the investigation.

“Some very simple changes on the day would mean that the employee would have the full use of his legs today. Following industry guidelines would have removed the need for anyone to work close to the machine.”

The WorkSafe investigation found that the company failed to carry out an adequate hazard and risk assessment for the task and did not identify appropriate control measures and communication systems, exclusion zones and a spotter.

Traffic management is one area WorkSafe is increasingly looking at when they come onto site, as there has been an increase in the number of accidents relating to vehicle/person contact.

Where excavations are involved, if a thorough risk assessment has been undertaken and a good safe work procedure is followed, there should never be an incident involving an excavator striking a person.

Considering all the risks The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requires you to look at all the associated risks involved with a task or hazard, especially where you have created the hazard in the first place (eg, bringing the digger onto site, creating the trench etc).

Some of the risks associated with using an excavator for trenching are: • Stability of existing soil • Competency level of operator • Swing arm radius of the arm and attachment • Existing underground services • People in vicinity • Weather (eg, rain) • Digger operator blind spots • Faulty equipment • Hitch pin attachment • Mechanical faults > April/May 2018 69

SAFETY FIRST

• • • • • • • • • •

Structural faults Proximity to other hazards Location of spotter Competency of spotter Communication system Loading excavator Unloading excavator Width of trench required Failing to wear PPE Passengers on excavator.

Once the risks have been identified, you must come up with effective controls to eliminate the risk or, at the very least, minimise the risk.

Whichever form of risk register you decide to use must be specific to your business, not just one downloaded from the internet as the documented controls will be the controls that you are held accountable for.

If a risk has the potential to cause a fatality, it is good practice to develop a Safe Work Procedure (SWP) to cover the task.

I prefer Safe Work Procedure rather than Standard Operating Procedure, because every site is different, so the work being undertaken is never ‘standard’— which could lead workers into treating all sites as the same, regardless of differing risks.

A good place to start looking for information to assist with developing a SWP is Worksafe’s Excavation Safety Good Practice Guideline (July 2016).

It does take some time to develop controls against identified hazards or risks and to ensure that the workers involved in the task have been suitably trained and are competent. However, not going through this process can more detrimental to the business through lost time injuries, damage to plant and equipment and, in the worst-case scenario, through lengthy and expensive court proceedings.

This can be used as part of a checklist to ensure that you have covered everything off in a quote or tender document (ie, extra unexpected costs may be incurred through failing to identify the need for cable location, site fencing, hiring a bigger excavator, extra workers for traffic management or spotters etc).

If you had already developed your risk register then none of these ‘extras’ would impact your profit margin and your professionalism wouldn’t be called into question if you had to try and recover these costs through ‘extras to quote’.

This particular case was under the old legislation. Had it been under the new legislation with the increased levels of fines, I believe that the firm involved may have been looking at almost double the court fine, which has to be paid by the business as it is not covered under any indemnity Insurance policy. ■ Find the Excavation Safety Good Practice Guideline at http:// construction.worksafe.govt.nz/assets/guides/WSNZ-ExcavationSafety-GPG.pdf About the author: Richard Tattersfield has over 17 years experience in health and safety. A qualified plumber, drainlayer, gasfitter, roofer and ex-Worksafe NZ inspector, he is now Owner/Director of Working Safer Ltd. If you have any health and safety queries, contact Richard on 022 396 7726 or email Richard at richard@workingsafer.net.nz

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Trenching with an excavator

Below is an example Safe Work Procedure (SWP) for trenching with an excavator.

When using an excavator to create a trench or back fill a trench, the following procedure should be followed. If this procedure does not cover identified risks or hazards on site, then a Job Specific Safety Analysis must be completed and approved by management prior to starting work.

This SWP is not intended to replace the Excavation SWP but is intended to be used alongside it when an excavator is used.

1.

We will ensure that a check has been completed with the main contractor to ensure that there are no underground services in the area to be excavated.

Where this information can be provided or confirmed, we will contract out the task to a competent, approved contractor.

2. All workers involved with the work will attend a pre-start meeting to go over all aspects of the job, the equipment being used and the risks that are expected on site and the recommended controls to mitigate the risks.

3. On the day of commencement of work, the pre-start plan will be reviewed against the physical site to ensure that nothing has changed and the risks and controls put in place are sufficient to prevent any harm or damage from occurring.

4. The excavator operator will inform the site supervisor and update any site hazard board to include the excavator and excavation.

5. The site must be secured against any unauthorised access by means of temporary 1.8m fencing (this may vary depending on the location of the site, the number of people in the vicinity and the depth of the trench).

6. We will ensure that the size of the excavator is sufficient for the task at hand, for the area where the trench will be located and capable of lifting a trenching shield in and out of the trench (if applicable).

7. Ground conditions will be monitored daily to ensure that the trench is stable and safe to operate in. Heavy or prolonged showers of rain, and previously unknown excavations can quickly change the ground conditions from safe to unstable.

8. The excavator operator is in control of the workplace while the excavator is being used. Everyone involved in the work must follow the operator’s directions.

9. We will only use competent, trained spotters when required to assist the excavator operator. We will not use anyone else who has not been signed off as competent under our competency register.

10. At the end of the day, the excavator will be parked up, locked and the keys removed from the ignition. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that the excavator does not cause a hazard to other workers on site when it is parked up.

Come to us artfor quality

arning!

• art• living!

Masterlink handles all your apprentice needs.

Recruitment & testing

Mentoring and appraisals

• • • •Too easy!

Apprentice PAYE and HR

esses in Oamaru are Block course g for plumbing and arrangements gasfitting Health & safety management ntices right now.

Starter toolkit & PPE sterlink apprentice, we pay you while n for a great career. Get qualified and up for life! ourpractical team today ave good Contact hands-on, skills oy real job0800 variety, send your CV and 502 102 tter to roger.herd@masterlink.co.nz admin@masterlink.co.nz www.masterlink.co.nz Link.co.nz

MASTERLINK MESSAGEBOARD

Value proposition Why taking on a high-quality apprentice through Masterlink makes financial sense.

PLUMBING FIRMS WANTING to take on apprentices often have queries for our Regional Managers around the cost benefits of going through Masterlink.

Below, we provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Q1: Masterlink charges the host business a weekly fee by direct debit—what is this made up of?

A: Most of the fee covers the apprentice’s weekly wage. We handle the calculation and payment of the apprentice’s wages, including tax, ACC levy and KiwiSaver deductions, which saves your business admin time and money.

The fee also covers our day-to-day management of the apprenticeship—see Masterlink Services below.

Q2: How do I ensure I make a profit from the apprentice?

A: You set the amount you want to pay your apprentice and Masterlink calculates your fee accordingly—based on a 40-hour working week.

You only pay for the hours your apprentice actually works for you (approx. 40 weeks a year). We continue to pay the apprentice when they’re on annual and sick leave, statutory holidays and block courses, but you aren’t charged for this.

As long as you add a percentage mark up when you set your apprentice charge out rates, you will make a profit.

Q3: Are there any other cost benefits in choosing Masterlink over going direct?

A: There are a number of tangible costs not passed on to the host business. They include: • • • • •

• •

Candidate advertising and recruitment Pre-employment drug test, medical check, plus inoculations if needed Driving history check and ongoing licence status monitoring Starter tool kit and protective clothing, plus annual PPE allowance Training fees paid (if the apprentice is eligible for the government’s 2-year fees-free training, we pass on the savings by reducing their sign-up fee and supplying them with extra tools) Accommodation, travel and meal allowances while on block course (if required) First Aid & Site Safe certificates plus refreshers.

Q4: How do I get value from the apprentice?

A: If your apprentice is doing a tradesperson’s work on a job, he 72

April/May 2018

or she should be charged out as such.

Some companies say they can’t charge a customer for a firstyear apprentice who’s standing around watching. The answer is to give the apprentice basic tasks the qualified tradesperson would otherwise have to do. This frees up the tradesperson to focus on the more complex, restricted work—and potentially get it done in less time.

For example, if the apprentice runs back and forth to the van collecting parts and tools, or digs a trench, or prepares for a pipe-out, you’re making good use of them.

Sometimes, two people are needed on a job for health and safety reasons, so it makes good sense to send your apprentice.

For more information, get in touch with one of our Regional Managers (details at www.masterlink.co.nz).

Masterlink services • • • • • • •

• • • •

Robust candidate screening, testing and recruitment process Preparation of all employment documentation No apprentice employment issues—Masterlink carries the risk Administration processes Ongoing mentoring and support for apprentice and host Liaison with Skills and training providers Best practice health & safety processes, including apprentice health monitoring and apprentice health & safety app Apprentice can only move to another host with mutual agreement Apprentice bonded to Masterlink for duration of apprenticeship Access to literacy, numeracy and/or study assistance if required Electronic timesheets

MASTERLINK MESSAGEBOARD

Helping hand

Masterlink apprentice Gavin Wilding attended Camp Quality, which helps bring some fun into the lives of young people living with cancer.

GAVIN WILDING, WHO works at Mana Plumbing in Porirua, first heard about Camp Quality through his flatmate, who’s a teacher. She had volunteered as a Companion for the past four years, and thought Gavin would enjoy giving it a go. “I thought it sounded like a good thing to do, so I signed up,” he says—and Masterlink and Mana Plumbing got right behind him.

A volunteer organisation, Camp Quality was established in Auckland in 1985, and now provides camps in five regions around NZ for children aged five to 16 affected by cancer. It’s all about providing a fun, stress-free environment where the young Campers can ‘just be kids’ for the week.

Gavin headed to a New Plymouth boarding school for a week in January to join the camp as a one-on-one Companion to a young boy whose sister had passed away from cancer.

“There were about 50 kids on the camp, and all sorts of activities, like water sports at the beach and card games and basketball at the school,” says Gavin. “There was also time to just hang out, chill and be there for support.”

He and his young companion also loved the food on offer, with awesome breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas, lunches, dinners and desserts laid on each day by willing volunteers.

“I’d do it again for sure,” says Gavin. “It’s really rewarding to help out.”

Find out more about Camp Quality at www.campquality.org.nz Above: Gavin with his young Camper.

Above: Just chatting, chilling and hanging out was all part of the experience.

April/May 2018 73

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

On these pages are just some of the awesome new products and services that were on display at the NZ Plumbing Conference.

Vive LeVivi!

Kitchen game-changer

The elegant LeVivi range is easy to install and easy on the wallet.

Where form meets function—a kettle and mixer-tap combined.

As your ‘Team in Black’, Plumbing World was proud to showcase a selection of its newest exclusive products at the Master Plumbers Conference 2018. The LeVivi Marbella toilet suite and freestanding bath make an elegant pairing that are easy to install and easy on the wallet. Match this with the new LeVivi Bath Tray and your customers will be well on their way to creating the perfect bathroom retreat.

If your customer needs a vanity to fit a small space, then check out the new LeVivi Surrey Slim vanity. With a 350mm depth off the wall, it is ideal for apartments, ensuites or small bathrooms.

Combine this with the stunning Paini Nove basin mixer for the perfect ensemble.

Finally, Plumbing World is proud to promote the Toto Alicante Comfort Height Suite with its contemporary pan design. This design is proving popular in the market and sure to turn heads.

InSinkErator®, the company synonymous with kitchen innovation has done it again with the amazing Multitap… a kettle and mixer-tap in one!

MultitapTM provides instantaneous filtered near-boiling water for effortless coffees and teas, as well as filtered hot and cold water from the same tap. This is the combined solution that will change the way homeowners enjoy their kitchens and entertain guests. Now there’s no need for jugs and kettles cluttering up the kitchen.

With near-boiling water ontap, a host of kitchen tasks are quicker and easier… like speeding up prep time for vegetable and pasta dishes and tackling the toughest wash-up tasks with instantly available steaming hot water.

MultitapTM is a game-changer in the kitchen and incredibly easy to install. Plug-in convenience and tool-free connections make it simple to fit, and the compact water tank (about the size of a toaster) tucks neatly out of sight under any bench.

With three Italian-designed and manufactured tap styles to choose from and a 5-year warranty, this is the must-have kitchen improvement of 2018.

Infinity and beyond Rinnai have recently added the new INFINITY® A Series to their range.

The INFINITY® A Series has the same great performance and reliability you’ve come to expect from a Rinnai INFINITY®, with some new features for quicker, more convenient installation and service.

Reduced commissioning checks and a lighter appliance help to reduce installation time, and make the install easier. Service time will be significantly reduced as the internal design of the A Series means better access to all major components.

Rinnai have also kept the important things the same. All connections are in the same location as the INFINITY® VT, so replacing these older models will require little to no pipework. Also all INFINITY® VT accessories are compatible with the A Series, and the A Series has the same great efficiency with models carrying a 6 star energy rating.

For more information, visit rinnai.co.nz or phone 0800 RINNAI.

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Future-proof hot water With the Rheem Coil Series, you choose the heat source!

Rheem has extended its mains pressure hot water cylinder range to include an indirect stainless steel coil heat transfer system.

Rheem is excited to provide this tried and tested heat exchange system, which allows customers the flexibility to choose their heat sources. These new cylinders are proudly manufactured in New Zealand, and come with either the coil installed at the bottom or middle of the unit, or with an option for twin coils.

The coil is the ideal way to transfer heat indirectly from wetback, solar, heat pump, or from a combination of sources. Each unit has a conventional element and thermostat installed to act as a backup or booster. Available in 250L and 300L capacities, the Rheem Coil Series is a great way to future-proof your hot water system.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Go with the flow

Luna landing

A new look and new features for Rheem gas continuous flow hot water.

The subtle, subdued curves of Caroma’s Luna collection will flow effortlessly into any contemporary bathroom.

With a sleek new design and modern colour, the new 16L, 20L and 24L Rheem gas continuous flow water heater models come with added performance and installation features.

Suitable for natural gas or ULPG, these wall-mounted water heaters can be set into the wall within matching recess boxes or onto external cladding where connections can be concealed with matching pipe covers.

The range of Rheem continuous flow water heaters can also be linked using the EZ Link® system to increase flow capacity, and is ideal in colder areas with lower water temperatures. Flamesafe overheat protection continues to provide peace of mind, while the optional remote temperature controllers provide convenience.

Rheem’s existing and popular 27L model will also be updated with the new modern colour.

Product central Two market-leading central heating products from Central Heating New Zealand.

Fernox Water Treatment Protector F1 is the market leading inhibitor, which protects against corrosion and limescale formation in domestic central heating systems. The Protector F1 express aerosol canister is now available to purchase from Central Heating New Zealand. The new addition to Fernox’s family of water treatments is suitable for use with all metals and materials commonly used in heating systems. For long-term protection, it is recommended that concentration levels are maintained and checked annually as part of a boiler or system service.

Plus Aluminium Radiator Recognised for its performance and versatility, the Radiatori Plus radiator showcases a sleek, modular build that allows for a variety of different sizes to suit specific spaces and outputs. The die-cast aluminium radiator exhibits performance, while remaining stylish and low profile. The Plus radiator’s low water content guarantees high efficiency and rapid response to make comfort a way of life.

The classic and relaxed Luna collection includes Caroma’s innovative toilet suite, Cleanflush, which was awarded the prestigious 2016 Good Design Award for Best in Category, Product Design—Hardware and Building.

The Luna collection also includes Scandinavian inspired, minimalist design baths, available in 1525mm and 1675mm four tile flange and island styles, and an array of vitreous china basins including above counter, semi recessed, inset and wall basins.

Multiple variations of tapware are also available, including: standard, mid and tower basin mixers, bath shower mixers, wall basin/bath mixers and sink mixers.

Accessories, rail showers and freestanding baths will complete the collection when released later this year. caroma.co.nz

Challenge us to better your business Vodafone One Business Mobile.

If your plumbing business is more on-the-go than at-a-desk, you need smart calling features on your mobile so you can turn almost anywhere into an office.

Vodafone One Business Mobile does just that. It’s a smart service that gives you all the calling features of an office phone system, as well as a landline number on your mobile.

With Vodafone One Business Mobile you can transfer calls from your mobile to any number, and if anyone on the team is busy they can arrange to have their incoming calls diverted to the next available team member, so your business can make the most of every opportunity. Plus with instant messaging and audio conferencing included, your people can work together—even when they’re apart.

All the features you need today to keep your business ready for tomorrow.

Find out more, call 0800 VF Plumb today.

April/May 2018 75

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

The modern way

Stainless reputation

Introducing the first truly back-to-wall rimless toilet in NZ.

Mayer Stainless Steel pipe systems are suitable for both commercial and industrial applications.

The new Kohler ModernLife™ toilet suite has been specially designed for today’s busy lifestyles!

The Quiet Close™ Vertical Quick Release™ toilet seat can be detached in seconds for easy and thorough cleaning, and rimless technology with a robust flush ensures optimal coverage of the interior bowl. Innovative Kohler CleanCoat™ coating is applied to the inward sloping, bevelled edge to ensure excess liquid beads up and falls back into the bowl.

Upgrade to the Elite seat for additional features, including a white LED light to provide guidance during the night, and a scent pack for a pleasing fragrance in the bathroom.

Health insurance for you and your staff Spratt Insurance Brokers have an unmissable offer for Master Plumbers’ member businesses.

Choosing health insurance for you and your staff is a smart idea, because it helps you deal with health problems better if they arise.

Five reasons to have health insurance: •

Greater choice: choose when, where, how and by whom you get treated, in consultation with your doctor • Financial support: Less stress about how to pay your healthcare bills • Quicker treatment: Avoid long delays waiting for treatment in the public health system • Greater certainty: Get treated faster and get back into your life, your career and your future • Latest medical procedures: Access to many of the latest recognised medical treatments and technologies. nib health cover provides value for money, affordable health cover to more than one million people across NZ and Australia.

With this exclusive offer to Master Plumbers, nib have waived the normal requirement for a minimum 15 scheme members, and are offering immediate cover with existing medical conditions covered. The premium rate offered is significantly better than market offerings. To find out, more contact: Allan Mearns 021 422 821 allan.mearns@sprattfinancial.co.nz, John Dooley 021 280 9808 john.dooley@sprattfinancial.co.nz 76

April/May 2018

Designed and precisionmanufactured from top-grade Taiwanese stainless steel, Mayer Stainless Steel pipe systems are the first choice in metallics for their flexibility, durability, ease of installation and longevity. Mayer pipe systems deliver a competitive return on investment, with a favourable total cost of ownership.

Each Mayer pipe and fitting is precision-manufactured from certified 316L stainless steel, and offers a wide range of fields of application due to the material’s robustness and corrosion resistance. An extensive range of pipes and fittings from 15mm to 108mm provides installers with a complete solution to meet diverse needs. Quality is assured: all pipes and fittings must pass rigorous air and water tightness tests before leaving the factory, and compliance with applicable industry standards delivers the lasting benefits of stainless steel.

Mayer has earned an enviable reputation and is the metallic product of choice for installers due to its high quality, durability and cost-competitiveness.

Contact info@mayerstainless.co.nz for more information.

All that and RUC Manager too RUC Manager is the newest addition to Teletrac Navman’s GPS-based suite.

If you manage a fleet of diesel vehicles, you know how time consuming and expensive paying Road User Charges (RUC) can be.

Approved by NZTA, Teletrac Navman’s new RUC Manager streamlines the RUC compliance and rebate process. The system combines a dash-mounted, electronic distance tracker and licence display with web-based software. RUC Manager automatically purchases and displays RUC licences, plus it calculates off-road distances to submit accurate rebate forms direct to NZTA. Travel on private roads, such as those on new developments, construction sites and farmland can add up to a significant amount. RUC Manager greatly reduces paperwork, ensures compliance, and sends rebate claim forms—meaning money regularly flows back into the business.

Tracking 100,000 vehicles and assets across Australasia, Teletrac Navman understand the needs of the service industry. Its tailormade systems are designed to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

EXCLUSIVE

NZ PLUMBER NOW AVAILABLE DIGITALLY

TO MASTER PLUMBER MEMBERS! BOOKINGS OPEN FOR THE 2018 NZ PLUMBING CONFERENCE! —See p6 CONTENTS

24

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

ON THE COVER HOW BINDING IS A QUOTE? AND CAN IT BE WITHDRAWN?—See p62

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTS Your rights and obligations

12

60

45

Inside this issue

2017 t MPA Finalis

62

30

DODGY PRODUCT

HOW ORGANISED ARE YOU? Work smart tips

15

NEW!

Better policing needed

TECHNICAL THEME

TOMORROW’S GASFITTERS Learning support

20

HOT WATER

Water chemistry, home heating and more

70 Cover photograph: A new consumer campaign from MBIE.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

WHAT’S ON 7

Check out our industry calendar

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS 8

CEO Greg Wallace on apprentice training; new Comms & Marketing Advisor; product advocacy and Best in Brand prize

50 Staying strong Outstanding Services to Industry Award winner Dave Strong

TECHNICAL THEME: HOT WATER TECHNOLOGY 21

IN FOCUS 12

15

APPRENTICE QUALIFICATIONS The proposed changes explained

Policing products Why better controls are needed around imported product

24 Warm water—warm home Combining household hot water with the central heating system

Customer contracts A new campaign reminds contractors of their obligations

26 Legionella control Legionella in potable water systems

REAL LIVES 18

Driven to succeed Plumber Jacob Smith sets himself a high bar

42 Walking into retirement Why this 76-year-old ex-tutor is tramping the length of New Zealand

4

Water pH impact Why water pH matters when choosing hot water products

August/September 2017

29 HPWH technology How they work plus installation tips

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT 30 Preservation plumbing Heritage house plumbing work

NUTS & BOLTS 35

Taken in isolation Benefits of isolation valves

36 Backflow basics What plumbers need to know about backflow prevention 39 Device types Unsure which type of backflow device to use?

40 Tech points Technical updates in brief

INDUSTRY TALK 44 Asbestos removal training Training requirements for an asbestos removal licence 45 Heating up Emirates Team New Zealand Rinnai’s hot water solution for the Bermuda crew 45 Watercare changes in Auckland Changes to compliance statements and connections 46 Sam’s speak What’s the answer to the plumber shortage?

48 Steel mesh charges Charges filed against three producers 48 Cylinder restraint study Could be time for a new approach 49 Homestar rating tool updated Homestar v4 makes the assessment process easier

HEALTH MATTERS 52

P aware The risks of working in meth houses

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

58 KiwiSaver—10 years on It’s a no-brainer for young working people to join, says the IR 59 Contract Works cover When your subcontract agreement includes Contract Works excess 60 How organised are you?

Top tips to working smarter—plus two case studies

NEXT GENERATION 70 Tomorrow’s gasfitters How Rinnai is supporting gasfitting apprentices 73

Taking on the world Young Kiwi plumber prepares for Worldskills Internationals

77

Apprenticeship designed by you A new website from Skills to have your say

62 Quote, unquote How binding is a quote?

54 Water recharge Two new managed aquifer recharge projects

64 Pricing & payments Tips on optimising efficiency and profitability

SMART BUSINESS

INNOVATION

56 We’re watching you Legal boundaries of electronic staff surveillance

66 Drain brain Odour eating floor waste product

57

67 Urgency needed on skill shortages BNZ on why business and government need to work together

Process for change What to know when altering an employee’s agreement

WORLD VIEW 69 Hospital on hold Lead contamination in water at new Perth Children’s Hospital

SUPPLY LINES

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 79 What’s new in the marketplace

AND FINALLY 81

Offcuts Bits and pieces of the unusual kind

82 Dodgy plumbing The best of the worst August/September 2017

5

BOOK BY 1 FEB FOR CONFERENCE EARLY BIRD RATES — See p6

WATERMARK

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Should it be mandatory in NZ?

TECHNICAL THEME

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

2017 MPA Finalist

Changes are here

RETENTIONS: Questions answered

LISTEN UP How communication prevents complaints

READY TO RACE Hampton Downs 500 event

EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY

WELS label changes, recycling water and more

SEASON'S GREETINGS Happy holidays!

TECHNICAL THEME

MEPS IN NZ Why electric HWC must comply

YPC WINNER Young Plumber of the Year!

WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Commercial & domestic systems & more

Available via www.pocketmags.com

Just log-in to enjoy on your iPad, iPhone, Android device, Mac, PC or Amazon Kindle Fire

www.masterplumbers.org.nz

AND FINALLY

Offcuts

You couldn’t make it up… media oddities of the plumbing kind.

The way of the future

Thanks to Craig Foley, Director of Foley Plumbers, for sending in this photo of a toilet door sign, showing the shape of things to come.

Plane loo problems—experts on hand

According to a Newshub report in January, a flight packed full of plumbers en route from Norway to Germany was forced to make a U-turn after the plane toilet suffered a plumbing issue. About 85 plumbers from a Norwegian plumbing company were on the flight, travelling to Munich for work, notes the report. They were apparently keen to sort the problem themselves but were told it wasn’t possible as the work was external—and the company’s chief exec wasn’t keen to send a plumber to work at 10,000m!

Museum of parasites

Japanese doctor Satoru Kamegai set up a museum of parasites in Tokyo in 1953 to educate citizens at a time when intestinal worms and other parasites were rampant in Japan, reports The NZ Herald. Since then hygiene has improved significantly—but the museum remains a hit.

According to the paper, more than 60,000 specimens are housed in the six-storey building, with the second floor dedicated to parasites that have a relationship with the human body. Exhibits here include an 8.8m long tapeworm that went unnoticed by its host human.

How-to: making a freedom camper ‘poo tube’

With reports of freedom campers using the NZ countryside as a ‘giant toilet’, DOC is giving advice to those finding themselves caught short without a public toilet, reported Newshub in February. This involves getting a large diameter PVC pipe and ends from a plumbing or hardware shop, attaching screw caps to each end, gluing one end shut and taping on some webbing for easy carrying. “Your tube will be durable and reusable,” says DoC.

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Dogs are a utility’s best friend

Water utilities are increasingly recruiting dogs to detect leakage, reported WaterWorld TV in March. In the UK, 16-month-old cocker spaniel Snipe is being used by United Utilities to sniff out the tiniest traces of chlorine used to disinfect water supplies, while Hector the Fatberg Detector is being trained by Southern Water to sniff out fats, oil and grease. Australia’s Water Corporation has also been training dogs to smell water when there is a potential break along underground mains, according to WaterWorld. Spaniels Tommy and Emma could find leaks where other detection methods are unsuitable or human access is difficult.

Buy your Poopeez in store now

Apparently, Poopeez ‘exploding toilet toys’ arrived in US retailers this January. Kids open the box to find a list of Poopeez characters—including Skidmark, The Log and Little Squirt— two T-shirts with a “Yes, I have Poop on my shirt” slogan, stickers, a coffee mug sized ceramic toilet, a Portaputty multi pack and several plastic toilet paper rolls containing surprise Poopeez. The fun doesn’t end there. The box also contains a toilet launcher to shoot the toys from the toilet. Those with total faecal fascination might also like to purchase Flush Force, a “foul new line of mutated, collectible figures” from the bowels of the sewer.

When your name matches your job

NZ Herald’s Sideswipe columnist recently took a look at some examples of when a person’s name matched their job.

These included a school woodwork teacher with a wooden leg by the name of Mr Forest and a 1970s council official in charge of rubbish collection by the name of JH Smellie. She went on to mention a friend called WC Drain (yes, really) who ran a large plumbing company in Australia, and a UK plumbing firm by the name of Allcock and Tinball…

Setting the rules for bathroom etiquette

An Australian plumber got so fed up with his wife using his razor, stealing his hair products and leaving wet towels on the bathroom floor that he stuck a long and funny letter outlining his grievances to the bathroom mirror, according to The NZ Herald. The newspaper reports that his list of habits that must be changed or stopped also included never putting the lid back on the toothpaste, not emptying the bathroom bin and forgetting to flush the toilet. Fair point.

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April/May 2018 79

MAYER STAINLESS STEEL PIPE SYSTEMS ARE THE FIRST CHOICE IN METALLICS FOR THEIR FLEXIBILITY, DURABILITY, EASE OF INSTALLATION AND LONGEVITY. Contact info@mayerstainless.co.nz or 09 570 7204

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24/03/16 10:21 am

AND FINALLY

DODGY Plumbing Keep them coming! Send your Dodgy Plumbing examples to the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz

Everything dodgy… including the kitchen sink.

No restraints

“Here’s a photo of a 300L mains pressure hwc located in the ceiling space above a toilet area that I saw on a recent trip to Blenheim,” says Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing. “We all know that it’s a bit shaky in the South Island, so you would assume that the seismic restraints would be an important part of the hwc installation.

With the weight of the water and the hwc, there is near on 400kg basically unrestrained.”

Say, what?

“We don’t even have words for this…” says Jodi Lawrence of EC Shaw Plumbers, who sent this photo.

Round the traps

Thanks to Thomas Wilson of Go with the Flow for sending in this photo. “Customer called saying the kitchen takes a while to drain….”

Bit off-colour Power crazy

This electrifying photo was sent in by Shannon Langford at Mico. “Gasfitter came to rectify and was shocked with what he found!!”

“We recently found this under a sink on a job in an apartment building,” says Mike Gooch of EG Glennie. “You can see the discolouration on the hot outlet pipe from the heat!

“Push-fit pipes are so easy—even a handyman can do plumbing… NOT!!”

Fast and loose

“Found this on my travels in Castlepoint,” says Vinnie van der Linde at Watermart.

“LPG installation with no isolation valve or test point and 9kg gas bottle sitting on a step ladder not even chained up!”

April/May 2018 81

AND FINALLY

DODGY Plumbing

UED

CONTIN

No bends needed

“Did a gas quote and saw this piece of art,” says Charl Philipse of Dewaters Plumbing and Gasfitting.

Lead astray

“This is how a PVC pipe from a shower waste was connected onto a lead pipe,” says Michael Smit in Rangiora.

Not a chance

Thanks to Certifying Gasfitter Steven Stuart for sending in this photo. ”Customer wanted a certificate for the installation—this was just the start,” he says.

Tight squeeze

“What do you think about this?” says Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing. “My plumber says it’s lucky the owner was left handed.”

Please send the biggest size photos you have.

The bigger the file, the bigger we can show it on the page!

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April/May 2018

Which way now?

“Found this ‘which way is it going’ waste set up in a flat in Auckland,” says plumber Eddie Huxtable.

185

168

120

Ø Ø 80 80

3-RC1/2” 3-RC1/2”

4-RC1/2” 4-RC1/2” Ø48Ø48

Ø48Ø48

G1/2” 85.5

G1/2”

57 57

141 101 Ø50 Ø

80

86.5 3-RC1/2”

Ø1 2 Ø1 5 25

35~60 35~60

168 107107

185 45~65 45~65

4-RC1/2” Ø48

119119

185.5

338

338

183.5 183.5

120

Ø48

235.5 235.5

37 Max

G1/2” 85.5

G1/2”

Ø50

57

25

35~60

37 Max37 Max

Ø1

107

Ø50

45~65

119

185.5

Great add-on sales opportunity Just 10 minutes to install!

Keep customers’ drains and tanks leaf free with the new Marley Curve. Quick and easy to install, why not recommend a full houselot if your job is in a rural or leafy area.

Why your customer needs Curve: 1. Improves water quality and reduces system maintenance if on tank supply 2. Reduces the chance of drain blockages and detention tank issues 3. Performs better than other residential leaf diverters 99% water retention* 4. Stylish, looks better than other diverters so won’t adversely affect a building’s appearance 5. Made in NZ for NZ conditions and carries the Marley 15 year guarantee 6. Available in white and all the Marley Stratus Design Series® colours.

Curve™ available in a range of colours

Grey Friars

Ironsand

Black

Copper (Metallic)

Titanium (Metallic)

Actual colours may vary slightly from those shown.

Simulated test conditions, see Marley.co.nz for more information

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