AROUND ASSOCIATIONS
INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE, SPONSORED BY HIREPOOL
PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT, SPONSORED BY ZIP PLUMBING PLUS
And the winner is: • Annette Kingdon of Plumbing World The judges said: Annette has 25 years’ experience in the plumbing industry. She has gained vast training and her knowledge of products is outstanding. Her recall on projects is extraordinary—she is an industry encyclopaedia. When called upon to help with maintenance of product that was installed up to 25 Above: Annette Kingdon, left, with years ago, she can easily Kane Williamson of Hirepool. recall and research products.
And the winner is: • Peter Kana of Laser Plumbing Te Kuiti The judges said: Following a career in the police, Peter returned to his plumbing roots and started working for himself, along with his wife Toni. Peter and Toni are very active in supporting their local community, from donating a chainsaw to the local fire service, to providing free services Above: Peter and Toni Kana. to the local St Joseph’s School and sponsorship of the local ambulance service.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY, SPONSORED BY DUX And the winner is: • Warren Thompson of Warren Thompson Plumbing The judges said: Warren started his apprenticeship in 1975 at FB Hall’s and went on to start his business in 1981. In 1982 he joined the Waikato Master Plumbers and has remained an active member, undertaking a number of roles including President. Warren was also a member of the Master Plumbers Board from 2002-2005. He has a vast wealth of experience and is always keen to share it with whoever asks.
Above: From left, Sharyn and Lance Brew, and Warren and Jenny Thompson.
WAIKATO MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR And the winner is: • Laser Plumbing Hamilton West (Brad Kells) The judges said: Brad has been in the industry for over 25 years. He has grown his company during this time from a sole trader to 20-plus staff. Brad has vast experience in commercial, residential and rural plumbing work and has been a past President of Waikato Master Plumbers and a big contributor to the plumbing industry in the Waikato. Right: Brad Kells of Laser Plumbing Hamilton West (left) with Waikato Master Plumbers President Mike Foote.
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December 2018/January 2019
WINTEC APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR And the winner is: • Patrick Smith of CF Reese The judges said: Having completed his apprenticeship with CF Reese Plumbing, Patrick has grown and developed into a technically well-versed tradesman. He has led teams on large commercial jobs. He has always displayed maturity and gained the Above: Patrick Smith, left, with Simone respect of all his peers. Rakena of Wintec. Patrick has set his sights on becoming a Certifying tradesman and is well on his way to fulfilling that goal. He has always demonstrated the right values and technical ability to go far with his career, whether it be on the tools or in a managerial position.