NZ Plumber December 2019-January 2020

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

SEASON’S GREETINGS Wishing you safe and happy holidays

BUILDING PRODUCT RULES What changes are in the pipeline?

WORKPLACE WELLBEING

Why it matters in your business

WOMEN IN PLUMBING

Lisa King to speak at NZ Plumbing Conference launch event

2019 CPD ROADSHOW

UTE WINNER

Attendees at the 2019 PGDB/Mico CPD Roadshow could enter a draw to win a 2019 Toyota Ute, a great addition to their toolbox!

This year’s lucky winner of the Toyota Hilux Double Cab Ute, worth over $35,000, was Liam Dobson – a plumber/gasfitter from Auckland.

Liam was stoked, saying that normally if he was heading away, he’d have to ask to borrow the boss’s ute but now it might be the other way around!

Clockwise from top left: Kevin Bosworth, National Sales Manager (Mico) handing over the keys to the lucky winner Liam Dobson. The prize in all it’s glory! Liam proudly accepting the keys to his new ute!

PLANNING AHEAD FOR 2020 The team at Mico are already well into planning for the next roadshow, kicking off in May 2020. As always, key learnings and feedback are taken on board as we aim to offer members an even better hosting experience next time around.

We hope to see you there!

0800 101 999 | www.mico.co.nz

CPD 2020

Volume 71, Number 6 MAGAZINE TEAM CEO Greg Wallace EDITOR Beverly Sellers 03 543 2008 bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz DESIGN Sally Travis Design www.sallytravisdesign.co.nz PRINT Blue Star 81 The Esplanade, Petone 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 bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz To order an annual subscription, go to www.masterplumbers.org.nz MAILING LIST For enquiries, or to update your details: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz Non-Master Plumbers’ members with address detail changes should notify the PGD Board direct, giving their registration number here: registration@pgdb.co.nz TO ADVERTISE Contact Alton Anamani advertising@masterplumbers.org.nz

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.

Change is in the air As the old saying goes, there’s nothing as constant as change.

WITH A NEW Year around the corner, this is the time when we usually reflect on the year just gone and think about what we want to do differently in the next. At NZ Plumber, we’ve been making some changes for the magazine that you’ll see from the first edition of the 2020. We’ll still bring you stories from around New Zealand on the people, products and projects that keep this industry ticking—we’re just giving the pages a freshen up and making it easier for you to navigate your way around.

While pulling together this edition, we noticed how much change is going on in the plumbing industry and construction sector at large. Our feature article on p14 looks at the steps that subcontractors can take to protect themselves when major construction companies go under. The fact that these collapses have become such a common event is of real concern, and it’s to be hoped that the newly established Construction Sector Accord brings the systemic change it promises—turn to p18 to hear what Specialist Trade Contractors Federation President Graham Burke had to say about the Accord at the recent Master Plumbers half-yearly meeting.

Changes are also in the pipeline for building product regulations, with ongoing issues for the current CodeMark product certification scheme and too many substandard products making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Find out what’s being proposed on p34.

For me, though, the most refreshing changes are the new focus on promoting trades careers to young people (see p70) and the growing awareness of the importance of supporting good mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. On page 72, personal development and wellbeing coach Sue Kohn-Taylor explains how embracing employee wellbeing can also bring cost benefits to your business. That’s got to be a New Year’s resolution worth making.

Last but not least, sincere thanks to all our advertisers and contributors during 2019—we really couldn’t do it without you. We wish everyone a happy, safe and relaxing Christmas and we’ll be back in the New Year.

Beverly Sellers Editor, NZ Plumber, bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz

OVER TO YOU The best email, letter, tip or photo sent in by readers that we publish on this page wins a $50 prize voucher.

Email the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz No letters this issue, which is probably a sign of how busy everyone has been getting jobs finished in time for the summer break. Have a good one!

December 2019/January 2020

3

54

How to wow your clients and dominate your niche

Contents

14

Ways to reduce subcontractor risk

20

Meet the 2019 Young Plumber of the Year

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

COVER STORY

7

8

What’s on Inaugural Women in Plumbing programme at the 2020 NZ Plumbing Conference

Master Plumbers News CEO Greg Wallace on RoVE advocacy work; new Baycorp member discounts; 2019 report card; Rinnai moves to Gold; and Greens Vantage joins Master Plumbers Recommends

IN FOCUS 14 When giants tumble

Ways to reduce subcontractor risk when major construction companies collapse 18 Working together for change

Why the Construction Sector Accord is a positive step

REAL LIVES 20 A bright future

Meet 2019 Young Plumber of the Year Andrew Bright 4

December 2019/January 2020

38 From all walks of life

Master Plumbers Yusuke Sakata and Chris Tian talk about their experiences of living and working in New Zealand

TECHNICAL THEME: STORAGE WATER HEATING

23 Hot water control Upgrades to Methven’s NEFA valve range

24 HWC selection Tips on choosing the right HWC for the situation

26 Hot water cylinder restraints A reminder on securing HWCs for earthquake protection

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT 28 Hospitality in the hangar

How plumbers helped transform a former flying boat hangar into a microbrewery and hospitality venue

NUTS AND BOLTS 33 Safety alert

Energy Safety alert on a Suburban RV gas storage water heater 33 Work warranty answers

How long is the warranty for a plumber’s, gasfitter’s or drainlayer’s work?

34 Where to for building products?

How the government plans to close gaps in the current building product regulations 37 Tech Q&A

Rod Miller answers your technical queries

INDUSTRY TALK 42 Top Certifiers!

This year’s PGDB Merit of Excellence Award winners 43 Winning formula

A trip to the Japanese Grand Prix for these lucky Rinnai prize winners

ON THE COVER DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

SEASON’S GREETINGS Wishing you safe and happy holidays

34

BUILDING PRODUCT RULES What changes are in the pipeline?

72

WORKPLACE WELLBEING

Why it matters in your business

7

Turning a heritage flying boat hangar into a hospitality venue

28

WOMEN IN PLUMBING

Lisa King to speak at NZ Plumbing Conference launch event

On the cover: Eat My Lunch founder Lisa King will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Women in Plumbing programme at the 2020 NZ Plumbing Conference.

44 Give prostate cancer the finger

Some invaluable advice… and how one plumbing company raised funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation

58 Getting the WorkSmarts

Skills reports on its WorkSmarts breakfast series for business owners— returning in 2020

70 Changing trade perceptions

Four new government initiatives aimed at attracting school leavers to trades careers

46 Help for the hospice

A handsome cheque from the Hutt Valley/Wairarapa Master Plumbers

59 New Year resolutions

8 ways to help your business thrive

71 Mac McKenzie mastery

Two outstanding newly qualified tradesmen in Southland and Otago

46 First AHSCANZ meeting

Find out about the new Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants of Australia New Zealand

ASSOCIATIONS & BRANCHES 48 Recognition in the regions

Discover the winners at the 2019 Waikato and Volcanic Plateau Master Plumbers awards nights

SMART BUSINESS 52 Cyber attacks: 5 steps to secure your business

What to do to protect your business over the Christmas period 54 7 ways to wow your clients…

… and dominate your niche 57 Sam’s speak

How well has your business performed in 2019?

60 Managing the younger generation

How to get the best from an agediverse workforce 61 In the office

Don’t let the Christmas period put pressure on your cashflow

NEXT GENERATION 63 Masterlink messageboard

Updates from the Masterlink apprentice management company, plus a regional market report 67 Taste for the trades

How working as a Mico Cadet has helped Breyton Lenee get ready for a plumbing apprenticeship 68 Jobseekers into work

Why this Skills for Industry initiative is a win-win for host employers and apprentices

HEALTH & SAFETY 72 Wellbeing in the workplace

Why it’s important to invest time, energy and resources into workplace wellbeing—plus how Master Plumbers is helping 74 Work-related cancers

What’s being done to bring down the number of deaths?

75 Toolbox tips

Quick H&S messages to share with the team

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 76 New products on the market plus this edition’s Master Plumbers Recommends featured product

AND FINALLY 80 Dodgy plumbing

Bumper special: three pages for your holiday entertainment

December 2019/January 2020

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Plumbing New Zealand

CONFERENCE 2020 1-3 April, Marlborough

REGISTER NOW!

Marlborough Convention Centre, Blenheim

Strategies for Success www.plumbingconference.org.nz The leading trade event for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers

What’s on

EVENTS

Dates to mark on your 2020 industry calendar.

MARCH

18

ATP Electrical Training Wellington $995 inc GST www.etec.ac.nz/courses/ etec-electrical

JULY

1

ATP Electrical Training Christchurch $995 inc GST www.etec.ac.nz/courses/ etec-electrical

APRIL

1-3

NZ Plumbing Conference Marlborough plumbingconference. org.nz

22-23

Build NZ & National Safety Show Auckland Free buildnz.com safetyshow.co.nz

JUNE

3

ATP Electrical Training Auckland $995 inc GST www.etec.ac.nz/courses/ etec-electrical

DECEMBER

2

ATP Electrical Training Auckland $995 inc GST www.etec.ac.nz/courses/ etec-electrical

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

Book now for the NZ Plumbing Conference!

Coming to the 2020 NZ Plumbing Conference in Marlborough? Early-bird rates apply until 31 January, so be in quick to save.

There’s something for everyone at the 2020 event, which will include a Women in Plumbing lunch and speaker session for the very first time. Check out the highlights below and register online at www.plumbingconference.org.nz Wednesday • PGD Board CPD session, followed by lunch • Women in Plumbing Programme with keynote speaker Lisa King, social entrepreneur and founder of Eat My Lunch

Above: Lisa King, founder of Eat My Lunch, will be the keynote speaker at the Women in Plumbing session.

• • •

Technical sessions on plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying Taste of Marlborough Happy Hour Welcome Night function at Wither Hills vineyard

Thursday • Keynote speaker Liam Malone • Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE): what it means for your business • Marketing your business: simple ways to stand out from the crowd • Marley and Dux Fun Night Dinner at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre • Partner Activity Programme: food and wine tour, including a vineyard lunch.

Friday • Keynote speaker Rod Oram • Dealing with customers: your rights and obligations • IT session • Afternoon leisure activities: choose from a Marlborough Sounds Cruise, private vineyard coach tour or cycle tour with wine tasting and lunch.

• NZ Plumbing Awards Dinner, sponsored by Plumbing World Please note: programme is subject to change.

Above: Prepare to be wowed by keynote speaker Liam Malone’s story of overcoming adversity to become the world’s number one blade runner.

Above: Gain business and economic insights from keynote speaker Rod Oram.

December 2019/January 2020

7

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

CEO’S REPORT AS YOU WILL be aware, the government is transforming the industry’s training delivery functions and there are plenty of new acronyms floating around. Master Plumbers is taking a prominent role in providing feedback to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), the Ministry of Education and other government officials about the proposals. These changes are significant, and their impact shouldn’t be underestimated. However, the reality is that most polytechnics who deliver training for our industry were not in a financial position to survive into the future, so any argument against change is difficult to justify.

Under the proposals, the government will create Workforce Development Councils (WDCs), aimed at giving industry representatives stronger influence on training delivery for their relevant sectors. Master Plumbers is involved in discussions around what the WDC structure will look like and what functions they will provide in relation to the New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology. As always, we are trying to provide positive solutions to ensure the industry is well represented.

During the transition period, it is

Above: CEO Greg Wallace at the Auckland Master Plumbers Race Day. "I was proud to attend another fantastic event with members and industry partners," he says. "All credit to the executive team for how far the Auckland Branch has come in four years."

critical that we keep growing apprentice numbers, as this is still our industry’s number one issue. Unfortunately, in the past two months, apprentice numbers have reduced by 11 percent and this puts further pressure on the construction sector.

I’d like to thank all members who attended the Master Plumbers halfyearly meeting (shortly to have a new name) in October. We had some interesting speakers and it was great to see participants so engaged over the one-and-a-half-day event, at which we elaborated on plans for new initiatives in 2020.

You will have seen that we have announced the programme for the Marlborough Conference in the first week of April. We’re very excited about the event, which will include a Women in Plumbing session for the

first time. Entries are now open for the NZ Plumbing Awards, sponsored by Plumbing World, and we are pleased to announce the inaugural Jackson Woman in Business Award, sponsored

by Allproof Industries. All entry forms are on the Master Plumbers website and we encourage you to get your applications in.

Finally, in the run-up to Christmas, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all members, Business Partners and Master Plumbers Associations and Branches. Another year has flown by in what seems like record time, and I hope you will all find time to enjoy some rest, good food and days on the beach with your families.

universities needing projects completed while students are on leave.

It’s really important that we, as business owners, have checks and balances in place to ensure our people get a good break and that we don’t forget about our own wellbeing as we put our heads down and get through the workload. It’s often your most valuable staff that end up putting in the extra hours and, at Foleys, we make sure that anyone working over a certain amount gets time off in lieu. We also use the services of an independent employee assistance programme that staff can contact anonymously and at no cost if they have any issues going on in their lives.

I am pleased to report that Master Plumbers is developing a new workplace health and wellbeing programme, which will initially be rolled out to all Masterlink apprentices and internal Master Plumbers and Masterlink staff.

We are very mindful of staff wellbeing and we look forward to launching the programme in the New Year.

In the meantime, I wish you an enjoyable and relaxing Christmas with your families.

Greg Wallace, CEO Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT THE MONTHS LEADING up to Christmas can be very stressful for our members, with Christmas Day becoming a kind of ‘magical’ deadline by which all jobs must be completed. For some, the work continues to ramp up over the summer break, with schools and

it’s important that we don’t forget about our wellbeing 8

December 2019/January 2020

Craig Foley Board Chairman, Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Meet the Board

This edition, we profile Master Plumbers Board members Dave Strong and John DeBernardo.

Dave Strong Dave Strong is Managing Director at Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services (MPG), which has been a member of Master Plumbers for the past 26 years. The company carries out plumbing, gasfitting, drainage, sheetmetal, light engineering and fume cupboard work and backflow testing and surveys. “Our aim is to be trusted and respected as the go-to place for all plumbing, gasfitting and drainage,” he says.

Dave joined the Master Plumbers Board as he believes you need to give back at some point and that Master Plumbers is the only organisation that enables this. “I also deliver Master Plumbers training courses and carry out complaint investigations, where required, and sit on the Wintec employer partnership group,” he says.

In Dave’s view, organisations should always be changing and evolving, and he would always encourage other members to get involved on the Board to provide fresh ideas and thinking.

He would also like to see more members taking on apprentices. “The lack of growth in training future plumbers is a real concern,” he says. “People need to accept that, unless we all look at taking apprentices, there won’t be enough.

Someone gave us an opportunity, so we

need to do the same.”

Dave’s own career started when he did some school holiday work with a team of plumbers at Wellington Hospital. He enjoyed it so much that he decided it was the job for him.

He says he is particularly grateful to his wife Lynda who has supported him throughout his career. “Without that, I wouldn’t be here,” he says.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his family and going fishing.

In John’s view, Master Plumbers is a leading industry organisation, and offers many opportunities to develop longterm relationships and camaraderie in the industry. “Aquaheat Industries has been a member since the 1950s and I joined again when I started Gas Safely.”

His plumbing and gasfitting career began when his dad suggested an apprenticeship might suit him better than heading off to tertiary education.

“As a kid, I was never the model student but I was always interested in engineering, building, mechanical stuff and pulling things apart and ‘improving’ them,” he says.

He believes anything we can do to encourage young people to the industry is important. “Like many other industries, we’re currently suffering from a skills shortage and, with low rates of unemployment, we continue to struggle to fill the training pipeline. Plumbing World’s Young Plumbers Club is one initiative I’m really inspired by.”

John’s business and directorships take him away a lot, but when home he enjoys spending time with his wife Michele and his four-legged best mate Enzo the dog. “I also love my rugby and am a staunch supporter of the Wellington Lions, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. Motor racing is my other major passion, having started in karts at around 12 years old and progressing to rallying and circuit racing for more than 40 years.”

John DeBernardo Good people are the most important part of any successful venture, says Master Plumbers Board director John DeBernardo—and he’s worked alongside many in his career.

“I’m particularly grateful to my father and brother for putting up with me working with them for 30 odd years,” says John of his time at Aquaheat Industries before setting up his Gas Safely business in 2008.

These days, John is virtually a full-time professional director, bringing over 30 years’ governance experience to the role. “My ethos is to continuously add sustainable, ethical and financial value to the businesses and organisations I’m involved with. I’m also a firm believer in Lee Iacocca’s dictum to ‘find good people for the job, and then get out of their way’.”

NEW MEMBERS A warm welcome to new Master Plumbers member businesses.

• • • • •

All Plumbed In, Auckland Crisp Plumbing, Auckland David & Lu Plumbing, Auckland PGD Solutions, Auckland Ross Holtom Drainage Contractors, Auckland • Prime Plumbing, Bay of Plenty/ Coromandel • Pipeworkz Plumbing & Drainage, Volcanic Plateau

• Town & Country Plumbing & Gas, Volcanic Plateau • Ultimate Plumbing & Gasfitting, Volcanic Plateau • Hawkes Bay Plumbing & Gas, Hawkes Bay • A and K Plumbing and Drainage, Hutt Valley/Wairarapa • Bespoke Plumbing, Wellington • Latitude Plumbing & Heating, Wellington

• • • • • •

Blair Ferguson Plumbing, Nelson Belfast Plumbing 2010, Canterbury CB Plumbing & Heating, Canterbury Nigel Gibb Plumbing Canterbury Riches Brothers Plumbing, Canterbury Versatile Plumbing Services, Canterbury • Smith Plumbing & Gas, Otago • T Smith Plumbing N Drainage, Southland

December 2019/January 2020

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MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Best in Brand prize

A $200 Prezzy Card voucher is on its way to our latest winner!

Congratulations to Matt Hobbs Plumbing & Drainlaying in Taihape, our latest Best in Brand winner. Love the way you've incorporated the Master Plumbers brand in your window frosting.

Keep them coming!

We’ve had heaps of awesome entries coming in to us. If you haven’t been picked yet, keep an eye out for next edition—it could be yours!

Send your entries by 17 January 2020 to Sonja Rae: srae@masterplumbers.org.nz

Rinnai move to Gold Partnership

We’re delighted to announce that Rinnai New Zealand has become a Gold Business Partner of Master Plumbers.

Rinnai New Zealand specialise in premium whole home heating solutions.

Their gas and electric appliance products include gas water heaters, gas fires, gas ducted central heating, electric heat pumps, radiant heaters and instant hot water boilers.

Heat is essential for human health and comfort, and Rinnai apply their knowledge to provide appliances that deliver warm, healthy and safe living environments. The company’s worldclass Research & Development division ensure the use of innovative technology to create hard-working products that are easy to use.

The all-new range of Rinnai Q high wall heat pumps is available in five sizes, from 2.5kW-8.4kW and uses the latest R32 refrigerant to achieve excellent energy efficiency ratings of up to 5 stars.

The Linear Collection is their latest range of premium gas fires. Rinnai have completely reinvented gas fire technology to achieve even more lifelike fires that take inspiration from driftwood and stones from Aotearoa’s beaches and rivers. Both single and doublesided options are available in 800mm, 1000mm and 1500mm sizes.

Among their other heat control products is the new Rinnai Infinity® A-Series of continuous flow gas water heaters. Up to a third of New Zealand’s domestic energy use is consumed for water heating, according to EECA. Rinnai

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December 2019/January 2020

Above: At 1.5m wide, this Rinnai Linear fire is not just a means of heating the home—it’s an architectural statement.

take every opportunity to improve the efficiency of their products to reduce household running costs and power bills.

The A-Series is available in four models (A16, A20, A24 and A26) and has a 6 Energy Star Rating.

“When consumers choose a Rinnai product, we want them to be proud of it,” says Rinnai New Zealand General Manager Ray Ferner. “This means we design first-rate products that incorporate the latest thinking in design and function.”

Learn more at www.rinnai.co.nz

Above: The all-new Rinnai Q Series heat pumps come with Wi-Fi as standard.

Gold Partner

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

NEW to Master Plumbers Recommends: Greens Vantage The new Vantage range from Greens has become part of Master Plumbers Recommends—with a donation from every sale going to plumbing apprenticehips.

Products within the Master Plumbers Recommends range have been reviewed for durability, style, functionality and suitability for NZ conditions—so consumers know they’re purchasing a reputable product that’s built to last and comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.

The new Vantage range of basin, sink and shower mixers from Greens is the latest to receive the Master Plumbers Recommends tick of approval. The Vantage range is suitable for all pressures and features the patented FloBOOST® and RainBoost® shower technologies.

To cap it all, a donation from every sale of Greens Vantage products goes towards plumbing apprenticeships.

“Greens Tapware has been designed and engineered in New Zealand since 1935, and we are committed to fostering the plumbing industry today for a bright future tomorrow,” says Greens National Sales Manager Mark Lunjevich.

View the full Vantage range at www.tickofapproval.co.nz and www.greenstapware.com

Above: This chrome-plated sink mixer is part of Greens’ new Vantage range of basin, sink and shower mixers.

NEW: Debt recovery service discounts

Baycorp are pleased to offer members of Master Plumbers a special discounted rate on their debt recovery services.

With over 60 years of experience in the debt recovery industry, Baycorp is a well-known New Zealand brand. In a 2016 independent survey, 60% of respondents named Baycorp when questioned about debt collection agencies.

At any one time, Baycorp are conducting debt recovery work on behalf of over 2,500 clients, a large majority of which are small businesses.

Baycorp work on a ‘No Collection, No Commission’ fee structure, which means— other than a one-off set up fee and a nominal load fee for each debt lodged— they’ll only charge you commission if they are successful in recovering what you are owed.

Special discounted rates for Master Plumbers members are as follows: • An initial account opening fee of $50+GST. This fee will be reduced to $20 if a direct debit form is provided and invoicing is done via email.

• $10+GST loading fee for each debt lodged with Baycorp—reduced to $7.50 if you load the debt yourself online.

• Thereafter, a commission rate of 20% (ex GST) on funds recovered. No recovery, no fee.

•

If a debt is withdrawn, Baycorp reserve the right to charge a closure fee of 5% of the outstanding balance to a cover a portion of the costs incurred trying to recover the debt to date.

They also offer a network of experienced representatives with local knowledge who can assist members throughout the country with all aspects of their invoice management. Their professional approach ensures your customer relationship is protected and they also offer a credit

checking facility, which can further reduce members’ exposure to risk.

Baycorp look forward to being of assistance.

To get started, please contact 0800 Baycorp (0800 229 267), mentioning the ‘Master Plumbers’ package, or email sales@baycorp.co.nz

December 2019/January 2020

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MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

2019 report card

The national office team outlined progress for Master Plumbers and Masterlink at the half-yearly meeting in October, which falls between Master Plumbers’ annual general meetings.

Association and Branch delegates came together in Wellington in October for the Master Plumbers half-yearly meeting, which began with a presentation from personal development and wellbeing coach Sue Kohn-Taylor on looking after your own and your team’s mental wellbeing in the workplace. Also speaking at the event were Tertiary Education Commission CE Tim Fowler, on progress for vocational education reforms, and Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (STCF) President Graham Burke on the new Construction Sector Accord plus changes the STCF wants for retentions rules (see p18). â Find all presentations in the member log-in at www.masterplumbers.org.nz under Member News.

2019 highlights for Master Plumbers Training Several high-quality face-to-face courses have been run during 2019 at special rates for full and apprentice members, and have been well attended.

Master Plumbers is now developing the 2020 course timetable, informed by a survey of members as to what topics they would like to see delivered. Two fully online courses are also available free of charge at www.masterplumbers. org.nz/membership/products: • Working with and Installing LPG • Gas Installation Standards AS/NZS 5601 Parts 1 and 2. â Find training courses at www.masterplumbers.org.nz/ training Advocacy CEO Greg Wallace commits a great deal of his time to advocacy work. Current priority issues include the government’s Review of Vocational Education (RoVE), and building system legislative reform, which includes quality of building products. As a result of these reviews, the review of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act appears to have

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December 2019/January 2020

Above: Half-yearly meeting attendees taking part in a workshop session.

been stalled, despite being long overdue, but Master Plumbers continues to push for self-certification of plumbers and drainlayers under the Act. Master Plumbers is a member of the Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (SCTF), of which Greg Wallace is deputy chair. The SCTF is part of the Construction Sector Accord steering group, which brings government and industry together to drive improvements for the industry. â Find a new advocacy document under www.masterplumbers.org.nz/ about Member Benefits Master Plumbers is constantly looking to source and develop new value-add benefits for members. Highlights during 2019 have included raising the cover under the residential Master Plumbers Guarantee to $20,000, developing an online HR manual, and launching the Master Plumbers Technical Helpline.

Most recently, a one-page crisis management plan has been developed, with legal, HR, public relations, IT and employee assistance contacts for members that find themselves having to deal with a serious incident or accident in the workplace. â Find business resources in the member log-in at www.masterplumbers.org.nz

Marketing With Luke Pirie appointed to the new fulltime role of Marketing Manager in August 2018, a significant amount of marketing activity has taken place during the year, particularly in the digital advertising arena. This has primarily been aimed at raising the profile of Master Plumbers with consumers and directing them to the Find a Master Plumber listing on the Master Plumbers website. Master Plumbers now has a presence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, and engagement is growing across these social media platforms.

A new value proposition booklet has also been created to show at a glance the many benefits of being a member. â Find the value proposition booklet at www.masterplumbers. org.nz/membership under Become a Member Member engagement A huge amount of work is being done to maximise the opportunities available through the membership management software used by Master Plumbers and Masterlink. The goal is to give members, hosts and apprentices access to a Master Plumbers and Masterlink portal for enhanced interaction, communication and information.

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:

December 2019/January 2020

13

IN FOCUS

When giants tumble As yet another construction business collapses, owing subcontractors hundreds of thousands of dollars, NZ Plumber asked lawyers Duncan Cotterill why it happens and how subcontractors can protect their businesses against the flow-on effects of any future head-contractor insolvencies. Here are their perspectives and suggestions.

THE LIQUIDATION OF 10 companies associated with the Stanley Group and related company Tallwoods is reported to have left many subcontractors highly uncertain of getting paid. Sadly, this is becoming a fact of life, or more accurately, of doing business in the construction industry.

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December 2019/January 2020

Why does it happen?

Whilst there are legal steps that can be taken to reduce your risks, the problem arises from some basic features of the construction industry.

1. The head contractor/subcontractor model.

Construction sector customers

usually only want to sign one contract and deal only with one head contractor. There are very few contractors who provide all the services necessary to complete a project—and it can be financially risky for them to do so. They contract with the trades and other sub-contractors for these services.

As a result, all payments flow through the head contractor.

2. The relatively small size of head contractors in New Zealand.

This means that each contractor takes on a relatively small number of large projects, which exposes them to financial risks. Problems with one project can have significant implications for them.

IN FOCUS

Ways to reduce your risk Subcontractors can take some steps to protect themselves against the risks of, and problems arising from, insolvency of head contractors. These include: •

•

•

3. Project pricing.

Problems with project pricing can arise for various reasons: overly competitive bids, unexpected price increases; inexperience or errors.

There are also issues with contractors (head and/or sub) misunderstanding the actual scope of a fixed-price contract, with costly disputes arising as to whether certain works should fall within the scope or be treated as variations.

Some of these are problems can only be fixed at an industry level— for example, by a change to direct contracting of trades, or by head contractors changing the way they run their businesses.

•

•

•

Continually review how many head contractors’ projects you are • exposed to. It’s easy to have one or two large pipelines of work, but it puts you in a difficult position if that head contractor goes under.

Look to diversify your work across a number of businesses.

Talk to your bank or accountant about what your sustainable cashflow is, and how to make it more sustainable and less risky.

You could also talk to the bank about what kind of facilities it can provide to smooth you through lower cashflow periods.

Keep a close watch on your unpaid accounts, especially to individual • companies. If it’s not paid by due date, enquire immediately. This is not rude, it’s just prudent.

Issue your invoice promptly and, if permitted under your payment terms, issue interim invoices as work progresses, rather than waiting for a job to finish.

Exercise your legal rights under payment terms, including under the Construction Contracts Act (CCA), as soon as you are able.

More on this under the legal steps you can take.

If your unpaid bills to one company build up over two payment periods, should you keep working for that company? It’s better to spend your time looking for new work than to keeping working for someone

who is not going to pay. However, before you stop work, check that you are able to do so under your contract with the company. In some contracts, you may have to give notice of termination, and then work out the notice period.

Look out for signs of financial distress in head contractors, like: ° delayed payments – especially if other subcontractors are also affected ° suspensions of projects ° other trades and subcontractors walking off site

unsatisfied court judgments ° or arbitration awards against the head contractor (on the project you are working on or on other projects) ° unexpected or unexplained omissions from projects ° market rumours.

On larger jobs, request that the principal/client enters into direct payment and continuity agreements with you as part of your engagement on a project. This means that, in the event of headcontractor insolvency, you have a direct contractual relationship with the principal/client under which the principal/client pays you to complete the works. There is therefore less likelihood of you being out of pocket in terms of unpaid work and gives you more certainty that the project will be completed. Principals/clients have been requiring these documents on larger projects for some time now but it is becoming more common for subcontractors to insist on these as part of their engagement. >

December 2019/January 2020

15

IN FOCUS

Legal steps you can take There are also some legal measures you can take to reduce your risks. These include: • Obtain a security interest in any goods you supply or equipment you provide under your contract with the head contractor, if you can.

Register that security interest on the Personal Property Security Register.

For more information see: https:// duncancotterill.com/publications/ construction-collapse-have-youprotected-your-equipment • Agree on terms of payment, including a mechanism for determining the number of payments under the contract, the interval between them, the amount, and the due date of each payment. If you don’t agree, the default is progress payments on a monthly basis.

• Ensure your invoices meet the payment claim requirements of the CCA. For more information

•

•

see: https://duncancotterill.com/ publications/the-payment-claimprocess-under-the-constructioncontracts-act If you can, ensure that your contract provides for any retention money to be held as cash on trust and in a separate, stand-alone account, to maximise your chances of recovering the retentions under the CCA. For more information see: https:// duncancotterill.com/publications/ construction-contracts-retentionsa-new-regime-from-31-march-2017.

Include reporting requirements for any retention amounts that are withheld. You should also exercise your right under the CCA to request reasonable evidence from the party holding the retention that they are doing so. There is no limit on the number of times you can request this evidence.

If your potential exposure to a head contractor is large, include reporting requirements similar to what the

head contractor might owe to its large clients.

There are some standard industry contracts and template contracts prepared by Master Plumbers that provide for some of the above.

Go in with your eyes open While these legal steps will provide you with some protection, they will not prevent a company becoming insolvent—and at the end of the day, the amount you will be able to recover About the author: hasavailable been prepared will be limited byThis thearticle funds

by Duncan Cotterill, lawyers. Nick Crang is the in lead the partner liquidation.

Registering your to Master Plumbers. Julia Flattery is security interests give you priority a Legal Advisor andmay Denise Barrington a Special Counsel, both unsecured are construction law experts. over someand other creditors (and over any secured creditors who have registered their securities after you), but they will not guarantee you will get paid in full.

For that reason, it is worth thinking carefully about how you run your business, and working out how best to limit your exposure to the flow-on effects of head contractors going under.

Construction procurement: government ‘leading by example’ With its new construction procurement rules and guidelines, the government says it is leading by example and hopes the private sector will follow suit.

Government contracts make up 18% of all large-scale construction projects. Its new government procurement rules, which came into effect on 1 October, aim to put an end to the sector’s traditional ‘lowest price model’, which has seen construction companies fiercely undercutting each other for projects. In too many cases, this has resulted in projects becoming financially unviable, and construction companies going under, often leaving subcontractors unpaid.

Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace says he hopes to see subcontractors treated better as a result of the new rules.

“Some have removed themselves from commercial contracts because of the risks,” he told Newstalk ZB. The government has replaced the lowest price model with a ‘broader

16

December 2019/January 2020

outcome’ model, according to Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford. New guidelines that accompany the rules require government departments to consider factors such as: • skills development and training undertaken by construction companies and their subcontractors • the level of governance over the project • sustainable building practices, such as using sustainable materials and minimising waste.

“We are helping boost the resilience of construction companies by being more transparent in contracting about what risks exist and who is liable for managing them,” said Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa. “This allows for fairer pricing, fairer margins, and less

likelihood of unexpected financial shocks. It considers the whole of life value to the public of construction, not just the initial costs.” ■

P i ct u red f ro m l e f t: Andrew B ri g h t, Wa r wi ck K i r w an an d P lu mbi ng Wo r l d ’s G enera l M an ag e r R o b Ki d d

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IN FOCUS

Working together for change With its boom and bust cycles, lowest price tendering and poor risk management, the construction industry hasn’t earned itself the best of reputations. That has to change, says Graham Burke of the Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (STCF), and the Construction Sector Accord is a step in the right direction.

AT THE MASTER Plumbers half-yearly meeting in October, STCF President Graham Burke outlined some systemic issues for the construction sector. These include fragmentation, a lack of collaboration and low resilience, with subcontracting businesses often operating on margins of less than 10%. Over the last few years, too many major construction companies have been undercutting each other on price to secure contracts, and have subsequently collapsed, leaving subcontractors out of pocket or, worse, out of business.

Graham welcomes the newly created Construction Sector Accord (CSA), which he says presents a chance for subcontractors to address these issues in collaboration with main contractors and government. “We need change for this sector,” he told Master Plumbers Branch and Association delegates at the meeting. “As business owners, you want your business to thrive and to know it 18

December 2019/January 2020

will be going next month, next year and in 10 years’ time—there’s no future in the lowest price culture.”

It’s early days for the Accord, which was announced in April, but progress is being made. Graham Burke represents the specialist trades sector on the 24-strong Accord Steering Group, which meets regularly to lead the way on initiatives being actioned by nine working groups. Other group members include Downer, Fletcher Residential, Naylor Love, Registered Master Builders, Fonterra, the NZ Institute of Architects, the Property Council and a number of government ministries.

Graham believes the government’s new construction procurement rules and guidelines (see p16) are a step in the right direction, with their focus on whole-of-life value rather than cheapest upfront price—which can end up costing dearly.

“Everyone across the construction industry is realising they have a part to play in fixing the reputation and culture,” he said. “The Construction Sector Accord is our best chance for change.”

STCF calling for more retention rules

Retentions are a relatively small part of the overall problems facing the construction sector, said Graham—but present a major challenge for subcontractors. “Construction is the only industry in New Zealand where retentions are held by creditors. Up to 10 percent of subcontractors’ revenue is held by main contractors, putting businesses at risk for months and sometimes years,” he said.

The original purpose of retention payments was to ensure subcontractors performed their work as set out under their contract.

As Graham noted: “Retentions should not act as cashflow for entities that aren’t making enough margins to run a good business.”

STCF is lobbying government for the following five retentionrelated rules to be added to the Construction Contracts Act (CCA): 1. Retentions must be held in a separate bank or investment “retentions account” and deposited no later than when the payment is made from which the retention is deducted.

Retentions from various contracts and creditors may be held in the same “retentions account”. Money held in the “retentions account” will be deemed to be held in trust for the benefit of the parties owed retentions.

2. Along with monthly payment schedules, the entity holding retentions will provide regular statements to all who are owed retentions, which must include the amount held, the name and number of the “retention account” and a director’s declaration that the retentions are held in accordance with the CCA. 3. If the payer fails, the receiver or liquidator automatically becomes the trustee of the “retention account”, with the ability to pay retentions as they become due.

4. Reasonable costs for managing retention fund disbursements will be paid from the “retention account” and deducted from payees on a pro-rata basis, with total fees set no higher than 10% of funds held in the account without court approval. Retentions due may be paid out less 10%, in advance of full disbursement costs being calculated, and a final adjustment made when all costs are realised.

5. Regulations will set penalties for entities that do not comply— and if the entity fails, the directors at the time of failure will be liable for the penalties. The regulations will stipulate the regulatory body responsible for prosecuting breaches.

“Reputable contractors would have nothing to lose by these additional rules—it’s just levelling the playing field,” Graham told the audience.

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If you agree with the STCF’s position on rule changes for the Construction Contracts Act, they urge you to send a letter to Building & Construction Minister Jenny Salesa or email j.salesa@ministers.govt.nz ■

Retentions: ways to reduce the risk There are steps subcontractors can take to limit their risk around retention payments, said Graham Burke at the Master Plumbers half-yearly meeting. The main one is to negotiate retentions out of the contract altogether. “If you are good at what you do, more often than not you will get the job on that basis,” he said.

Other steps are to: • Do a credit check on any main contractor you plan to work for • Register a security interest on the PPSR and include this in your contract • If you agree to retention payments, ensure they are held in a trust account and that the main contractor provides the name and number of the account and regular statements • If the main contractor won’t agree to this, don’t work for them.

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REAL LIVES

A bright future In October, 27-year-old plumber Andrew Bright was named 2019 Young Plumber of the Year. Je t’aime Hayr talked to Andrew about his career to date and what it takes to scoop the title.

ANDREW BRIGHT, A registered plumber at Warwick Kirwan Plumbing in Christchurch, says winning Plumbing World’s Young Plumber of the Year competition was something he couldn’t have predicted eight years ago, when desperately jobhunting after a big OE. “After leaving school, I spent two years travelling (and getting into debt!), so when I returned home I applied for a job straight away. I ended up working at the trade counter at Plumbing World for a couple of years. That’s where I got to know Warwick Kirwan, who offered me an apprenticeship role in his plumbing business.”

While the thought of committing to an apprenticeship was initially daunting, Andrew decided to see where the opportunity would take him. “I am so glad I took that chance. I came out of the apprenticeship debt-free, with a job, and earning a good wage. And more than that, I really enjoy my work; every day is different, and you never get stuck on a job for long.”

Rounds one and two Andrew’s first round of the Young Plumber of the Year competition was at Plumbing World’s Rangiora branch, and involved eight to 10-minute mini challenges set up by some of the competition sponsors. These practical tests included putting together and pressure testing pipe and taking apart and reassembling an in-wall system and a shower mixer. Round two was the Christchurch Regional, which had similar mini challenges as well as a 30-minute multi-choice theory test.

After scoring the most points, Andrew was sent through to the third and final round with the other regional winners and a couple of wildcard finalists that the judges felt deserved a shot at the finals.

Above: Andrew Bright completing the practical four-hour test at the 2019 Young Plumber of the Year national finals. “It’s a lot of work to do in that timeframe and there are plenty of people watching, which adds another layer of pressure,” he says.

The final test The 10 finalists gathered in Auckland on the Monday of the national competition week and spent two days visiting Gold competition sponsors at their factories and manufacturing plants. “Because we spent those first two days driving around in a van together and going out to dinner at night, it was a great chance to bond with the other guys,” says Andrew.

On competition day, the contestants went head to head in several skills tests, designed to determine job proficiency and passion for the industry. “The competition is challenging—as it should be,” he says. “There were two main parts: a 45-minute multi-choice theory test worth 20%, and a practical 4-hour test, during which we had to install a toilet, basin and hot water cylinder. It’s a lot of work to do in that timeframe and there are plenty of people watching, which adds another layer of pressure.”

Past experience As one of last year’s contestants, Andrew believes that knowing what to expect gave him an edge. “I made it to the finals last year, but got a bit stressed and made a few mistakes, so I decided to give it another go. This time around I was more confident. For starters, I knew that the final round was doable as I’d already completed it. I also knew that I needed to focus on the work and keep my cool under pressure—despite all the people that are watching and the judges checking my work.”

He’s ecstatic to have won the competition and was blown away by the prizes, which saw him receive a share of $25,000 worth of prizes, including a trip for two to Beijing, a Samsung Galaxy smart watch, NZPM redeemable preference shares, tools, gift vouchers and a one-year subscription to NZ Plumber magazine.

Above: The 10 national finalists working on the theory part of the competition. Andrew is at the far end of the back row.

20

December 2019/January 2020

Above: Andrew and employer Warwick Kirwan with Andrew’s trophy.

Give it a go Andrew says entering the competition is a no-brainer. “If you’re aged 30 and under and confident in your work, then definitely give it a go—even if you’re still an apprentice. Plumbing World’s online registration makes it really easy to enter. It’s a great way to meet other plumbers, as well as the sales reps for the top companies, plus there are fantastic prizes up for grabs, even if you’re a finalist.”

Plumbing World GM, Rob Kidd, says it was a fantastic third run of the Young Plumber of the Year competition. “I’m always impressed by the calibre of young plumbers that participate in the competition. Huge congratulations to Andrew; his win is a testament to the hard work he’s put in and his dedication to the trade.” ■

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December 2019/January 2020

21

TECHNICAL THEME

STORAGE WATER HEATERS: CYLINDERS & VALVES

Advice on selecting the right hot water cylinders and valves for the job in hand—and keeping things safe.

In this section Hot water control

23

HWC selection

24

Cylinder restraints

26

22

December 2019/January 2020

TECHNICAL THEME

Hot water control

Storage water heater valves help control water temperature and pressure for safer living. Methven outlines some upgrades to its NEFA valve range that also make life simpler for the plumber.

FOR OVER 30 years, Methven has been supplying low and mains pressure NEFA storage water heater valves to help authorised plumbers meet the requirements set out in Building Code Acceptable Solution G12/AS1.

As Methven National Plumbing Manager Craig Alexander explains, the NEFA range of safety and control valves was originally developed by the Auckland-based Hardware Manufacturing Company (HMC). Products in the range include cold water expansion valves, tempering valves, inlet control valves and pressure reducing and relief valves.

drain the hot water cylinder when doing maintenance work. It also has three entry ports, enabling the plumber to choose the most suitable configuration for the cold water supply and nonreturn valve, which is now supplied separately.”

Plumbers can also retrofit the cartridge into old NEFA CWE valves, and should be able to do this without having to remove the body from the pipework. “They only need to be hand tight and a tool is provided with the cartridge spare,” says Craig.

Three different CWE valves are available in the range to suit different pressure applications, with colour-coded cartridges to indicate the pressure being applied (76kPa, 120kPa and 700kPa).

Product upgrades Following extensive research with plumbers, Methven has recently upgraded three products in the NEFA range to make life easier for the plumber when doing HWC installation or servicing work.

“We have upgraded both the NTV-L and NTV-T tempering valve configurations to give better flow rates and increase longevity for the enclosed waxed elements,” says Craig. “The new and improved NTV-L configuration has a flow rate of 20 l/min at 20kPa, can be used on any pressure and is able to be retrofitted to existing NTV-L installations. The upgraded NTV-T configuration has a flow rate of 20 l/min at 15kPA, can also be used on any pressure and is able to be retrofitted to similar T configuration valves by other manufacturers.”

All NEFA tempering valves are factory set but should be checked at the closest outlet before inspection to suit sitespecific conditions.

Improvements have also been made to the NEFA cold water expansion valve (NCWE), says Craig. “The new NCWE comes with a built-in vacuum break to make it easier for plumbers to

Above: The NEFA cold water expansion valve now has three entry ports to give the plumber more configuration options.

Below: An example of a mains pressure hot water system installation.

Supplying Housing New Zealand Housing New Zealand (HNZ) has partnered with Methven to supply standardised tempering valves across its housing stock, which comprises around 63,000 properties nationwide.

NEFA valves are being installed in all new builds and retrofitted during renovations and maintenance work. “HNZ requires water to be delivered at a safe 50°C in all its properties so we make a product suited to their specific needs,” says Methven’s Craig Alexander.

Above: The NEFA tempering valve has been upgraded in both T and L configurations to provide improved flow rates. The red button is an antitamper guard to prevent householders altering the setting.

December 2019/January 2020

23

TECHNICAL THEME

HWC selection Does water quality have a significant effect on the performance and lifespan of a storage water heater—and how do you know which type to select?

NZ Plumber takes a look.

SUSPECTED OVER-CHLORINATION of the Christchurch water supply during 2018 led to a spike in low pressure copper hot water cylinder failures, mostly of older cylinders. However, one manufacturer we spoke to said its figures suggested the Christchurch incident was an isolated event, and failures specifically due to water quality have remained relatively stable throughout New Zealand in recent times.

There are more than 677 networked water supplies in New Zealand, servicing small communities of 25-100 right through to large populations of 10,000 or more*. Water sources for these supplies can change over time and, where multiple sources feed a single reticulation network, water quality can vary, even from one side of a street to another, depending on flow patterns. It should also be noted that this figure does not include properties with private bores or rainwater tanks, or reticulations for fewer than 25 people.

This makes it impossible to specify exactly where water heaters can or can’t be installed. However, reputable NZ manufacturers will provide water quality limits for their water heating products, and these limits are likely to cover the majority of NZ water supplies.

Installers must ensure they are selective and install a water heater that is fit for purpose for the consumer. If the local water quality falls within the manufacturer’s specifications, the product should be fit for purpose, provided of course the water chemistry remains within these parameters over the life of the product. *See https://www.esr.cri.nz/assets/Uploads/RegisterOfSuppliers-PartOneNetSupplies-2019a.pdf

Maximum pressure within buildings The lifespan and performance of a storage water heater will also be affected if the water pressure in the property is too high. As AS/NZS 3500.1 states: Provision shall be made to ensure that the maximum static pressure at any outlet, other than a fire service outlet, within a building does not exceed 500kPa. Pressures above 500kPa can cause damage from water hammer, reduced life of appliances, taps and fittings, and cause excessive noise in the system.

24

December 2019/January 2020

Choosing the right water heater Here are some tips to help you choose the right water heater for the situation:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

If the house is on a reticulated water supply, is it ground water, river water or reservoir? Is it treated? What is the history of failures in the area? Network with other plumbers in your local area to gain knowledge of local conditions.

If the house is on private bore or rainwater tanks, what is the water analysis, and is there any treatment at the house? For example, with rainwater, some type of pH correction method is normally advisable, especially with plastic storage tanks.

If there is some doubt over the water quality (for example a new subdivision on a private bore), a local, specific water quality test should be carried out. This can give peace of mind to the owner.

In very poor, variable or dubious water quality scenarios, consider installing water treatment at the house prior to the water heater, and ideally prior to all plumbing.

There are three main materials for water heaters: copper (Cu), stainless steel (S/S) and vitreous enamel (VE) on steel. A VE cylinder with the appropriate anode is the safest option and the most resistant to all the different water chemistries because the surface in contact with water is a ‘glass like’ fused VE coating. Cu and S/S metals rely on protective oxide coatings, but these can be attacked with certain water chemistry.

Places like Whanganui, Turangi, Whangamata and Motueka have gained reputations for having water supplies that can affect water heaters and/or element life. VE is recommended for these areas, but plumbers should get familiar with what works or doesn’t in the areas they operate.

Water quality issues can affect the rate at which the anode in the cylinder is consumed. Where there is a high rate of anode degradation, the plumber should consider water quality testing to establish the cause. Where the anode is depleted, the cylinder itself can corrode, with failure highly likely.

TECHNICAL THEME

Use the table below to help you select the right water heater tank material for the job in hand.

Water Heater Tank Material

Pressure (max): If moving from low pressure to mains pressure, shower mixers, taps, valving and piping may need to be changed. For this reason, some homeowners may opt not to upgrade to mains pressure, regardless of water quality.

Copper (Cu)

Stainless Steel (S/S)

Vitreous Enamel (VE) (on steel)

Low & medium (up to 120kPa)

Low & Mains (500kPa+)

Low & Mains (500kPa+)

Weight: As a rule of thumb, copper and stainless steel cylinders require only one plumber to install whereas VE could require two. This obviously depends on the size of the cylinder, and generally this rule applies to cylinders 135L and over.

Water temperature (max): Generally storage water heaters are set at 60°C due to Legionella.

The only exceptions to this are for commercial purposes or where an uncontrolled heat source is used, like a wetback.

Variety of diameter options.

Ability to resist wide range of water conditions.

≈90°C

ØØ

ØØ

Ø

≈90°C

Ø

Ø

≈75°C (capable of up to 82°C for commercial purposes)

Ø

Ø

Low

Medium

High

Wetback/coil options.

✓

✓

✗

Requirement for periodic anode service.

No

Ability for post lifespan recyling.

✓ $ (low pressure)

Cost.

Yes (on some models)

✓ $$$ (mains pressure) $$ (low pressure)

Yes

✓ $$ (mains pressure) $ (low pressure)

December 2019/January 2020

25

TECHNICAL THEME

Hot water cylinder restraints There is a need to secure items that may be critical to occupants’ survival after an earthquake. One such item is the hot water cylinder. By Graeme Beattie.

HOT WATER CYLINDERS are a very valuable source of freshwater when the town supply is cut off.

The hot water cylinder represents a large inertial mass—a 135litre cylinder weighs approximately 170kg when full. Without restraint, these can be flung around by the force of the earthquake and damage other items, or the pipe connections can be fractured (see Figure 1).

Block base and restrain top Timber blocking may be installed to prevent sliding of the base of the cylinder on its supporting structure (see Figure 2). A minimum of three blocks should be used, spaced as evenly as possible around the perimeter. Each block needs to be fixed down with two Type 17 screws 75mm long and not less than 12g or two 100mm long nails. However, this is only half of the answer.

The hot water cylinder is also liable to topple if it is not restrained at or near the top. Very often, there is only a single wall to which the restraint can be attached.

The simplest solution is to install a metal strap commonly available from a builders’ merchant (see Figures 2 and 3).

It is important to have a solid substrate to which the restraint strap is attached, and

Figure 1: Damage to wall linings from unrestrained hot water cylinder.

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December 2019/January 2020

Figure 2: Recommended restraints for hot water cylinder in corner.

Figure 3: Hot water cylinder restraints on a flat wall (alternative to base blocks and strap at top).

TECHNICAL THEME

studs or nogs should be located before fixing the strap. For hot water cylinders over 200 litres in capacity, a centre strap is also required.

opportunity to fit the timber blocks on the supporting structure beneath.

Blocking needed at top as well

Where the cylinder can be restrained in a corner between two walls, a similar restraint system may be used. Again, it is important to pack the space between the cylinder and the walls to ensure that it is firmly sandwiched between the strap and the walls.

Wrapping the strap around the cylinder and fixing it to the wall on each side is not an adequate solution because the cylinder can still rock parallel to the wall during an earthquake.

It is important to fit timber blocking in conjunction with the metal strap (see Figures 2 and 3). This will allow the cylinder to be snugly restrained.

As with the base restraint, adequate fixing strength is important to ensure satisfactory performance in an earthquake. Type 17 screws at least 50mm long are recommended with a 30×2mm square washer to sandwich the strap.

Alternatively, a heavy duty hook may be fitted to the stud or nog and a turnbuckle included in the strap for tensioning. A similar system may be installed near the base of the cylinder if there is no

Similar system for cylinders in corners

Retrofit possible The restraint systems described can be installed on existing hot water cylinders, but it is simpler to have the restraint fitted during installation. This allows good access to the back of the hot water cylinder to fit packing.

Curved timber packing blocks ensure an even bearing on the cylinder outer casing for restraint.

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stand outside the house against the wall with rigid plumbing to the house.

Appropriate packing and blocking can be fitted in place before heat pumps are installed. This will ensure a satisfactory seismic restraint from the outset.

The method is essentially the same as for hot water cylinders, with the aim of preventing movement away from the wall or along the wall, so that the plumbing connections remain sound during an earthquake.

Follow the Building Code Seismic restraint details for storage water heaters are given in Building Code Acceptable Solution G12/AS1 (Figure 14).

About the author: This article first appeared in Build 124 (June 2011) and includes some 2019 updates. Build magazine is published by BRANZ, an independent research organisation that provides impartial evidence-based advice on building and construction issues. www.buildmagazine.org.nz

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Hospitality in the hangar

For the plumbers and contractors involved in transforming a former Auckland flying boat hangar into a buzzing microbrewery and hospitality venue, piecing it all together was like tackling a giant jigsaw puzzle, as Matthew Lowe reports.

MORE THAN 50 contractors were often on site at the same time during the fitout of Little Creatures at Hobsonville Point’s Catalina Bay. Luke Golds-Uili, interior site manager for construction firm LT McGuinness, had the daunting task of ensuring the 28

December 2019/January 2020

microbrewery, bar, dining venues and a coffee roastery at the disused Sunderland hangar were ready in time for its opening day on Waitangi Day in 2019.

Contractors involved in the multimillion-dollar project included Chenery to connect up water supplies; MCB Plumbing,

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

multitask across all those contractors and scopes of work and pull it together like a big jigsaw puzzle… and that’s the fun part.

“We have got to be able to communicate at all those different levels. It’s tough at times but it’s why we do it and why we like it.”

Besides the microbrewery, there is a main dining hall, serving pizza and sharing plates; Salty’s offering gourmet fish and chips; and Kittyhawk Bistro, an upmarket Italian eatery. There’s also a coffee roastery and a play area for children.

Auckland plumbing firm Chenery had two workers on site for the duration of the project and they lagged all the pipework, which was necessary with the venue being close to the sea and facing colder conditions.

They used copper piping for all the water supplies and PVC for waste pipes. Five gas pressure proving devices that shut down if anything goes wrong and backflow preventers also had to be installed.

Photograph by Hannah Webb Photography.

Work at heights

responsible for the drainage and under slab work; Southern Hospitality, who tackled the site’s three kitchen areas; and Lion’s BevTech Solutions to fit more than 50 beer taps.

Besides the vast array of tasks to be completed, contractors also had to work at height in the hangar, which covers 1,500 sqm and was built in 1939 for the Royal New Zealand Air Force to house the giant Short Sunderland flying boats.

Complexity and communication

Work on the base build began in 2017, but the fitout team did not hit the site until the following August. “It was a really big footprint of a building, with the equivalent of four cook lines in that space and a huge bar,” Luke says.

“It was a complex project in that it’s like a bunch of small fitouts in one large fitout. Part of that meant being able to Above: The Australian Little Creatures brewing company has created a new NZ base at Auckland’s Hobsonville Point, in a huge hangar built in 1939 for Short Sunderland flying boats.

Mike Mcleod, Chenery’s contracts manager, says having so many people from different firms at the hangar sometimes made it difficult, especially when working on pipelines close to the ceiling.

“It can be pretty tricky trying to manoeuvre around and not get in each other’s way. The elevated work platforms can also be tricky when everyone is needing to use them,” Mike says.

“At times you have everyone on site and the services are all going in a similar direction, so it takes a bit of sorting out and waiting your turn to get up high.”

LT McGuinness’ Luke adds that along with the work done at height, such as putting in large PVC ducts to house the beverage python routes, there was a lot of underground drainage to accommodate the microbrewery, cooking areas and the main bar.

He says the project was unlike anything he had done before, despite having worked on a number of restaurants and other hospitality establishments.

“Among the complexities of this work was that we had to finish the exterior of the building and the fitout at the same time so it could open to the public on Waitangi Day. “There are three large PVC pipes that dominate the ceiling as you go inside and inside those pipes are the python line and post-mix lines. The python cross bar goes from the keg room to areas of the bar,” he says.

“You have got to visualise everything well during the fitout and stick to the plan. It went really well, there were no major hurdles and we handed it over to the client in style and I think we exceeded their expectations and our own.”

at times you have everyone on site and the services are all going in a similar direction, so it takes a bit of sorting out and waiting your turn to get up high December 2019/January 2020

29

Photograph courtesy of HLC.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Above: Brews and food are the focus at Little Creatures, with pizza, sharing plates, fish and chips, a bistro and an upmarket Italian eatery all available under one roof.

there are three large PVC pipes that dominate the ceiling as you go inside and inside those pipes are the python line and post-mix lines

Jack says another challenge was allocating enough technicians to complete the project while attempting to deliver on other concurrent commitments. “[Working in a hangar] there was no real difference from other projects except for the scale of the project which meant it was bigger, more complex, more people involved and significantly more equipment required than normal,” he says.

“A much higher level of planning and pre-project work was required to ensure the various installation aspects more or less ran close to plan.

Drink dispensing equipment

BevTech Solutions, a standalone technical department within the Lion beverage group that owns Little Creatures, installed drink dispensing equipment into the four bar areas and a cellar door retail area.

Jack O’Brien, national solutions manager, says his team had between one and four technicians on site over the course of five months along with a number of subcontractors.

They also built three insulated chiller rooms, fitted more than 20 refrigerated/freezer cabinets, 54 beer taps, 3,500m of beer and post mix line, and 130m of PVC ducting to help get the beer to its customers.

Jack estimates they spent 400 man-hours on the installation between October last year and the venue’s opening day in February, and this didn’t include the hours worked by subcontractors or the time staff spent in meetings or planning the project.

“The size and number of people involved on this project meant that it took longer to get stakeholder consensus and a much greater level of planning and project meetings were required.”

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December 2019/January 2020

By the numbers The Little Creatures venue has …

3,500 metres of beer and post mix line 130 metres of 175mm PVC ducting (to route beer and post mix pythons) 54 beer taps 22 refrigerated/freezer cabinets 7 dishwasher units 5 fermenters for the brewery 4 bar areas 3 insulated chiller rooms And finally …

1500 hectolitres, the amount of beer that can be produced a year.

Figures supplied by BevTech’s Jack O’Brien and Dylan Matthews, and Little Creatures’ Udo van Deventer.

“We are happy with the result and our contribution to the overall project. We learnt a lot along the way and worked really well as a team and this includes working in with the larger site team and other subcontractors on site.”

BevTech’s Dylan Matthews managed the delivery of the brewery aspect of the overall project and says dealing with the different demands from various parts of the hangar was not an easy task.

“I think the key challenge here was considering each specific area’s need (hospitality/brewery) and the demands that this would place on the overall plumbing system,” he says.

“Both areas operate quite differently (times of day, type of waste etc). For example, the trade waste produced from a brewery is a notable difference from only installing and operating a waste system for a hospitality type business.”

The Little Creatures venue is part of plans by Willis Bond and Co to transform the rundown air force buildings and 1.8 hectares of under-utilised waterfront land at Catalina Bay into a thriving seaside village. Having completed work on hospitality, commercial, office and retail buildings, the next stage will see residential components added to the development by 2022. ■

Photograph courtesy of LT McGuinness.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Above: The early stages of the complex fitout, which had to be completed at the same time as the work on the building’s exterior.

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NUTS & BOLTS

Safety alert!

An Energy Safety alert on a Suburban RV gas storage water heater.

This safety alert highlights the significant health and safety risk to owners and users of caravans, motor homes or camper trailers that have certain models of suburban recreational vehicle (RV) water heaters running on LPG. The fault was discovered in Australia, and the Australian authorities are working with the Australian importer and American manufacturer on what the recall action will be.

The situation in New Zealand is complicated, as there are multiple importers/suppliers either as appliance suppliers or RV importers.

Energy Safety recommends In Energy Safety’s view, gasfitters shouldn’t install any appliance in that serial number range, and if their records run to recording serial numbers, they should consider contacting the client.

Read the full Safety Alert at https://worksafe.govt.nz/about-us/ news-and-media/suburban-recreational-vehicle-rv-water-heatersrunning-on-lpg/

Work warranty questions answered How long is the warranty for a plumber’s, gasfitter’s or drainlayer’s work?

The PGDB answers a commonly asked question.

Warranty periods for work can vary and, along with a business’s own policy, legal requirements need to be taken into account, such as implied warranties and mandatory Building Code (NZBC) requirements.

What is an implied warranty?

Implied warranty is a term used for a warranty that is automatically given, regardless of whether it has been expressly written or spoken. The Building Act 2004 has provisions for implied warranties for residential building work (which includes plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying).

Section 362H of the Building Act outlines that the implied warranty applies to: • a residential building contract, whether written or oral; or • a contract for the sale of one or more household units by, or on behalf of, an on-seller; and • despite any provision to the contrary in any agreement or contract.

This means that building work on a residential property is covered by the implied warranty. The implied warranty applies whether or not it’s written into a contract and lasts up to 10 years. Even if the contract states that the implied warranty does not apply, this does not void the implied warranty.

Durability requirements In addition to the 10-year implied warranty are the durability requirements in NZBC Clause B2, which outlines that different components of a building must last five, 15 or 50 years.

When carrying out any building work, the installer must ensure the components they install and the installation work they have carried out last the required amount of time.

Businesses and installers can be liable for work for several years after the work has been completed, so it is important to ensure the work is done to a high standard of compliance.

How to protect yourself There are several things installers and businesses can do to protect themselves:

Follow the installation instructions: This may seem obvious but it is often not done. Failure to follow the installation instructions can void the warranty of the product and may result in the product failing prematurely.

Keep up to date with the NZBC: Building Code requirements change periodically, so you need to be aware of any changes.

Ensure workers are competent in their given task: This can involve regular staff training, and providing direction and control of the work being done.

Keep records: Keep records, such as photos and invoices. Maintenance instructions can be used as evidence to show what was done and whether it was done properly.

Ensure the work is legal: If the person wasn’t licensed to do the work or building consent wasn’t granted, then the work is illegal. If things go wrong, insurance companies may not pay out for the damages caused if the work was illegal.

Find out more at www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/ why-contracts-are-valuable/implied-warranties-and-defects/ December 2019/January 2020

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NUTS & BOLTS

Where to for building products?

The government says there are gaps in current regulations for building products and methods used in New Zealand— but how does it plan to close them? NZ Plumber looks at the issues and the proposals for change.

QUESTIONS ARE AGAIN being asked about the credibility of New Zealand’s CodeMark building product certification regime, with RNZ revealing in November that the CertMark accreditation body— which left the scheme in July—had continued to issue CodeMark certificates while under review for repeated shortcomings. This comes at a time when the government is promising major reform of the building legislative system, with building products and methods a top priority.

Current issues

According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), there are around 600,000 different building products in use in New Zealand today and there are several problems that need addressing, which include: • •

•

•

34

Product information often lacks clear detail on performance Roles and responsibilities are not clear (for example, requiring building work to be code compliant implicitly means the products that go into that work should also be code compliant—but it’s not clearly set out in legislation).

Building product manufacturers and suppliers are not obliged to provide information about their products It’s common practice to substitute products without applying for a variation to the building consent

December 2019/January 2020

•

MBIE has to rely on voluntary cooperation when it investigates products and methods. It can’t compel a manufacturer or supplier to provide information, such as the results of product tests.

Product information

In April, MBIE went out to the public for feedback on proposals to address these issues. They include requiring manufacturers and suppliers to provide easily accessible product information and setting a minimum standard for that information—with penalties for noncompliance.

Manufacturers would have to provide evidence for claims they make about a product’s performance as well as userfriendly installation and maintenance information. For imported products, minimum information would include the details of the importing supplier and retailing supplier. For New Zealand-made products it would include the details of the manufacturer and retailing supplier.

“Suppliers who import products may need to undertake greater due diligence of manufacturers to ensure that they have the product information they need and can be confident that the product will performs as the manufacturer claims,” said MBIE in its discussion document.

A two-year transition period is proposed for manufacturers and suppliers to produce product information that would satisfy the minimum requirements, and this would start from the point when new regulations were put in place—expected in 2021.

there are around 600,000 different building products in use in New Zealand and several problems that need addressing

NUTS & BOLTS

CodeMark woes Among its plans to address building product issues, MBIE says it is improving the CodeMark product accreditation framework.

CodeMark is certainly ripe for a revamp, with some in the industry calling it “broken”. Established jointly with Australia in 2008, CodeMark is voluntary—meaning manufacturers and suppliers can choose to apply for accreditation of their building products or methods.

MBIE describes CodeMark on its website as “an unchallengeable form of product assurance”, with councils having to accept the certificate as evidence of product

compliance during consenting if used within its limitations.

However, an independent review of the scheme—released in 2018 following an Official Information Act request by RNZ— found serious flaws, particularly with the level of competency of the certification bodies.

In November 2018, a year after the Grenfell Tower fire in London, MBIE suspended six aluminium composite panel (ACP) CodeMark certificates issued

by CertMark, saying there was insufficient documentation to support claims on the certificates.

By July 2019, only four of the scheme’s seven certifying bodies remained, with CertMark the most recent to depart (and previously having been under review for various shortcomings). BEAL’s accreditation was revoked in February 2019 for not meeting the scheme’s requirements and AsureQuality is apparently no longer taking on certifications.

The first stage of improvements to the CodeMark scheme has begun, with the Building (Product Certification) Amendment Regulations 2019 coming into force on 1 November 2019.

about the quality and safety of some plumbing and gasfitting products on sale in New Zealand. In 2018, the organisation’s independent testing of randomly selected tapware products, purchased in store and online, revealed one tap to be leaching lead at levels beyond the accepted limits in drinking water product standard AS/ NZS 4020. “That particular product has since been removed from online sale, but who’s to know if other, similarly uncompliant tapware is being sold to New Zealanders?” he says.

Master Plumbers is also renewing its call for a complete ban on the sale of portable LPG cabinet heaters, following the 2019 release of a coroner’s report that showed an elderly Christchurch man had died from carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty cabinet heater. Whilst major high street retailers are no longer selling new products, secondhand cabinet heaters (in varying states of repair) are still available to buy from online auction sites.

More action required?

Master Plumbers welcomes MBIE’s proposed changes for building product legislation, but questions whether they go far enough.

“I would like to know what’s being done to monitor the compliance of the hundreds of building products currently available on the high street and online,” says Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace.

His comments come after longheld concerns by Master Plumbers

Left: Master Plumbers has been advocating for quite some time now for improved monitoring of plumbing products coming into New Zealand.

Building system reform: phased approach The government says it is taking a “phased approach” to its Building Act reforms in order to speed up changes that will bring immediate benefits. Changes agreed to in the first phase will impact: Building products and methods Q: What’s being proposed?

A: See main article.

Prefab housing consents Q: What’s being proposed?

A: A new manufacturer certification scheme, so a building consent wouldn’t be needed for the design or factory work of a prefab home. A consent would be needed only for the location where the home is installed.

Building levy Q: What’s being proposed?

A: To reduce the building levy from $2.01 to $1.75 (inc GST) per $1,000 of consented building work above $20,444 (inc GST). This is expected to take effect from mid 2020.

Offences and penalties Q: What’s being proposed?

A: To increase penalties for offences against the Building Act, with higher penalties for companies than individuals. The timeframe for filing charges would be extended from six to 12 months. Also, to make Building Act public notifications online and in the New Zealand Gazette, but no longer in newspapers.

The second phase will focus on occupational regulation. ■

December 2019/January 2020

35

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NUTS & BOLTS

Technical Q&A Got a technical issue? In our new regular column, technical support specialist Rod Miller answers your queries.

Send your questions for Rod Miller to the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz

Q: I recently went to unblock a drain and discovered the homeowners had already attempted (and failed) to do it themselves with a household drain cleaning product.

Should I be concerned about the chemicals left in the pipes?

A: When home handypeople or homeowners try to clear their own wastes and drains with drain clearing products, it leaves plumbers with a dangerous problem when called to unblock the drain. The concoction left in the drain or waste must be assessed before starting any work.

Question the homeowner and insist you need to know what’s been place down the drain, as it could be dangerous in so many ways. Household drain cleaners rely on toxic chemicals, such as lye, caustic potash, peroxide or bleach. They are hazardous—and potentially fatal—if inhaled or swallowed and can also cause serious burns if they come in contact with the skin.

Drain cleaners are available in liquid, gel, foam, crystal and power form but all essentially work by reacting with electrons in the blockage. This reaction generates heat and gas that dissolves the clog and can clear the drain.

As well as their potential to harm humans, they can damage pipework. Drain cleaning products aren’t smart—they can’t tell the difference between the debris blocking the system and the pipes. So, they eat away at everything. The longer they sit in the system, the more havoc they wreak.

Always ensure you or your staff ask the right questions before starting work and have the required safety equipment to keep yourself safe.

About the author: Rod Miller is National President of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ and runs Plumbing Hydraulics & Drainage Consulting Ltd. Members of Master Plumbers can contact Rod at no charge on the Master Plumbers Technical Helpline. Contact details available in the member log-in at www.masterplumbers.org.nz

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REAL LIVES

From all walks of life The plumbing industry, like New Zealand society as a whole, is increasingly a mix of cultures and ethnicities, with workers coming here from many parts of the world. Matthew Lowe asked Master Plumbers members Yusuke Sakata and Chris Tian about their experiences of living and working in this country.

TODAY, MASTER PLUMBERS has members who hail from countries such as Korea, India, Japan and China. Whilst some bring existing plumbing and drainlaying skills, there are many who take their first steps in the industry once they hit New Zealand’s shores.

Chris (Run) Tian from China and 38

December 2019/January 2020

Yusuke Sakata from Japan have both established successful businesses here, with Chris going on to help train the next generation of plumbers.

He worked as a veterinarian in his homeland but, after arriving in New Zealand in 1995, opted to take up a trade instead. “I decided to focus on

the plumbing and drainage parts of the construction industry and it’s great and much skill is needed,” he says. “It’s a good business to be in.”

Chris created family firm Auckland Plumbable Plumber and still does some emergency jobs for them, but nowadays he mostly focuses on consultancy work and teaching plumbing and drainlaying at Unitec in Auckland His son, Richard (Hui) Tian, is now director and manager of the company but, according to Chris, “Sometimes he

Above: Yusuke Sakata and wife Mika say they love the New Zealand lifestyle.

REAL LIVES

needs my confirmation about how to do things… and like my students he’s very happy with my teaching!”

Elsewhere in Auckland, Yusuke Sakata says his previous knowledge of drainlaying has helped him succeed in business, although he admits getting to grips with the English language has been a challenge.

He also says one of the best parts about working in New Zealand is the work-life balance.

one of the best parts about working in New Zealand is the work-life balance Name: Yusuke Sakata Age: 42 Company and location: Sakata Construction Limited, Auckland When did you move from Japan to New Zealand, and why?

We moved to New Zealand in November 2006. My wife Mika and I met Emma from New Zealand who was teaching English in our hometown and we became friends. We wanted to try a new l,ifestyle so decided to come for a working holiday.

Where did you live in Japan before moving to NZ? Kyoto.

Where do you live in NZ? Mairangi Bay, Auckland. Beautiful beach, nice neighbourhoods.

Were you already in the trade in Japan, and if so, what was the process for getting your skills and qualifications recognised in NZ? Both similar processes but I had to wait to get my permanent residence visa to go to a drainlaying course at Unitec in NZ. How does the plumbing industry in the two countries differ?

Japan is more strict and small profits so

Above: Yusuke Sakata (left) with his team at Sakata Construction.

you need to be organised well and on time all the time, and it’s not easy to take long holidays.

Did you work for any plumbing firms in NZ before setting up your own business, and if so who and for how long?

I worked for ID Erceg Plumbing Limited [in Auckland] for nine years. Dion Erceg helped me to become a member of Master Plumbers.

What made you decide to set up your own firm, and what was that process like?

It was my dream to have my own company. When I decided to go independent, Dion offered a good price for his digger and gave me jobs. I couldn’t be independent without his help so I really appreciated that.

How many employees does the company have and what kind of work does your company cover?

Four employees and one contractor. We mainly do public and domestic drainage.

Our customers are developers, housing companies and civil engineers.

What have been some of the most challenging aspects of becoming/

being a plumber and drainlayer in NZ? The hardest part is the English language. I luckily had construction experience of more than 10 years in Japan so I could drive a digger, read plans and had done some drainage work.

Why did you join Master Plumbers and what have you gained from being a member?

Because I wanted to know more about the New Zealand plumbing and drainage industry and get the right information.

What are your future plans for your business?

I would like to build a stronger team and keep the high standards of my staff.

How does life in NZ compare to living in Japan?

I enjoy life more in NZ. When I was in Japan it was very busy and work was the most important thing. Now I can spend more time with my wife and friends. And we are excited about having our first child in early February 2020. >

December 2019/January 2020

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REAL LIVES

Name: Run (Chris) Tian Age: 62 Company and location: Auckland Plumbable Plumber, Mount Roskill, Auckland When did you move from China to New Zealand, and why?

I moved to NZ in 1995 because I loved NZ, which is a beautiful and advanced country with friendly people and a peaceful society.

Where did you live in China before moving to NZ? I lived in Xi’an, China.

Where do you live in NZ? I have been living in Mt Roskill for many years.

Were you a plumber in China? And if you weren’t, what made you choose to do plumbing in NZ? I was a veterinarian specialist in China, but to come to New Zealand I needed registration for that work and to study for a couple of years, so I felt that would take too long and instead I went into building and construction. After a short

Above: Chris Tian (left) with friends and family at his son Richard’s wedding. Richard is now director and manager of Auckland Plumbable Plumber, the company Chris founded.

investigation, I found that plumbing and drainlaying systems were quite important and needed high skill in the construction industry. I chose to study drainlaying, plumbing and gasfitting as well as working as an apprentice. I have also been teaching students plumbing and drainlaying (level 4) at Unitec Institute of Technology as a lecturer for the last four years.

How does the plumbing industry in the two countries differ?

I do not have the experience of plumbing in China but here the policies and regulations are centralised and effectively managed. China is developing its controls more each year and getting more like New Zealand.

Above: Chris Tian practised as a vet in China before coming to New Zealand.

here the policies and regulations are centralised and effectively managed 40

December 2019/January 2020

Did you work for any plumbing firms before setting up your own business, and if so who and for how long?

I supervised and/or worked for a few big firms and many medium/small companies on drainage and plumbing development in Auckland, such as Eternal Homes Ltd for three years, A1 Drainage and Engineering Ltd for three years, Mr Civic Ltd for two years and Tradestuff for one year.

What made you decide to set up your own firm, and what was that process like?

I set up my own business due to the market and clients’ need, because they trusted the contract work that we did for them. The process was easy for registration.

How many employees does the company have and what kind of work does your company cover?

There are four employees at our company. We have been doing domestic and commercial plumbing, drainage, maintenance, consultancy and teaching. Our main customers are householders and companies.

Why did you join Master Plumbers and what have you gained from being a member?

The reason we have joined Master Plumbers is that it represents excellence, and we gained more clients from being a member.

What are your future plans around plumbing?

Growth of the company and employing more skilled people for subdivision work.

How does life in New Zealand compare to living in China?

I love New Zealand. It’s a beautiful country with friendly people but less population. ■

LOOK OUT FOR THE TICK OF APPROVAL

We put each and every Master Plumbers Recommends plumbing product to the test, assessing all aspects, such as ensuring replacement parts are readily accessible, they’re easy to install and they look great. Of course it goes without saying that they also come with a solid manufacturer’s guarantee. Once it ticks all those boxes, it gets our tick of approval.

To find out more call 0800 502 102 or visit tickofapproval.co.nz

INDUSTRY TALK

Top Certifiers!

Congratulations to this year’s Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB) Merit of Excellence Award winners.

Each year, the PGDB formally recognises the outstanding achievements of three individuals who score the highest results during the year in the certifying examinations for plumbing and gasfitting and drainlaying.

This award recognises high achievement and underpins the PGDB’s commitment to maintaining and recognising high standards within the industry, it says.

The award consists of a certificate of recognition and $2,000 intended to be used for the purchase of tools and equipment relevant to the winners’ trade.

Ashley Hale of Wanaka was awarded in Plumbing, having achieved 95 marks in his plumbing certifying exam, which he sat in 2018 along with his gasfitting certifying exam. Having completed the 24-month requirements, Ashley is now eligible to apply for registration as a Certifier in both trades.

Ready Standtrue of Greymouth became a Certifying Drainlayer in 2016 and went on to become registered as a Tradesman Plumber and Gasfitter in 2017. In 2018, he passed his certifying plumbing and gasfitting exams, with a record 99 marks in gasfitting, which earned him the Gasfitting award.

He will become eligible to apply for registration as a Certifier in plumbing and gasfitting once he fulfils the 24-month requirement by the end of 2019.

Aaron Bates of Timaru started a plumbing and gasfitting

Take on an apprentice Need extra hands on deck?

An apprentice is what you need With a booming construction sector, there’s never been a better time to think about growing your business.

Taking on an apprentice can get your business pumping.

SOUND GOOD? Get started by calling Skills on 0508 SKILLS (754 557) to find out more.

Above: Merit of Excellence Award winners, from left, Ashley Hale (Plumbing), Aaron Bates (Drainlaying) and Ready Standtrue (Gasfitting) at the PGDB’s presentation ceremony.

apprenticeship in 2007, which then turned into a plumbing and drainlaying career. Aaron became registered as a Tradesman Plumber in 2011 after passing his exam with 83 marks. He then became registered as a Tradesman Gasfitter in 2015 after passing his exam with 83.5 marks. Following pass marks of 77 and 94, and having completed the required time, Aaron is now registered and licensed as a Certifying Plumber and Certifying Drainlayer.

INDUSTRY TALK

Winning formula

Thanks to Plumbing World and Rinnai, four plumbers and their partners were at the Japanese Grand Prix in October to see Valtteri Bottas take the trophy on the Suzuka Circuit.

Four winners from a Plumbing World and Rinnai prize draw held earlier in 2019 travelled with their partners to Japan for a week in October to enjoy a Formula 1 Japan motorsport experience.

As well as watching the F1 finals, the winners were granted access to an exclusive F1 trophy package pit lane walk, together with F1 insider access, where they got a chance to take photos with the racers, plus a guided track tour and photo with the trophy.

The Suzuka Circuit is about an hour’s train journey from Nagoya, where they got to enjoy some delicious Japanese cuisine and test their vocal chords at a Karaoke party. All went home with their very own Formula 1 puffer vests and merchandise as a souvenir of a memorable event.

Above: The four winners and their partners at the Suzuka Circuit. They are Raymond Groeneweg and Leanne Wratt; Shane and Kirsty McConnell; Michael and Tanith Friedlos; and William and Roshi Strang.

Above: The Plumbing World and Rinnai prize draw winners were treated to an exclusive F1 Japan pit lane walk.

Above: Enjoying some Japanese cuisine.

Above: This Aston Martin Red Bull Racing car caught the attention of the group during their tour. Red Bull Racing team driver Alexander Albon claimed a career-best fourth place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix.

December 2019/January 2020 43

Give prostate cancer the finger INDUSTRY TALK

At an October men’s health awareness event in Nelson, Mark Hadlow gave some invaluable advice for the men in the audience.

The Men’s Health Awareness & Expo event, which was a collaboration between Master Builders and Certified Builders and their sponsors, saw around 300 descending on the Stoke venue. Mental health educator Mike King was top of the bill, bringing humour to a serious issue, as he talked about his own life journey and his belief in the need for men to show their vulnerable side.

Mike was followed by actor and comedian Mark Hadlow, a Prostate Cancer Foundation Ambassador. His message was clear: give prostate cancer the finger. A quick PSA blood test is the way to start the testing process. If you’re between 50-70 (or over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer), an annual check that includes a digital rectal examination (DRE) is recommended.

Having a (gloved) finger up your rectum and discussing one of your sex glands takes a bit of courage but, as Mark said, it’s better than dying of embarrassment.

30

REASONS TO LEAVE YOUR

(PLUMBING MERCHANT THAT IS)

Above: Prostate Cancer Foundation Ambassador Mark Hadlow stressing the importance of regular digital rectal exams.

Prostate cancer facts •

We look after our own, Owen

#10

We sponsor Young Plumbers Club and Young Plumber of the Year to help future-proof the New Zealand plumbing industry.

• • • • •

To discover all 30 Reasons visit

plumbingworld.co.nz/30reasons

•

•

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December 2019/January 2020

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi men and over 600 die from it each year 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime Over 3,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year—on a par with breast cancer diagnosis levels Māori men are 72% more likely to die of prostate cancer once diagnosed than non-Māori men It's very treatable when diagnosed early 61% of survivors surveyed said they had no symptoms when diagnosed If a man has two or more first-degree relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer under the age of 65, his risk increases by 5-11 times.

Men over the age of 40 are strongly recommended to have regular checks if there’s a family history.

Have you registered yet?

Going bald for the cause A few months back, eight of the CF Reese Plumbing team braved a workshop visit from Who’s Ya Barber? in Hamilton to have their heads shaved for Blue September, the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ’s fundraising campaign that promotes awareness of the disease. General Manager Dave Morgan says they raised $3,077 on the day through the generosity of their customers and business partners.

“It all started when the team bet I wouldn’t shave my head and I said I’d only do it for a lot of money,” says Dave. “As part of the fundraising, we ran a charity auction, with prizes including a stunt driving course voucher, donated by Plumbing World; a dinner voucher and products from Good George; a fishing rod set from Hirepool; safety-bluetooth headphones from Amare, and our own donation of four corporate tickets to a Waikato Rugby Union home game.”

Good one, guys.

rheem.co.nz/trade

Your destination for everything hot water • spare parts • installation guides Above: Plumber Kerryn Reardon sporting a fetching mohawk (spot a more hirsute Kerryn on p49 receiving his Most Outstanding Plumber award at the Waikato Master Plumbers Awards shortly before his head shave).

• brochures • resource libraries • service manuals • compliance documents • trade promotions • mobile-friendly

Above: The CF Reese team post head shave—note the pile of clippings on the floor. Shaun Nicholson (right) kept his hair on “but we got him for his beard,” says Dave Morgan.

INDUSTRY TALK

Help for the hospice

The Hutt Valley/Wairarapa Master Plumbers recently presented a $10,000 cheque to Te Omanga Hospice.

When the Hutt Valley/Wairarapa Master Plumbers transferred from being an Association to a Branch, they decided to donate $10,000 of their funds to the Te Omanga Hospice. “Most, if not all of us, have benefited in some way from the services the hospice provides,” says Branch Secretary Colleen Upton.

Te Omanga Hospice’s Sue Campbell attended the cheque presentation and passed on the Hospice’s thanks for this generous donation, which would help them continue the work they do in the community for patients and their families, to enable patients to live their life in the best way possible to the very end.

Right: Sue Campbell of the Te Omanga Hospice (left) being presented with the cheque by members of the Hutt Valley/Wairarapa Master Plumbers.

First AHSCANZ meeting

The new Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants of Australia New Zealand aims to improve the quality of plumbing design in New Zealand.

Almost 50 industry practitioners attended the inaugural meeting of the Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants of Australia New Zealand (AHSCANZ), held recently in Auckland.

The meeting was chaired by Peter Downey, who is the elected head of the Association in New Zealand. The Association is about improving the quality of plumbing design in New Zealand, explains Peter. “This could happen most efficiently by working alongside existing associations and institutes, avoiding the duplication of effort,” he says.

Peter believes the career pathway for practitioners within the plumbing industry could be expanded to include sales, technical college tutor, plumbing inspector and hydraulic consultant.

“Suitable exit points to each of these professions need to be identified and associated qualifications should be established,” he says. “There is work to be done on the Building Code clauses that affect plumbing, as well as work on BIM standards and legal contracts for plumbing design professionals—so much to do.”

Meeting participants indicated broad support for the initiatives aired, and many offered their time and expertise.

Mark Alexander of the AHSCA Research Foundation briefed the meeting on the opportunities arising from the Foundation’s gutter and downpipe research and test rig, currently set up at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Mark outlined the Foundation’s desire to bring all associated courses to New Zealand as opportunities arise.

The research was conducted for the Foundation by Associate Professor Terry Lucke, who donates significant time and resources to assist the industry. Terry took the floor and showed participants how traditional methods of flow capacity calculations were proven to be inconsistent with the results the test rig delivered. He then took them through the background of the gutter sizing course he delivers for the Foundation.

The meeting was held at the Pipe & Infrastructure offices in 46

December 2019/January 2020

Above: Associate Professor Terry Lucke talking to meeting participants about the results from the AHSCA Research Foundation’s gutter and downpipe research, and the gutter sizing course he delivers for the Foundation.

Above: Peter Downey of Auckland-based HSCNZ Ltd chaired the meeting as the elected head of AHSCANZ.

Penrose. Peter thanked Managing Director Wayne Shields, who quickly offered the venue, and sponsored food and beverages for the event.

Applications to join AHSCANZ are available at www.ahsca.org.au

ASSOCIATIONS & BRANCHES

Recognition in the regions It’s awesome to see Master Plumbers Branches and Associations celebrating regional success through annual award nights. This edition, we feature 2019 winners from Waikato and the Volcanic Plateau.

Waikato winners

Held in late September, the Waikato Master Plumbers Awards recognised regional apprentice, employee, trainer and business excellence during 2019.

With 180 guests at the Wintec Atrium venue, the Waikato Master Plumbers Awards Night was another great success.

The Waikato Branch has 74 members, employing over 65% of the region’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. “Particular highlights this year were awarding our council inspection team for their contribution to the industry, and acknowledging our Wintec graduates for their commitment to completing their apprenticeships,” says Waikato Master Plumbers executive team member David Whitfield.

“If you graduate from an academic qualification, you normally get the cap and gown ceremony. For our industry, graduates get a certificate and then back to work on Monday,” says David. “We wanted to make it different for them, and it will be even better next year.”

TRAINING LEADER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Mico And the winner is: • Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Darryl Jenkins accepted the award for Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas, which has trained over 22 apprentices in its 27 year period, 14 of them with Masterlink. The firm’s Dave Strong and David Whitfield have also developed and delivered upskilling and industry training for Master Plumbers and the wider industry for over 15 years.

Right: Darryl Jenkins with the Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas award.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY Sponsored by Dux And the winner is: • Hamilton City Council Plumbing & Drainage Inspection Team “The Hamilton City Council team have continually provided great service to the plumbing and drainage industry,” said the judges.

“What makes this team great is the way they work with Master Plumbers to look at new ways of doing things and still getting the right outcome.”

WAIKATO MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR And the winner is: • iPlumber “iPlumber is a vibrant young company that makes sure everything is done right,” said the judges. “Education and communication is a huge focus for Jamin and his team. What they don’t know, they are not afraid to ask their peers to assist with. This company presents themselves well, they have undertaken business Above: Jamin Saes of iPlumber (left) coaching and have invested with Waikato Master Plumbers Vice in the latest account and job President Dave Morgan. management systems. They have the integrity and skills to go much further in the industry.”

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December 2019/January 2020

INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE Sponsored by Hirepool And the winner is: • Robyn Healy, CF Reese Robyn has worked at CF Reese for 5 years. “Her dedication to her work and her attention to detail is exemplary,” said the judges. “She always gives 100% and is very well Above: Robyn Healy with Hirepool’s respected by her peers, Kane Williamson (left) and Dave customers and suppliers.”

Morgan.

ASSOCIATIONS & BRANCHES WAIKATO BRANCH PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT Sponsored by MM Kembla And the winner is: • Gary Hutchings, CF Reese Gary has over 30 years’ experience in the plumbing industry as a Certifying Gasfitter/Plumber and former Wintec plumbing tutor. As CF Reese’s Response Manager, he runs Above: Gary Hutchings and Mel Lints. the response maintenance team and mentors the company’s apprentices. “Gary has made a huge contribution to CF Reese and is an integral part of the management team,” said the judges.

MOST OUTSTANDING PLUMBER, GASFITTER & DRAINLAYER And the winners are: • Scott Brown, Morrinsville Plumbing and Gas, Most Outstanding Gasfitter, sponsored by Rheem • Sean O’Shea, Plumbing & Gas Works, Most Outstanding Drainlayer, sponsored by Marley • Kerryn Reardon, CF Reese, Most Outstanding Plumber, sponsored by Plumbing World

MASTERLINK BEST ALL ROUND APPRENTICE And the winner is: • John Ryan, hosted by Hamilton Plumbing “John’s attitude sets him apart and he consistently receives high praise in his tutorial reports,” said the judges.

Right: John Ryan (left) with Masterlink Central North Island Regional Manager Russell Walsh (centre) and Dave Morgan.

BEST FIRST, SECOND & THIRD YEAR APPRENTICES And the winners are: • Quintin Trott – First Year, sponsored by GWA • Henry Rombouts of Laser Plumbing Cambridge and Josh Perana of Laser Plumbing Te Kuiti – Second Year, sponsored by Greens Tapware • Karl Foster of Laser Plumbing Hamilton East – Third Year, sponsored by Buteline Left: Quintin and Latisha Trott.

Below: Josh Perana (second from left) and Henry Rombouts receiving their awards from Mark Lunjevich of Greens Tapware (left) and Dave Morgan.

Above: Scott Brown with his award.

Above: Kerryn and Kirsty Reardon. Above: Sean O’Shea making his acceptance speech.

WINTEC APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR And the winner is: • Kaleb Reeve, Morrinsville Plumbing and Gas This award is for a graduate or near graduate who shows management and leadership potential. “Kaleb has all the capabilities of going further in the industry,” said the judges. “He is a very professional and competent Above: Kaleb Reeve with his top person.” apprentice award.

Above: Karl Foster (centre) with Dave Morgan and Mike Wilson (right) of the Waikato Master Plumbers.

December 2019/January 2020 49

ASSOCIATIONS & BRANCHES

Volcanic victors

Held at Rotorua’s iconic Blue Baths in October, the Volcanic Plateau Master Plumbers 2019 Awards acknowledged and rewarded the region’s top performers.

The Volcanic Plateau Branch has 26 member companies and these awards recognised tradespeople and staff working in these businesses, as well as apprentices doing their training at Wintec. “We believe in supporting those who show outstanding attitude, conduct, skills and workmanship,” says President Aaron Jamieson, who gave particular thanks to Mico as the overall sponsor of the event.

Skills sponsored the first-ever graduation ceremony for the event, which acknowledged National Certificate recipients and those who had passed their Certifying exams. John Dalton was also presented Life Membership of the Volcanic Plateau Branch at the awards.

VOLCANIC PLATEAU TRADESMAN OF THE YEAR

CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY

Sponsored by Master Plumbers And the winner is: • Andrew Barwell of Rawlinson Plumbing & Gas Andrew Barwell has only one standard—extremely high. With over 30 years’ industry experience, he Above: Dave Sander, right, collecting always strives to do what is Andrew Barwell's award from Volcanic Plateau President Aaron Jamieson best for the company and (centre) and Master Plumbers CEO the client, said the judges.

Greg Wallace, left.

“His follow up on jobs, ability to complete jobs hassle free, and paperwork is always at the highest standard. Andrew is a great trainer for the young apprentices coming through the ranks.”

Sponsored by Volcanic Plateau Master Plumbers And the winner is: • Steve Cannon, Plumbing World Steve has been involved in the industry for many years. His ability to go the extra mile and his thirst for knowledge, especially when it comes to the ‘old’ products Above: Steve Cannon with his makes him a well-respected Volcanic Master Plumbers award for and sought after merchant Contribution to the Industry. by many plumbers. Steve also loves to help new apprentices increase their knowledge about products and their applications and is a great support when attending out-of-town competitions.

TRAINING LEADER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Buteline And the winner is: • Sam Baker, BOP Plumbing & Gas Sam Baker has completed his Plumbing & Gasfitting National Certificate and has chosen to continue and complete in Drainlaying.

He competes in the Young Above: Sam Baker (centre) with Aaron Plumber of the Year competition every year. Sam Jamieson and Hata Puriri of Buteline. is proving to be a fantastic leader within the team, with definite potential towards leadership and management roles with the company. The apprentices in the business respect Sam and regularly look to him for guidance.

PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT AWARD Sponsored by Plumbing World And the winner is: • Jon Lewis, The Lewis Plumbing Company Jon Lewis is a current member of the national Master Plumbers Board, the Master Plumbers representative on Water NZ’s Backflow Prevention Special Above: Jan Lewis collecting husband Jon Lewis’ Training Leader of the Year Interest Group, a backflow Award from Aaron Jamieson and prevention tutor and Plumbing World’s Sheree Grant. represents Master Plumbers on the AS/NZS 3500 and 2845 Standards committees. In his own business, Jon continually turns out high quality plumbers and is currently training four apprentices. He has a real passion for the industry and the development of his staff.

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December 2019/January 2020

ASSOCIATIONS & BRANCHES MOST OUTSTANDING PLUMBER & GASFITTER

BEST FIRST, SECOND & THIRD YEAR APPRENTICES

And the winners are: • Mark Wass, Rawlinson Plumbing & Gas, Most Outstanding Plumber, sponsored by Mico • Jos Kay, Rawlinson Plumbing & Gas, Most Outstanding Gasfitter, sponsored by Rinnai

And the winners are: • Cohen Smith, Atkinson & Donaldson Plumbing – First Year, sponsored by Dux • Ben Morgan, BOP Plumbing & Gas – Second Year, sponsored by Greens Global • Shane Luke, Rawlinson Plumbing & Gas – Third Year, sponsored by RMC.

Above right: Dave Sander collecting the Most Outstanding Gasfitter award on behalf of winner Jos Kay. Right: Mark Wass, Most Outstanding Plumber, with Aaron Jamieson and Vince Jones of Mico.

WINTEC APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR And the winner is: • Ben Stevens-Howie, The Lewis Plumbing Company This award is for a graduate or near graduate who shows management and leadership potential. Ben Stevens-Howie consistently steps up and ensures all work is completed to a high standard, said the judges. “Ben is well respected by his peers and his diligence, professional and polite manner make him stand out.”

Above top: Cohen Smith (centre) with Aaron Jamieson and Marty Smith of Dux. Above left: Ben Morgan with Aaron Jamieson.

Above right: Shane Luke with Aaron Jamieson and Jeremy Chapman of RMC.

Southern success stories

Above: Ben Stevens-Howie with, from left, Aaron Jamieson, Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace and Olaf Sparrow of Wintec.

MASTERLINK APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR And the winner is: • Dave Hodgson, The Lewis Plumbing Company “Back to back winner of this award, Dave is mature beyond his years,” said the judges. “He can always be relied upon to get the job done. He has great leadership skills and loves passing his training and knowledge to the younger apprentices.”

Above: Dave Hodgson with Aaron Jamieson and Masterlink Central North Island Manager Russell Walsh.

Masterlink apprentices Sam Wairau and Akida Shimamoto received Top Masterlink Apprentice certificates at the Otago and Southland awards night in Dunedin on 28 September.

Sam, who is in the final year of his plumbing and gasfitting Masterlink apprenticeship at Fry’s Plumbing in Te Anau, had to step up into a managerial role when his boss went on paternity leave. His Masterlink Regional Manager Brendan Parker said Sam did an amazing job and was instrumental in keeping things ticking over during this time. “He put the business at the forefront of all his dealings,” says Brendan.

Akida, a third-year plumbing, gas and drainlaying Masterlink apprentice at HiFlo Plumbing in Oamaru, is always keen to learn, says Brendan. “He is very switched on and proactively looks to enhance systems at work. HiFlo do a great deal of LPG work and Akida recently came up with a regulator safety checklist, which the team have adopted.” He also made it to the Southern regional final of the 2019 Young Plumber of the Year competition.

The Otago and Southland Masterlink awards are determined by the Regional Managers together with the SIT tutors. Judging criteria includes engagement at block courses, customer service, general attitude and being an asset to their host company.

December 2019/January 2020 51

Cyber attacks: 5 steps to secure your business SMART BUSINESS

The Christmas period is a particularly risky time for cyber attacks, so this is the time to be making an IT list and checking it twice. RiskLogic has five steps to ensure year-round cyber security in your business.

IN A 2019 RiskLogic survey*, 95% of organisations surveyed said their number one concern was a cyber-attack.

Nearly half (48%) of respondents had experienced a crisis event in the last 12 months, with 19% of those being cyber related.

During the Christmas period, cyberattackers will complete their seasonal shopping by analysing and attacking thousands of organisations that are ‘closed for the holiday’. RiskLogic sees a significant spike in breaches and delay in fixes between 12 December and 5 January.

“The increasing sophistication of cyber criminals and the growing attack surface has created a perfect storm,” says Daniel Muchow, RiskLogic’s Head of Cyber Consulting. “Business leaders can no longer ignore and delegate cyber security.”

With all these facts, the future can seem bleak. So, how are these breaches happening and what can we do about it? The answer is: your people, and your plans.

How people cause cyberattacks

In 2000, Michael Calce (aka Mafiaboy) singlehandedly took down Yahoo, CNN, eBay, Dell and Amazon. This was the world’s first and largest distributed denial of service attack (DDoS). Calce has admitted that breaching Yahoo was a ‘fluke’. However, after broadcasting his breach, he then moved onto the others.

What makes this especially concerning is that he was just 15 when he did it. Jerry Yang, then CEO of Yahoo, later conceded it was his underdeveloped IT team that contributed to this attack.

“Technology doesn’t attack 52

December 2019/January 2020

organisations; people do,” says Hamish Woodside of Delib, a UK-based ‘digital democracy company’. “It’s also the silly mistakes from people that open business operations within seconds.” Woodside’s dealings with many government agencies always includes the same message: “The biggest attack vector by a large margin is people and people being careless. I think the most important thing to impress upon [your staff] when it comes to IT security is that most of the time technology isn’t the issue.”

In October 2017, the Australian Defence Force was hacked. They lost designs and plans on new fighter jets, navy vessels and surveillance aircraft—all stolen because a fourth level contractor set their password to ‘admin’. ADF failed to make it compulsory for all contractors to have a consistent standard of cyber defence.

Think before you click

Organisations in New Zealand are increasingly reporting a hack, which looks like a genuine email from their CEO (or similar) to the finance department, “urgently” requesting a money transfer to a client’s account. What makes this so realistic is that it appears to come from the CEO’s correct email. Attackers have hundreds of clever ways to get in, which include one easy rule: find that one employee who clicks.

Check your defences

If your business has an IT team or provider, ask for a full sweep of the cyber defences. Check firewalls and 3+ monthold passwords. Is your current cyber plan up to date and tested? If they’re unsure,

this should become critical to you.

Check in on any suppliers and contractors to your business, too. Is there any way they may have access to your infrastructure? Ask for proof and let them know you won’t renew the contract if it’s not up to scratch. ■ You can contact the RiskLogic cyber team for more advice and actioning a new cyber plan by emailing info@risklogic.co.nz. Or call RiskLogic on 0800 003 453. *Read the Crisis Management Survey at www.risklogic.co.nz/crisis-management-survey About the author: Brad Law is the country manager for RiskLogic New Zealand and an award-winning consultant with nearly three decades of experience in the resilience space. He now focuses on helping New Zealand organisations find resilience solutions unique to their people, whilst building a culture of preparedness. He is leading the programme for the Master Plumbers organisation. www.risklogic.co.nz

SMART BUSINESS

Five steps to a secure business Step 1: Get a detailed cyber plan. RiskLogic plans cover identification, containment, eradication and recovery. They enable you to generate specific procedures, an escalation process and strategy for aspects such as reputation and financial loss; plus provide IT with a checklist and assessment tools.

Step 2: Give your IT team access to your cyber procedures.

Your most important asset during a breach is your IT personnel.

For them to do their job to the highest standard, they should know your general and specific cyber procedures.

Step 3: Have a documented escalation path for major events. Having a checklist to help executive teams make decisions on escalation is very helpful, and minimises time outside of business as usual.

Step 4: Identify the risk categories.

Do clients need to be informed? What have you lost? Will it get worse? You can separate cyber threat sources into five risk categories: • Data breach: unauthorised access to sensitive data • Denial-of-service attack: interruption of computer network • Phishing: an attempt to get sensitive data or financial details by appearing to be from a person or organisation you trust • Malware & ransomware: Malicious software that infects your system with the aim of corrupting or stealing your data.

Ransomware is a particular type of malware that threatens to publish or block access to data unless a ransom is paid.

• Corruption: online fraud and corruption (this is generally targeted at governments).

58%

44%

Cyber Attack

Data Breach

38% Adverse Weather

35% Unplanned IT Outage

Above: a 2019 RiskLogic survey showed three of the top four crisis event concerns by organisations relate to IT.

Step 5: Know your reporting channels. As a business, you have a legal obligation to disclose an attack, no matter what you do. Now that General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is in effect, more regulations will hold businesses accountable.

Know the laws.

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SMART BUSINESS

7 ways to wow your clients and

dominate your niche

These days, you can’t afford to have bad or subpar customer service.

Daniel Fitzpatrick of Next Level Tradie has the solution.

IT SOUNDS SO easy: Go out on your own. Provide excellent service. Get happy clients, referrals, repeat work, 5-star reviews, and a reputation as one of the best.

But have you ever had something go wrong on a job and, despite your best efforts, the client ended up unhappy with how long it took – or worse – disagreeing with you over the price?

No doubt about it: customer service is important.

And good communication certainly isn’t the only factor.

Other things to consider:

1. What does the wow look like?

Everyone from sales rep to technician or tradesmen working onsite, should have a clear understanding of what’s expected around customer service.

A great way to get everyone on the same page is to ‘define the wow’. In your next team meeting, ask everyone to describe customer service experiences they’ve had personally. Write all these up on the whiteboard. What are the common themes?

Put yourself in the customer’s shoes: what expectations would you have if you were the client?

How can you set the bar on the first interaction – and match or exceed that each time you have contact with the client, all the way through?

Just like there are procedures on how to carry out work, there should be procedures on dealing with customers.

2. Little things make big waves

Sometimes it’s the smallest action that can make the biggest 54

December 2019/January 2020

difference: Arriving on time. Not walking on grass/gardens.

Using the client’s name. Taking off boots (or wearing covers) before stepping inside. Leaving things clean and tidy. Bringing in the bins for a customer.

Clients really notice that stuff.

Especially if they’ve had bad experiences with tradies in the past.

The little things show your commitment to raising the bar and build trust and loyalty.

Did you know acquiring a new client costs 5X more than getting repeat work from an existing one*?

3. Customer service is an inside job

Here’s the thing: Customer service starts with culture.

How you treat and speak to your staff has a direct impact on how they treat and speak to clients.

Lead by example. If you refuse to compromise quality and standards, and only speak about clients respectfully, your team will see that and follow suit.

The fish stinks from the head down.

Another tip: When staff ask you what to do, say: “What would you do?” As leaders, we like to ‘tell’. Instead, empower them to figure it out.

With enough training, in time, they won’t need to ring you, and you’ll be confident they know how to handle things exactly as you would.

That’s why hiring staff not just on experience but based on attitude and willingness to learn, is often a winning move.

SMART BUSINESS Also, give specific positive feedback, so they know exactly what they’re doing right.

Note: As the owner, you’re invested in building a good reputation and making your company successful.

If you can’t say the same for your staff, it’s time to train them to think more like you. Show them a career path (not just a job). Incentivise them for hitting targets – and going above and beyond for clients.

Set the expectations and spend time educating your employees.

4. Miscommunication leads to misunderstanding – which never leads to anything good

One thing’s for sure: Open communication is key.

Give clear expectations to the client. Be transparent from the very beginning. Especially around pricing, timelines, and any variations.

Be sure sales staff aren’t making promises tradesmen can’t keep.

Always acknowledge and inform the client if problems arise.

Let them know you have a solution – they will appreciate your forward-thinking.

Explain the costs involved (if any) and why it’s needed.

Leaving it – or going ahead without explanation – is likely to cause headaches later.

Project management software also has time-saving features, like ability to track leads, and a customer portal to streamline all communication and decisions in one place.

5. Feedback is the breakfast of champions

An issue brought up by a customer is actually a good thing.

It’s an opportunity to see your business through the eyes of the client. Take it as a chance to prove how good your customer service really is.

Deal with complaints ASAP and rectify the problem. Leaving it to resolve itself will almost always make things worse.

A complaint is a customer reaching out for help. Even if they’re taking personal digs or having a bad day and taking it out on you, keep your cool.

If handled well, clients can actually end up being bigger fans than if the issue never arose.

When a customer says they’re not happy, what do your guys say to that customer? Have a process, and make sure everyone knows what it is.

Also, keep in touch with clients after jobs. Ask them, “How can we improve?”

Feedback is how you get better.

6. Look to build a relationship (not make a sale)

This is a much easier way to win jobs.

It’s even been found that 68% of clients are willing to spend more when a company provides excellent service through the buying process**.

So, when quoting, be intentional about building rapport, and listen carefully to what the client wants, rather than jumping in to offer a solution too quick.

Be prompt and friendly with communications and keep

language friendly – words like ‘company policy’ are a major turn off!

7. Your reputation hinges on consistency

67% of clients say they’d actively discourage others from using a company that provided poor service**.

One bad experience can, unfortunately, be talked about online again and again. Word of mouth is now on steroids. Potential clients can easily find reviews (good or bad) in seconds.

The bottom line is, you’re not the only one representing your company, so there needs to be consistency.

The best way is to create systems within your business that everyone follows. Then check in regularly with staff. And track your KPIs around customer service.

Systemise and automate your customer service as much as possible, so you can stay on top of your game, and avoid the stress of unhappy clients. Even if it goes wrong, it can’t go too wrong, or too far, without you knowing about it.

Can you really afford not to? ■ *www.invespcro.com/blog/customer-acquisition-retention/ **www.forbes.com/sites/shephyken/2018/08/05/what-customerswant-and-expect/#3ce7ada27701 About the author: Daniel Fitzpatrick runs Next Level Tradie.

“If you liked this article, you’ll love my guide on how to next level your profit,” says Daniel. Get it free here: https://nextleveltradie.co.nz/guide/

30

REASONS TO LEAVE YOUR

(PLUMBING MERCHANT THAT IS)

#5

55 Years in the biz, Liz

We opened our first branch in the Manawatu in 1964. Now we have outlets nationwide.

To discover all 30 Reasons visit

plumbingworld.co.nz/30reasons

December 2019/January 2020 55

Read the latest edition online DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

14

SEASON’S GREETINGS

ON THE COVER

Ways to reduce subcontractor risk

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Wishing you safe and happy holidays

SEASON’S GREETINGS Wishing you safe and happy holidays

34

BUILDING PRODUCT RULES What changes are in the pipeline?

72

WORKPLACE WELLBEING

Why it matters in your business

BUILDING PRODUCT RULES

7

54

20

How to wow your clients and dominate your niche

Contents

What changes are in the pipeline?

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

COVER STORY 7 What’s on Inaugural Women in Plumbing programme at the 2020 NZ Plumbing Conference

WORKPLACE WELLBEING

8

Why it matters in your business

Master Plumbers News CEO Greg Wallace on RoVE advocacy work; new Baycorp member discounts; 2019 report card; Rinnai moves to Gold; and Greens Vantage joins Master Plumbers Recommends

IN FOCUS 14

When giants tumble Ways to reduce subcontractor risk when major construction companies collapse

18 Working together for change Why the Construction Sector Accord is DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY a positive step2020

REAL LIVES 20 A bright future Meet 2019 Young Plumber of the Year Andrew Bright 4

38 From all walks of life Master Plumbers Yusuke Sakata and Chris Tian talk about their experiences of living and working in New Zealand

TECHNICAL THEME: STORAGE WATER HEATING 23

Hot water control Upgrades to Methven’s NEFA valve range

24 HWC selection Tips on choosing the right HWC for the situation

NUTS AND BOLTS 33

Safety alert Energy Safety alert on a Suburban RV gas storage water heater

33

Work warranty answers How long is the warranty for a plumber’s, gasfitter’s or drainlayer’s work?

34 Where to for building products?

How the government plans to close gaps in the current building product regulations 37

26 Hot water cylinder restraints A reminder on securing HWCs for earthquake protection

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT 28 Hospitality in the hangar How plumbers helped transform a former flying boat hangar into a microbrewery and hospitality venue

Turning a heritage flying boat hangar into a hospitality venue

Meet the 2019 Young Plumber of the Year

Tech Q&A Rod Miller answers your technical queries

43 Winning formula A trip to the Japanese Grand Prix for these lucky Rinnai prize winners

WOMEN IN PLUMBING

Lisa King to speak at NZ Plumbing Conference launch event

On the cover: Eat My Lunch founder Lisa King will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Women in Plumbing programme at the 2020 NZ Plumbing Conference.

44 Give prostate cancer the finger Some invaluable advice… and how one plumbing company raised funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation

58 Getting the WorkSmarts Skills reports on its WorkSmarts breakfast series for business owners— returning in 2020

70 Changing trade perceptions Four new government initiatives aimed at attracting school leavers to trades careers

46 Help for the hospice A handsome cheque from the Hutt Valley/Wairarapa Master Plumbers

59 New Year resolutions 8 ways to help your business thrive

71

46 First AHSCANZ meeting Find out about the new Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants of Australia New Zealand

ASSOCIATIONS & BRANCHES 48 Recognition in the regions Discover the winners at the 2019 Waikato and Volcanic Plateau Master Plumbers awards nights

SMART BUSINESS 52

INDUSTRY TALK 42 Top Certifiers!

This year’s PGDB Merit of Excellence Award winners

28

Cyber attacks: 5 steps to secure your business What to do to protect your business over the Christmas period

54 7 ways to wow your clients… … and dominate your niche 57

Sam’s speak How well has your business performed in 2019?

December 2019/January 2020

SEASON’S GREETINGS

60 Managing the younger generation How to get the best from an agediverse workforce

Mac McKenzie mastery Two outstanding newly qualified tradesmen in Southland and Otago

HEALTH & SAFETY 72

Wellbeing in the workplace Why it’s important to invest time, energy and resources into workplace wellbeing—plus how Master Plumbers is helping

NEXT GENERATION

74

63 Masterlink messageboard Updates from the Masterlink apprentice management company, plus a regional market report

Work-related cancers What’s being done to bring down the number of deaths?

75

Toolbox tips Quick H&S messages to share with the team

61

In the office Don’t let the Christmas period put pressure on your cashflow

67 Taste for the trades How working as a Mico Cadet has helped Breyton Lenee get ready for a plumbing apprenticeship

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

68 Jobseekers into work Why this Skills for Industry initiative is a win-win for host employers and apprentices

AND FINALLY

76 New products on the market plus this edition’s Master Plumbers Recommends featured product

80 Dodgy plumbing Bumper special: three pages for your holiday entertainment

December 2019/January 2020

5

Wishing you safe and happy holidays

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WOMEN IN PLUMBING

Lisa King to speak at NZ Plumbing Conference launch event

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SMART BUSINESS

Sam’s speak

“How well has your business performed during the year?” asks Sam Tyson. Use this rating system to find out.

Now is the perfect time to reflect on how well your business has gone over the past year. This will create a baseline to work from in setting your strategy for the coming year and beyond.

1. List your achievements Consider your achievements. What goals did you set for the business?

Did you achieve them? Yes? No? Why? What key performance indicators were you measuring? Did you knock them out of the park? Yes? No? Why? Add anything else that went really well you can chalk up as an achievement—small or large.

2. Note your learnings Think about what you started doing and what you have stopped doing in the last year that has been of value.

Write down your learnings from things that did not go so well.

3. Rate your business Confront your current reality.

Determine what people think of you.

On a scale of 0-10, where 10 means they love you, rate your business on the following: • What your customers think of you • What your staff think of you • What your suppliers think of you • What your shareholders think of you.

this will create a baseline in setting your strategy for the coming year

4. Rate your satisfaction levels Ask yourself how happy you are with where things are at. Rate your business 0-10 on the following, where 10 means you are completely satisfied: • Staff retention—how are your levels of staff retention, alignment and engagement?

• Business strategy—how well have you implemented it over the past year?

• Business performance—how well have you measured it?

• Accountability—how accountable for performance have you and your team been?

• Management capability—have you got what it takes to move the business forward?

• Bench strength—to what degree is your business dependent on key personnel?

• Marketing effectiveness—is what you are spending bringing the customers in?

• Sales effectiveness—are you winning jobs? Are you too cheap?

• Operations effectiveness—how productive is your business?

• Customer satisfaction—are they referring you?

• Administration and invoicing—how quickly are you getting your invoicing done?

• Health and safety—has this become part of your DNA? • Systems and procedures—are these supporting your business to be better?

• Profitability—are you happy with your return on your investment?

• Cashflow—have you got money to pay your bills?

5. Complete a SWOT analysis Knowing your satisfaction in the areas above will help you complete your SWOT analysis, which in turn will determine what you need to concentrate on in the coming year.

List your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, identifying your top five in each. What strengths can you leverage in the next 12 months that will put you ahead of your competitors? As a business what could you be better at? What needs fixing or improving? What opportunities are out there now that you need to grab hold of and take advantage of? What threats do you need to minimise or closely monitor?

6. Plan for the future You are now ready to look at where you want to go with your business over the next few years and what needs to happen to get you there. ■ I have a template for working through this process. It you would like me to email it to you, let me know at sam@climate.nz About the author: Sam Tyson has been the managing director of Climate & Plumbing since 2010. She is an active member in the industry and, with a background in strategic business development, shares her knowledge and experience gained from her award-winning business, to help others obtain better results in their businesses. Sam was recently selected for the 2019 NZ Plumbing Merchants Future Governance Programme.

December 2019/January 2020 57

SMART BUSINESS

Getting the WorkSmarts

Skills report on an exciting year running their free, trades WorkSmarts breakfast series, dedicated to giving back to small business owners in our trades with practical tools and tips to better their businesses.

AT THESE INTERACTIVE learning sessions, Skills facilitator and mentor Richard Millar, who has worked with hundreds of business owners, hit on some of the key areas business owners were looking to grow and build capability in.

These covered how to hang on to great employees, manage money, and develop a business plan—and what great feedback from those who came along!

To give a bit of insight into the kind of things covered, here are some of Richard’s top tips for hanging on to your great workers.

1. Have a clear vision.

Where’s your business heading in the next 3-5 years? It’s important that everyone in your business is on the same page and knows where they stand. Develop a vision that you can communicate to your workers and link it to your business plan (another topic covered at WorkSmarts breakfasts).

2. Provide direction.

Set clear expectations around job responsibilities so there’s no confusion. Keep it simple—think

what, when, where, why, who and how, so everyone knows what they have to do.

3. Lead by example.

Your actions are noticed by others— so leading by example and always maintaining high standards will ensure your staff know the standard and do the same.

This also means no micromanagement—the worst leadership style in the world! Yes, apprentices and young or new staff need monitoring, but this is different to micro-managing them. It’s important to know when to loosen the reins as more trust and ability is developed.

So, be honest with yourself about how you’re setting the standard for your employees and make changes if you need to.

4. Give feedback.

Feedback is a valuable tool in the development of your staff and business overall. The key is to get the balance right. A good way to think about giving feedback is to sandwich negative feedback with positive: positive/negative/positive. This way

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December 2019/January 2020

you can prevent your employees feeling discouraged and losing confidence from the criticism and reinforce the good they’re doing.

It’s great if you can encourage them to give you feedback, too. It should be a two-way street, and you will gain respect and trust by making them feel heard and their opinions valued.

5. Communicate, communicate, communicate.

We can always be better at communication, so checking in to see how you and your staff are doing is important. Think about the language you’re using and how it might be interpreted—being aware of different cultures, languages and terminology.

Another key part of communication is listening. Poor listening leads to conflict and frustration, so making sure you strike a happy balance of talking and listening will make all the difference!

Skills recognise how valuable time is for tradies, and we want to make sure we’re giving you the best value. That’s why we think a 2-hour interactive learning session is a great way to catch up and get clued up on new ways to improve your business before your working day starts—and, based on the raving feedback received from the awesome people that attended, we think you will, too! ■ If you missed out this year, don’t stress.

Skills will be back again in 2020 with more WorkSmarts to help you get on top of the challenges of owning a business. Keep an eye out for more events in the New Year.

Look forward to seeing you there!

SMART BUSINESS

By the book

New Year resolutions

Will you be making any New Year resolutions for your business? Lynn Render of the Institute of Certified NZ Bookkeepers has eight of the best.

AS JANUARY ROLLS around, most of us will be getting back to the business of making money. A fresh new year is a great time to reflect on the business year gone and consider improvements for the year ahead.

1. Plan – This should always come first, and can be applied across many areas, such as cashflow, marketing, budgets and personal and family time.

2. Delegate – Are you doing tasks

someone else could? Could the task be delegated to a junior so you can focus on more senior matters? Or could it be outsourced to other trade professionals, such as a Certified Bookkeeper™, so you can focus on your core trade?

3. Promote – Are you promoting your business using every possible avenue? Facebook, LinkedIn, local paper. Do you have skilled people looking after your website and making sure your site is optimised for internet searches?

4. Learn – Are you continuing to upskill to stay at the forefront of your trade, learn new skills that make you more valuable, or help your business diversify?

5. Network – Are you taking advantage of business networking opportunities that can generate new

business or valuable associations?

6. Business balance – Are you balancing your time to make sure you and your family are not suffering as a result of your business?

7. Buddy up – Do you have another tradesperson or company to buddy up with? You are more likely to achieve a goal if you’ve shared it and are accountable to someone.

8. Pay it forward – Do you help others? A small gesture can mean so much to someone, and helping others is proven to make us feel better.

Spend some time planning, work on your resolutions and remember if you want some help to create success, help is only an email away. Find a Certified Bookkeeper™ at www.icbnzbai.org.nz ■

Managing the younger generation SMART BUSINESS

A diverse workforce offers a range of strengths and talents, so it’s worth understanding what makes different generations tick, says HR specialist Lisa Duston.

WE ALL HEAR generational stereotypes, but it’s important to remember your employees are individuals and shouldn’t be judged solely on the basis of when they were born. That said, there are some common differences in when and how generations are raised and educated, and understanding these can make it easier to manage and bring out the best in them.

If your employees are younger than you, they may have a different approach to their jobs than you’re used to. That’s good in many ways, as a diverse workforce can learn a lot from each other.

Millennials (born 1981-1996)

According to an NZ Herald report, Millennials make up 21% of the New Zealand population and will make up 75% of the workforce in less than a decade. One of the most common

30

REASONS TO LEAVE YOUR

(PLUMBING MERCHANT THAT IS)

features of the Millennial generation is their desire for approval and recognition. Millennials want to know their efforts are being noticed and their work is worthwhile.

Managers can address this by regularly providing positive feedback or constructive criticism. They can also encourage employees to give each other support and recognition because peer approval is equally important. Doing this helps workers feel connected and appreciated, and more likely to stay loyal.

Recent Gallup research found Millennials want a purpose, to develop their strengths, and prefer to have a ‘coach’ than a ‘boss’.

They also have no fear of the digital world, as Jane McCarroll notes in an article for The Skills Organisation. “They see the world as a 24/7 place and they expect fast and immediate processing.”

Generation Z (born 1997-2010)

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Research reveals Gen Z is a career-driven generation. Employers who appreciate the personal interests, values and career ambitions of their Gen Z employees, and effectively coach and train these young professionals, whilst celebrating good work and meeting in person, are likely to have happily committed Gen Zers in the workplace.

Like the Millennials before them, this group has experienced smaller family sizes, strong parental guidance, and heavy use of social media and portable technologies.

A Gen Z employee can be an asset for any business, bringing fresh ideas, hard work, ambition to succeed and eagerness to learn and grow with the company. Nurture the different values and traits that define them, help them succeed and integrate them in your multi-generational workforce, and they will give you the best they have to make your business great. ■ 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

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December 2019/January 2020

SMART BUSINESS

In the office

Don’t let the Christmas period put pressure on your cashflow, says Andrea Lovell.

At this time of year, I sit down with all our maintenance plumbers and remind them how important it is to get payment on completion.

For any jobs where we aren’t able to get payment on completion, we make sure we get them invoiced within a couple of days and then chased as soon as they are overdue to ensure as many outstanding payments are paid before people go away.

Most builders require us to have our December claims in by the 15th. However, this means we must estimate on what percentage of the works we expect to have completed. So, our estimator and site manager sit down together to ensure they get this correct. We also talk to our contracting plumbers to ensure they are not ordering any additional gear that won’t be used before Christmas.

If you are worried about your cashflow over the Christmas period, talk to your bank and see if they are able to help you out with temporary overdraft. Remember there are penalties for not paying taxes on time. Your accountant may be able to help you with some suggestions if the bank can’t help.

Merry Christmas everyone, stay safe and all the best for the New Year. ■

If you are like us and work with commercial customers, you will know that most pay on the 20th of the month following, and that most of those companies close over the Christmas period. So, if you don’t have your invoices in early, you may not get paid until February.

This, along with residential customers not paying on time, having to pay your staff holidays and stats, a Christmas function, and then GST, provisional tax instalments, FBT and PAYE all due in January, if you are not prepared, these plus your normal outgoings can all put pressure on your cashflow.

About the author: Andrea Lovell is Office Manager at Heron Plumbing in Auckland. She is co-director of the company with her husband Dale Lovell.

Above: At this time of year, it's important to get payment on completion wherever possible.

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December 2019/January 2020 61

“Masterlink has gone really well for us” art rning! art living!

“Masterlink ensures a good match for my business. I look for apprentices with a good attitude. As long as they’re willing to learn, I can teach them the skills.”

– Bruce Trenwith BT Plumbing, Auckland

“I like the fact that there is someone else supporting the apprentice in the background, someone you can fall back on if there are any issues.”

– Richard Graves Inside Systems, Invercargill

sses in Oamaru are for plumbing and gasfitting tices right now.

terlink apprentice, we pay you while for a great Get qualified and Morecareer. of the support you need and less risk: p for life!• Recruitment & Testing

• Mentoring and appraisals e good hands-on, practical skills • Apprentice PAYE and HR real job •variety, send your CV and Block Course arrangements ter to roger.herd@masterlink.co.nz • Health & safety management

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Starter toolkit and PPE

“Using Masterlink has gone well for us. They offer good support and communication. It takes the stress off you because they do the vetting and pre-employment testing.”

– Aaron Jamieson BOP Plumbing & Gas, Rotorua

Too easy!

Contact our team today 0800 502 102 admin@masterlink.co.nz www.masterlink.co.nz

MASTERLINK MESSAGEBOARD

This edition’s news round-up from the Master Plumbers-owned Masterlink apprentice management company includes a nationwide market report from the Regional Managers.

Sponsoring the Trade Up Tour Masterlink was proud to sponsor the Plumbing World Trade Up Tour in 2019.

The Plumbing World Trade Up Tour saw plumbers Logan Dodds and Jesse James getting the message out to young Kiwis that the plumbing industry needs smart, diverse and passionate people to learn the skilled trades necessary for futureproofing New Zealand’s future.

Masterlink also shared a stand with Plumbing World at the 2019 CATE (Careers & Transition Education Association) Conference in November, to raise awareness of plumbing industry opportunities among careers advisors and other careers influencers in high schools nationwide.

Check out the awesome Trade Up Tour video on the Masterlink Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MasterlinkNZ

Above: Logan Dodds and Jesse James (pictured front row centre with Masterlink RM Sam Timlin) visited Mt Aspiring College as part of the 2019 Trade Up Tour to inspire students to check out a plumbing career.

NEW poster: had a close shave?

Masterlink and Master Plumbers have created a new workplace poster to remind workers to report a near miss.

By reporting a near miss, the situation can be put right and a potential future accident averted. That’s why we encourage all our apprentices to let the boss know about a near miss and to report it using their Masterlink health and safety app.

We’re also providing all Masterlink hosts with our new “Had a close shave?”

poster to hang in the workplace. The poster includes some examples of what a near miss looks like and provides a reminder to report any close shaves in the workplace.

The poster is also available in the member area of the Master Plumbers website at www.masterplumbers.org.nz

HAD A CLOSE SHAVE?

NEAR MISS EXAMPLES: A near miss is an unplanned event that could have resulted in injury, illness or damage. Examples include:

• Tripping on an extension cord and grabbing a nearby bench to stop falling over • Jumping back just in time to prevent getting hit by an outward-opening door • Nearly getting hit by a tool dropped from height

Fix a near miss situation before your luck runs out

REPORT IT: SORT IT Tell your boss or use the Masterlink app

Our draw winner!

We asked for your decal photos… and you sent them!

Congrats to Masterlink apprentice Mike Price, lucky winner of our $100 PrezzyCard draw. We asked for photos of our apprentices beside the new Masterlink “Proudly training apprentices for the future” decal and Mike’s entry was the first out of the hat when the draw closed. Mike works at host firm Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services.

Need more free decals for your business? Exterior and interior options are available. Just email marketing@masterlink.co.nz and we’ll send them out to you.

Right: Prize draw winner Mike Price.

December 2019/January 2020 63

MASTERLINK MESSAGEBOARD

Regional report

Masterlink’s nationwide network of regional managers provide a market round-up.

Tania Forsyth & Colin Kilpatrick: Northland & Auckland Auckland is showing strong demand for all types of construction. According to the National Construction Pipeline Report, the region is forecast to represent 41 percent of total national construction and 40 percent of dwelling unit consents in 2023. North Auckland has seen the biggest increase in dwelling consent numbers. Dwelling growth in Auckland is driven by multi-unit consents, and this is expected to continue. Northland is also expected to have sustained levels of growth until 2023.

Most PGD companies are busy and struggle to find enough qualified workers locally to meet workloads. There is still a need for more plumbing companies in these regions to become hosts and train the next generation of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. There are also not enough tutors available to teach and assess apprentices, with polytechs struggling to attract teachers into the industry.

Commercial work is strong in the region, and fixing the SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre will be a focus in the coming months.

Tania Forsyth: 027 558 5441; Colin Kilpatrick: 021 773 296 Russell Walsh: Central North Island The housing and construction market is steady in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions, with plumbing businesses currently focused on the pre-Christmas rush to finish off jobs. Work is busy across the residential, maintenance, new build and commercial markets. Major projects for the region include the Lakeside development in the AucklandHamilton corridor, with 175 KiwiBuild houses among a total of 1,600 homes. Sourcing and retaining quality staff remains a challenge for plumbing firms, and many are putting their own staff through apprenticeships to combat the lack of available tradespeople.

Russell Walsh: 027 600 9929

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December 2019/January 2020

Bob McCoy: Lower North Island After a quiet end to the year, numerous enquiries are coming in for apprentice sign-ups in 2020. All areas of the lower North Island are experiencing good growth for housing construction and this looks set to continue for the year ahead. Large commercial construction projects are also underway across the region. All hosts report that they are busy and a lack of qualified staff is a major issue. It will be interesting to see how the vocational education reforms shape up and what impact this will have on apprentice training. From Masterlink’s perspective, it’s business as usual, so hosts can continue to run their businesses without having to deal directly with any of the changes that result from the reforms.

Bob McCoy: 027 479 0075 Sam Timlin: Canterbury and Upper South Island New housing is huge in South and North Canterbury, with new subdivisions popping up all over, and apprentice sign-ups have been strong. Domestic maintenance is also keeping plumbers busy in the region.

Christchurch is still patchy for commercial projects but there are a number of major jobs starting in Nelson late 2019 and into 2020. There is a steady stream of candidates looking to get into the industry.

Sam Timlin: 021 433 615 Brendan Parker: Lower South Island Apprentice numbers are on the rise in Southland and Otago. These regions have been experiencing considerable growth in both the commercial and domestic sectors, and this looks set to continue in 2020.

Major construction projects in Invercargill include a new CBD mall and large hotel builds. Dunedin has a new overbridge connecting the town with the port and the new, large-scale hospital. The biggest challenge in both regions is a lack of good-quality apprentice candidates.

Companies that have consistently taken on apprentices over the past two years are doing well with numbers and not complaining about skills shortages.

Brendan Parker: 021 644 560

MASTERLINK MESSAGEBOARD

Marathon for mental health

Masterlink apprentice Jesse Dodd ran the Queenstown Marathon in November to help raise funds for mental health.

Jesse Dodd was ‘sweating for mental health’ when he completed the 10km Queenstown Marathon in just three hours and 44 minutes on 16 November.

“It was an awesome experience to get out and run a marathon,” he says. “It was definitely the hardest physical challenge I’ve ever done but the most rewarding.

The feeling of accomplishment at the end was huge and I’m stoked I did it— however, the fact that I could raise money for mental health, which is an issue so close to home, is even better.”

He trained for the event with a mate who was also raising money for mental health by doing the half marathon. “We swapped notes and supported each other through it,” says Jesse.

His goal was to raise $750 and, to date, he’s raised $2,467. “Honestly, I can’t really

Above: Jesse Dodd at the Queenstown Marathon catching a photo with fellow competitor Scotty J Stevenson.

describe how stoked I am to receive the support from everyone who donated to raise so much money,” he says. “The support from my family, friends and workplace was amazing throughout my training and leading up to the race.

“I would recommend it to anyone to raise some money for mental health because it’s amazing how generous people are and willing to donate to such a good cause that almost anyone can relate to.

I would also recommend any running event for the fun of it and to challenge yourself mentally and physically. I will definitely do another one.”

Jesse is a second-year plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting Masterlink apprentice, hosted at Baxter & Neilson Plumbers in Invercargill.

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Taste for the trades

NEXT GENERATION

By working at his local Mico branch in Albany, Breyton Lenee has gained good knowledge of plumbing products and their uses—giving him a headstart for entering a plumbing apprenticeship.

NZ Plumber talked to Breyton about his experience.

TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Breyton Lenee has just completed a sixmonth contract as a Mico Cadet, getting solid work experience at the Mico Albany branch before entering a plumbing apprenticeship through the Master Plumbers-owned Masterlink apprentice management company.

He is the first to undertake a cadetship in this new initiative between Masterlink and Mico, designed to give motivated candidates a taste for the trades and get some work experience under their belts. This, in turn, makes them a more attractive prospect to host plumbing businesses looking for work-ready apprentices.

Having done a year at uni, Breyton realised he was more suited to physical work and a friend suggested he approach Masterlink for a plumbing apprenticeship. The cadetship has been a great way to get familiar with the industry before starting his training, he says. “My five-year plan is to get qualified in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying and this has been very good for learning all the basics of what the products are and what they’re used for.”

“Mico is a great supporter of supporting the trades,” says Mico Hub Manager Stuart Ryan, who manages seven branches in the Auckland region, including Albany. “This has given Breyton a great start for whoever takes him on as an apprentice.”

An ex-plumber himself, Stuart knows how important it is for plumbing bosses to have a new apprentice who knows what to do when asked to grab a length of 100mm waste pipe or a crox nut.

“Breyton now understands the trade terminology and has grown in confidence tenfold,” he says. “We have given him experience across all that we do, from picking and packing orders to dealing with customers, serving on the counter, deliveries to large sites and handling inward goods.”

Breyton says he particularly enjoys the inwards goods work, checking off all items as they arrive and sorting orders, whether for client delivery or stock.

When he started at the branch, he hadn’t had experience of working in a team environment. “There are 15 of us at the Albany branch, and we make sure all our people have the support resources they need to learn new roles and new products,” says Stuart. “Having worked here, Breyton now has the confidence to engage with people of all ages and to talk to customers about products.”

this has given Breyton a great start for whoever takes him on as an apprentice

Above: Breyton Lenee has learned good customer service skills during his six-month contract at Mico Albany.

Masterlink Auckland and Northland Regional Manager Tania Forsyth saw Breyton’s potential from “day dot”, when she interviewed him as a Masterlink candidate. “He’s an impressive young man—intelligent and interested in the work he does,” says Tania, who tracked his progress throughout his Mico cadetship.

Breyton, who was born in South Africa and came to Auckland at the age of eight, is heading back on a family trip in December to visit relatives, and looks forward to starting his apprenticeship on his return. ■ If you would like to become a Masterlink host and meet with Tania and Breyton to discuss a January 2020 apprenticeship start, please contact Tania Forsyth on 027 558 5441; tania.forsyth@masterlink.co.nz

December 2019/January 2020 67

Jobseekers into work

Two young jobseekers have entered into plumbing apprenticeships, thanks to a Skills for Industry initiative between Masterlink, Master Plumbers and the Ministry of Social Development. NZ Plumber caught up on progress with their host employers, who receive a $10,000 subsidy.

MASTERLINK AND MASTER PLUMBERS, in association with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), are offering a subsidy to plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses that take on MSD jobseekers as Masterlink apprentices through a Skills for Industry initiative.

It’s a win-win for the host, who receives a $10,000 subsidy, and the jobseeker, who gets started on a trades career, complete with PPE and toolkit, and also has part of their Masterlink apprenticeship sign-up fee paid for them.

Host employer: Adam Brice, Highflow Plumbing, Christchurch Apprentice: Scott Robinson Adam Brice set up his Christchurch business three and a half 68

December 2019/January 2020

years ago, specialising in residential housing and maintenance.

He was looking for an apprentice to join him when Masterlink regional manager Sam Timlin approached him to let him know about the $10,000 Skills for Industry subsidy.

Jobseeker Scott Robinson was wanting to get back into the workforce, having had previous experience in the electrical trade, and Adam decided to take him on. “Because Scott had done a trade before, he knew his way round a building site and the basic tools,” says Adam. “Taking on an apprentice does mean finding time to show them the ropes but he has a good work ethic and it’s going well.”

Scott says he loves the diversity of plumbing. “One day I might Above: Adam Brice (left) and new Masterlink apprentice Scott Robinson, who has a background in the electrical trade.

Above: Karl Boniface (left) with Masterlink plumbing and drainlaying apprentice Jeremy Bowmar.

EARN POINTS, REDEEM FOR GREAT REWARDS

be doing slab work, the next day a bathroom and the day after fitting out a just built house. I’m doing my apprenticeship in all three trades and really enjoying it.”

Host employer: Karl Boniface, Karl Boniface Plumbing, Invercargill Apprentice: Jeremy Bowmar Jeremy Bowmar had been out of work for some time. Despite actively looking as an MSD jobseeker, he’d been knocked back every time. When Karl Boniface was looking for a trainee roofer for his Invercargill plumbing firm, Jeremy applied, hoping this time he might be successful.

“He turned up to the interview looking a bit rough around the edges, but once we sat down and started talking we could tell straight away he had a nice personality and could relate well to people,” recalls Karl. “He was very open about the fact that he’d made some poor life decisions, but the deciding factor for us was that he had made some key changes in his life, had a good support network and was now keen to get stuck in and make something of his life.”

The MSD Skills for Industry package with Masterlink took the risk out of taking Jeremy on, he says. “We got good support from them, which gave us the confidence to try him out.”

Jeremy arrived on day one kitted up with the tools he needed. “It took a lot of trust, but we had some frank and open discussions about what we expected of him and told him we’d give him a go,” says Karl.

Within just a few days, Jeremy had started helping out with plumbing work at the firm and was showing a strong aptitude and interest. “Masterlink Regional Manager Brendan Parker put him through the assessment and he passed with flying colours, so we took him on as a plumbing and drainlaying apprentice,” says Karl.

Jeremy has since worked “with 100% satisfaction” within the team at Karl Boniface Plumbing, which specialises in domestic and commercial maintenance, repairs and upgrades. He’s settled in well and is now a few months into his apprenticeship.

“He desperately wanted to find a future career and the MSD package made it easier for us to give him the chance to prove himself—and he’s smashed it out of the park,” says Karl. ■

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NEXT GENERATION

Changing trade perceptions Four new government initiatives were announced in late October with the aim of attracting more school leavers to careers in trades and services.

THE DEMAND FOR skilled workers, including plumbers, is forecast to increase by over 5,000 on average per year over the next three years, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

“New Zealand needs people in trades and services now more than probably at any other time in our history,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a video congratulating Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) trades and service graduates in late 2019.

But there’s a hitch. A recent Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) survey has shown 42% of respondents don’t have a positive image of vocational education. The survey also showed 53% of parents surveyed would prefer their child to attend university than enrol in a polytechnic or on-the-job training.

30

REASONS TO LEAVE YOUR

(PLUMBING MERCHANT THAT IS)

“We want more people to see careers in areas like building, plumbing and agriculture as attractive first-options when they leave school,” said Ardern in October.

In a bid to change negative perceptions and get more school leavers into trades, the government announced some new programmes in late October. Other initiatives already underway include the recent launch of the new Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award for high achieving secondary school students.

The issue for the plumbing industry will be whether there are sufficient businesses willing to take on apprentices. Many want to see employers also given government support to acknowledge the role they play in on-job training.

Extra trades academy and Gateway places Funding for an additional 2,000 trades academy and 2,000 Gateway scheme places will be available from next year.

Trades academies deliver trades and technology programmes to secondary school students in partnerships between schools, tertiary institutions, ITOs and employers, with Year 11-13 students combining study at a trades academy with their NCEA studies. As at June 2018, 335 schools had one or more students enrolled in a trades academy course, according to Education Central.

Gateway gives students structured, hands-on workplace learning in industries and businesses while they continue to study at school.

New education-to-employment brokerage service The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has been tasked with leading a new education-employment brokerage service, with brokers building relationships with local businesses and schools and acting as a liaison. The idea is to highlight local career opportunities.

More ‘speed-dating’ events

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Speed meet type events aim to get young people and their families in front of employers. The government has promised funding for an extra 140 events of this kind for key sectors, including construction, along with careers expos. The Ministry of Education will work with communities, employers, industry groups, ITOs, training providers and others to develop a series of nationwide events, with a focus on ‘surge’ regions, including Northland, the Bay of Plenty, the East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui and the West Coast.

Applications also opened in November for a contestable fund to support up to 250 schools to run their own local trades promotion events.

Promotional campaign The Tertiary Education Commission will lead a promotional campaign to raise the profile of vocational education. ■ 70

December 2019/January 2020

NEXT GENERATION

Mac McKenzie mastery At the 2019 Otago and Southland Master Plumbers awards evening, two newly qualified apprentices were presented with the prestigious Mac McKenzie Award.

Completing a plumbing apprenticeship is a milestone to be marked. That’s just what the Otago and Southland Master Plumbers have done for the past 23 years with the presentation of the Mac McKenzie Award for the best achieving

Above: Josh Mackie, Southland winner, with his boss Ron Vermeulen of Plumbing and Building Services in Invercargill.

newly qualified apprentice, who has shown excellence in all aspects of training during their apprenticeship.

This year’s awards dinner was held in Dunedin in September, with Josh Mackie of Master Plumbers member Plumbing and Building Services in Invercargill winning the top 2018 completing apprentice for Southland and Kris Bahler, who works at the Alexandra branch of Master Plumbers member Foleys, winning the top 2018 completing apprentice for Otago and the overall Mac McKenzie Award. “Kris has been at Foleys Central branch since the start of 2015, having arrived to complete his apprenticeship after having already completed a building apprenticeship,” says Craig Foley. “He has bought a different perspective to the team of 12, based out

Above: Kris Bahler, the overall winner of the 2019 Mac McKenzie Award, works at Foleys in Alexandra.

of Alexandra, and has real pride in his work.”

In addition to the award certificate, the winners receive a substantial financial contribution towards further study or tools. The Mac McKenzie trustees also invite each winner and a partner to the award’s dinner.■

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Wellbeing in the workplace

Companies are starting to realise the need to invest time, energy and resources into creating workplaces that embrace employee wellbeing, as Sue Kohn-Taylor explains.

I’VE BEEN WORKING in the people development, coaching and wellbeing space for over 12 years. What I have noticed is employee health and wellbeing becoming a key focus of successful, caring and innovative businesses. Companies are starting to realise that supporting their employee health and wellbeing isn’t just something to pay lip service to.

Cost benefits to your business

Scientific studies have shown the cost of not having a workplace wellbeing programme to be greater than the cost of implementing one. High turnover rates, stress, employee absenteeism and presenteeism [working when sick] and general low employee morale and energy levels are all good reasons for putting in place a workplace wellbeing programme and creating a culture of caring.

Workplace wellbeing covers both your physical and mental 72

December 2019/January 2020

state. If we aren’t mentally, physically and emotionally healthy, we cannot fulfil our potential in our personal lives or at work.

According to the latest statistics, 50% of us will suffer a mental health problem during our lifetime. Even those who don’t will almost certainly face times of great stress or uncertainty that impact their mental wellbeing.

These difficulties are inevitably brought into the workplace. This makes wellbeing everyone’s responsibility. And like many aspects of work, we must collaborate and support each other to succeed.

Master Plumbers wellbeing programme

I am working with the Master Plumbers team to bring wellbeing into the heart of the organisation’s culture—to design and implement a wellbeing programme that offers education, activities, tools and strategies to effectively help individuals manage stress, build resilience, focus, find balance, and help them develop their mental and physical fitness. This flows

there are key things we all need to do every day to keep our minds and bodies fit and strong

through to promote happiness, health, engagement and success for everyone.

A wellbeing survey was recently sent to apprentices and head office employees, and their feedback will be used to form part of the programme. Our challenge is to provide a variety of information and activities, so there will always be something of interest to everyone.

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Taking individual responsibility

What I do know after years of working in this space is that individuals must take responsibility too. If you’d like to help your mental and physical wellbeing, then you need to take action and participate in what’s on offer—be in the driver’s seat of your life.

I have worked with 1000s of people over the last 10 years and I know first-hand there are key things we all need to do every day to keep our minds and bodies fit and strong to deal with the pressure and challenges life throws at us.

The development of wellbeing programmes, people and their mental fitness is now my greatest enjoyment—showing individuals how it can transform their career and personal life! I love to help people understand themselves and how to handle the ups and downs of life, so they can flourish. ■

HDPE PLASTIC

Top sleep tips

To get the ball rolling on wellbeing in your workplace, here are some tips for top sleep to share with your team.

• Try and minimise screen time after 7pm from Sunday night to Thursday. Why? The blue light from a screen stops the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, which we need in good doses.

• Dull the lights in your house after dinner as this starts telling your body it should be getting ready for sleep. In conjunction with this, do relaxing activities and be calm in what you do. This all helps slow down the body and reduce the hyping hormone cortisol, which stops us from going to sleep.

• As you lie in bed, take about five long, slow, deep belly breaths. This also tells your body to be calm and relaxed. Focus just on this process of breathing. If you find you need to keep going, then great. It all helps relax the body and mind and again reduces the cortisol stress hormone.

About the author: Sue Kohn-Taylor is the founder of The Mental Fitness Company, a fast growing technology and services business specialising in employee wellbeing solutions, personal development and mental fitness. www.suekohn-taylor.com

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Work-related cancers Each year in New Zealand, there are around 750-900 deaths from work-related health issues, with cancers making up around half of these. So what’s being done to bring those numbers down?

A RECENT STUDY by The Lancet Oncology highlights concerns around the standard of diagnosis and treatment of cancer being offered in New Zealand compared to similar countries. But WorkSafe New Zealand says that a greater focus needs to be placed on prevention, and protecting workers’ health from exposures linked to cancer should be made a priority.

Invisible harm

“More harm is caused every year by workrelated cancer than all the injuries and deaths from workplace incidents,” says WorkSafe General Manager Strategy and Performance Jude Urlich. “The effects of a workplace accident are often immediately visible. But the effects of exposure to a work-related health risk may not become visible for days, months or even decades.

“Workplaces need to be focusing on prevention of work-related cancers through reducing worker exposure to asbestos, diesel engine exhaust, silica dust, wood dust, fumes or vapours from some metals and industrial chemicals, unhealthy working hours, and other risks that have been linked to cancers.”

The list of cancers that have been linked to work is long but includes lung cancer, mesothelioma, and melanoma.

Reducing workplace exposure

WorkSafe is in the early stages of developing a three-year action plan to reduce exposure to carcinogens at work.

This will contribute to the Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Action Plan, 74

December 2019/January 2020

Work-related health data The revised estimate for work-related health deaths each year is:

750-900

Of all estimated 750 deaths APPROXIMATELY

50%

are caused by cancers

Main causes of non-cancer deaths

APPROXIMATELY

250

DEATHS (approximately 35% of all deaths)

Lung cancer Asbestos related lung cancer accounts for about half of these deaths. Other important causes are silica dust and diesel engine exhaust.

DEATHS (approximately 30% of all deaths)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (from exposure to vapours, dust, gases and fumes).

APPROXIMATELY

80

DEATHS (approximately 10% of all deaths)

Ischaemic heart disease (mostly from exposure to low job control and second hand smoke).

APPROXIMATELY

30

90

APPROXIMATELY

DEATHS (approximately 10% of all deaths)

Mesothelioma Asbestos related cancer of the lining of the lungs and other organs.

25

DEATHS (approximately 3% of all deaths)

Breast cancer (from exposure to shift work)

THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR WORK-RELATED HEALTH HOSPILISATIONS IS 5,000-6,000

APPROXIMATELY

200

APPROXIMATELY

One third caused by cancer

Two thirds non-cancer

APPROXIMATELY

APPROXIMATELY

Non-melanoma skin cancer

Lung cancer

20%

10%

APPROXIMATELY APPROXIMATELY

30% 15% Respiratory COPD

Ischaemic heart disease

APPROXIMATELY

5%

Asthma

APPROXIMATELY

APPROXIMATELY

Depressive episode

Anxiety disorders

5%

2%

DEATHS (approximately 4% of all deaths)

Asbestosis All percentages and breakdowns are of the lower estimates: 750 deaths and 5,000 hospitalisations.

Above: Annual work-related health data, based on a new WorkSafe infographic.

82

February/March 2019

HEALTH & SAFETY

which states that prevention of cancer could be the biggest contributor to improving overall cancer outcomes, as well as achieving equity.

“There are known, effective methods for preventing or significantly reducing exposure to most workplace carcinogens,” says Jude Urlich. “These include eliminating or substituting carcinogens or processes that produce them, using effective ventilation systems, and reducing the amount of time workers spend doing work that may expose them to carcinogens. Personal protective equipment [PPE] is a last resort and should not be the main method of protecting workers from carcinogens.” ■

Work-related health facts •

• •

•

Annually, an estimated 750-900 people die from work-related health issues in NZ Of all estimated 750 deaths, about half are caused by cancers.

A worker is 15 times more likely to die from a work-related disease than from a workplace accident The cost to NZ of cancer caused by work is at least $320 million

•

•

each year in lost health alone There are an estimated 5,000-6,000 hospitalisations each year due to work-related ill health By law, businesses must manage both the health and safety risks caused by their work. That includes managing risks to mental health as well as physical health and safety.

Toolbox tips Some brief health and safety messages to share with the team at your next toolbox meeting.

New mental health & wellbeing award

Working with other businesses?

Is your business committed to employee mental health and wellbeing? Site Safe has created a new award to recognise businesses that go above and beyond to support their workers, with the first Kalmar Construction Mental Health and Wellbeing Award winner announced in November. Health and safety is about more than hard hats and hi-vis, says Site Safe chief executive Brett Murray. “Recent research conducted by Site Safe has shown workplace pressures were a contributing factor in almost a third of construction suicides between 2007 and 2017.”

If your business works as a subcontractor to a lead contractor, your health and safety obligations can overlap with others in the contracting chain. Not sure who is responsible for managing health and safety duties? WorkSafe has new guidance at www.worksafe.govt.nz/managing-health-and-safety/gettingstarted/understanding-the-law/overlapping-duties/pcbusworking-together-advice-when-contracting

Protective clothing guidance WorkSafe has new guides on choosing and using personal protective equipment (PPE). It’s important to remember that, PPE is a last resort when all other control measures can’t eliminate or minimise risks. Other key points: • It must be the right size and fit, reasonably comfortable, regularly maintained, repaired and replaced • Employers can’t pass the cost of providing PPE on to workers or make them provide their own • Employers must discuss with workers any decisions around choosing or making changes to PPE. Find the guidance at www.worksafe.govt.nz (type PPE in the search bar).

Reducing noise at work WorkSafe has produced a series of five animated videos explaining simple ways to reduce noise at work. Watch them at www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/noise/managingnoise-risks

December 2019/January 2020 75

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

New products & services Check out these marketplace movers and shakers.

Make your life easier with pwGO Download Plumbing World’s brand-new purchasing app!

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Order from thousands of products without leaving site – saving time and money • Choose ‘in-store collection’ or ‘delivery’ • View product spaces & safety data sheets • Manage favourite products with custom lists.

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Modern solution to an old problem The Wydaflow adjustable shower tray solves the problem of misaligned drains in Kiwi homes plumbed out to AS/NZS 3500.

An Australian product, the Wydaflow shower tray provides an adjustable waste outlet region, so fixed pipework can be connected anywhere within this zone. The ABS injection-moulded shower tray is adjustable in relation to rigid pipework and walls, which means no jackhammering is needed. Installers can see where to fit the required drain through the transparent centre tray. The outer tray can be fitted and left until the job is finished, and the centre portion can be installed at any time afterwards, allowing tilers, plumbers and painters to stand on the floor inside the tray.

Suitable for homes plumbed out to AS/NZS 3500 waste pipe systems of 50mm or larger.

• Quick and simple to install • Available in a variety of colours • Stainless steel option • Easy maintenance.

Check out the video at www.wydaflow.com 76

December 2019/January 2020

Bath Co’s new range of Rimless Toilet Suites Specifically designed with a fully back-towall shape, Bath Co’s new range of Rimless Toilet Suites are a true triumph.

As these toilets offer a rimless design, they’re far more hygienic, easier to clean and have a more efficient flush than standard alternatives. Featuring a luxurious white gloss finish and made of ceramic, the look is completed with a soft-close seat, avoiding noisy slams—perfect for family bathrooms.

• Rimless design for a more hygienic & easy to clean toilet • Made of ceramic with a white gloss finish • Soft close toilet seat included • 5 year pan warranty, 15 year in-wall cistern warranty. www.bathco.co.nz

Caroma Cosmo Black Accessories Practical and easy-to-install, Caroma Classic’s Cosmo Black Accessories deliver a touch of everyday luxury with their good-looking designs.

•

Smooth clean lines to suit modern bathrooms • Metal construction ensuring durability • Suitable to be installed in all plastered and tiled bathrooms • Stylish black finish caroma.co.nz

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

MIG magnificence Kemppi has released a new, tough and cost-effective X3 MIG Welder for MIG welding and carbon arc gouging.

The new Kemppi X3 MIG family is an evolution of Kemppi’s HiArc MIG range. The X3 is a basic, cost effective MIG alternative to Kemppi’s premium FastMig welding family, but with a high duty cycle and robust design is suitable for tough and demanding conditions.

Available as a gas-cooled MIG/MAG welding package with carbon arc gouging, the X3 MIG Welder delivers excellent performance with up to 500 amperes at a 60% duty cycle. The machine is equipped with a wire feeder for 300mm wire spools and accepts wire diameters from 0.8 to 1.6mm, and with cored wires up to 2.0mm. It also offers outstanding welding control to deliver quality welds.

•

Functions include Crater Fill, Burn Back, Hot Stop, Soft Start, Hard Ignition and Creep Start • Energy efficient • Impact resistant dual-skin cabinet • Compact and lightweight • Ergonomically positioned handles • Carriage and wheel set options • Simple to operate.

For more information, call Matt Heron, Kemppi Regional Sales Manager, New Zealand on 0220 200 626; matt.heron@kemppi.com www.kemppi.com

Ultimate tradie rig guide Aussie roof storage experts Rhino-Rack present a comprehensive guide to the ultimate tradie rig.

Pioneer Tradie (2128mm x 1426mm) Designed to transport ladders, pipes and other work-related products on your 4WD or ute. Made from tough reinforced nylon and aluminium. Non-corrosive powder coated outer coating that won’t fade in the sun.

Rapid Locking Straps (5.5m) Quick, easy and safe way to secure your load. Each strap features a lockable cover, PU coated wire encased through strap length, and a rubberised, corrosion resistant cam buckle. Tested to AS4380:2001 and Masterfit key compatible.

Conduit Clamp Set (2pcs) and Conduit Carrier The BC2 Conduit Clamp Set will adapt a 100mm Conduit Carrier to a Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty Bar. Mount above or below bar with two sturdy clamps. The P30-100 Conduit Carrier is 3m long and 100mm in diameter and has a built-in Masterkey compatible steel lock.

Ladder Rack Fully H&S compliant and rigorously crash tested ladder rack system (2.6m) featuring a rear roller for effortless loading and unloading.

Adjustable Load Holder (Heavy Duty Bar) Secure your load in position to prevent sliding in transit. RLH1 designed to fit Rhino-Rack’s Heavy Duty Bars.

View the full product range at www.rhinorack.com.au

Valencia Elite: the complete package With the addition of more shapes and sizes, Englefield’s newest shower range, Valencia Elite, is now complete.

Englefield’s Valencia Elite range delivers market-leading ease of installation, best in class aesthetics, operation and feel. Of the highest quality and with great design features, Valencia Elite creates a modern, completely clean and uncluttered look, both inside and out. This ensures a truly compelling user experience. www.englefield.co.nz December 2019/January 2020 77

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Pumped and primed The new QSCP150iC Sykes pump from AllightSykes New Zealand has proved the right choice for a civil engineering company specialising in pipe bursting and drainage.

When Lower Hutt-based Perkinson Civil were working on a sewer renewal project in the Wairarapa, they needed a pump to assist in over pumping a 375mm RCRRJ sewer line being replaced by static pipe bursting in up to 130m lengths and replacing with SDR17 PE pipe. After careful consideration, Allan Perkinson selected the Sykes QSCP150iC to add to his growing fleet. The pump is fitted with a Perkins Turbo diesel and a Sykes 150mm compressor primed pumphead with a snore capability that can allow it to run dry for long periods.

Also fitted is a control panel that allows the end user to utilise the float control functionality. It is enclosed in a specially treated soundproof canopy enabling it to work in urban environments with low noise levels. The unit can be fitted to a single or tandem

axle trailer for added mobility, being bolted down or with tiedowns as added security.

For more information contact AllightSykes on 0800 4 SYKES; www.allightsykes.co.nz

Master Plumbers Recommends:

Featured Product

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New & Improved Felton Fusion Plus® Technology—Truly Future Proof The Fusion Plus® from Felton is an all pressure shower mixer supplied with venturi jets for better performance and user experience on unequal pressures. Its patented technology

allows for full front of wall access for maintenance and future upgrades, all without removing the faceplate.

• Improved, greater control of hot/cold water mix at 37°C-42°C* • Line test up to 1500kPa • Ideal for retrofit situations as no minimum length of vertical straight pipework is needed from the outlet of the mixer • Proprietary Felton F5 cartridge with anti-scald and flow limiter • Designed, machined and assembled in NZ • Watermark certified • 10 year warranty, extendable to lifetime Available now through your local plumbing merchant.

Above: There's no need to remove the wall lining for future maintenance or upgrades.

*Find out more at www.felton.co.nz/blog/fusion-plus-technology-truly-future-proof/

Master Plumbers Recommends shows consumers the products they can trust: for performance, quality and a manufacturer’s guarantee. View all recommended products at www.tickofapproval.co.nz

78

December 2019/January 2020

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AND FINALLY

DODGY Plumbing

Keep them coming! Send your Dodgy Plumbing examples to the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz

A bumper three-page special of dodgy plumbing, gas and drainage photos for your holiday enjoyment.

Sent in a photo and haven’t seen it yet? Please bear with us as we work our way through all the entries!

Moulded and mouldy Nice home job… not

This photo of a homemade copper tee with polybutylene branch attached was sent in by Shaun Rosacker at Bell Plumbing. “Knead It had been used to mould round the tee to try make [it] watertight and then sleeved with rubber tube to attach the [branch]. Nice effort.”

These photos, also sent in by Shaun Rosacker, are of a second-storey pan connector that had been heated and moulded to try and fit over the branch of an 80mm square junction on its back. “This would explain the damp and very smelly room underneath,” says Shaun.

Waste not

Thanks to Paul McCallum for this photo of a pump line connection from a new sleep out to the existing toilet waste pipe, looking through the pipe from the drain to the vent. “The pipe looking down in the pic was the toilet waste,” says Paul. “Funny thing is [it] had been there for over a year and never blocked but was leaking on the path. Lots of other substandard work done by the builder/handyman.”

80

December 2019/January 2020

AND FINALLY

There she blows

Thanks to Tom Crouch of RJ Crouch Ltd for sending in these photos.

“We got an emergency call for a leak in a kitchen cupboard,” says Tom. “On arrival, one of my plumbers found the pictured. The owner had owned the property for about a year and converted from a low pressure HWC cylinder to instantaneous gas about six months ago, so it took that long to blow through the crimp ring protector.”

Vinny the root slayer!

That's a first

"Certainly a different way to install a trap—I haven’t seen one done this way before," says Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing, who sent in this photo.

Thanks to Mike Gooch of Glennies for sending in this photo. “A very proud apprentice Vinny Roth dragged this mammoth root from a drain—just in the nick of time to avert a dig up! Impressive eh?”

Ready to roll

“Have a look at this beauty,” says Colleen Upton of Hutt Gas and Plumbing, who sent in this photo. “Brand new installation done by gasfitter who couldn’t be bothered waiting for the 45kg bottles to be delivered. Got to love the ladder as an extra touch. Apparently they thought the LPG suppliers could deliver the 45kg bottles and put the chain on (which they left on site). Million dollar plus house.

“Do they not know their obligations? How could they certify this without the 45kg bottles as they are certifying it is safe (so will need chain on bottles) and gas testing…

The poor homeowner will think they did him a favour so he could use his water heater.”

December 2019/January 2020 81

AND FINALLY

DODGY Plumbing

UED

CONTIN

Hole lotta trouble

“I found this at a Christchurch address where the owner complained about hearing a water leak under an inaccessible floor,” says Paul Ambler of AF Plumbing Services. “After removing the oven to gain access, I couldn’t believe what I saw. What is even worse is that the owner assured me it was done by a qualified plumber!! You can see the hole in the 25mm copper pipe with the ‘repair’ moved. You can see that they tried to weld it as well.”

How to report dodgy work The easiest way to notify the PGDB about non-compliant work: • Go to the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (android) • Type PGDB in the search bar • Download the Report A Cowboy (R.A.C) app free • Get using it!

The claim game

These photos of an “interesting” new installation pipe out were sent in by Kerry Robertson of Apex Plumbers. “The owner complained because they were unable to have the HWC relief valve replaced under warranty—but claimed the valve was replaced by [the cylinder manufacturer]—go figure.”

“And yes. Claimed it was installed by a plumber.”

Please send the biggest size photos you have.

The bigger the file, the bigger we can show it on the page!

82

December 2019/January 2020

If you come across a gas installation you think presents immediate danger: • advise the property occupant immediately • seek permission to make the scene safe • contact Energy Safety-WorkSafe on 0800 030 040 or via the online installation fault notice form at www.energysafety.govt.nz/ forms/installation-fault-notice-form • contact the PGDB on 0800 743 262

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