NZ Plumber April-May 2023

CYCLONE RECOVERY

“The

5

When

DOMESTIC HEATING INSTALLATIONS

Get

Volume 75, Number 2

MAGAZINE TEAM

CEO

Greg Wallace

EDITOR

Beverly Sellers 0272 923 923 bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz

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Doing it tough

Grayson Allen of Peak Plumbing & Gas in Havelock North was generous with his time in talking to me about the full impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

He described that first sleepless night when the gale force winds and horizontal rain arrived; the devastation wreaked over the following days; the urgent work to get temporary power back to septic tanks and rural water supplies; the intensive silt clear up needed to access people’s homes; the pricing of jobs for insurance assessments; and the long journey ahead to put properties to right. Some of his clients and his fellow Master Plumbers members in the region have lost everything and had their lives turned upside down overnight.

The proposed programmes are set to be finalised this April, after which a transition plan will be developed for all providers with the aim of minimising disruption for learners. The expected transition date is January 2024.

Read about this and other projects underway at Waihanga Ara Rau on page 22.

The 2023 New Zealand Plumbing Conference takes place in Ōtautahi Christchurch a few days from now. It will be great to catch up with our readers, contributors and advertisers at the event and we look forward to bringing full coverage in the next edition.

See you there!

NZ Plumber is the official magazine of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc. Contact details for the Master Plumbers board, 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letters and other material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled ‘Not for Publication’.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.

Turn to page 14 to read Grayson’s account and, for readers who have been personally affected, we are thinking of you. After the initial adrenaline, anxiety and depression can kick in, and Master Plumbers Wellbeing Guy Kereama

Carmody offers his support on page 69.

Changes are ahead for apprentice qualifications, with the Waihanga Ara Rau WDC having presented its proposals for a new PGD training delivery programme to industry representatives via webinar and face-to-face meetings.

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

It’s a long road ahead for plumbing businesses in the cyclone hit regions of the North Island.

Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua

COVER STORY

Life wasn’t easy growing up for brothers Scot Pearce and Royce Parker but with the input and influence of others, some hard work and perseverance, they’ve developed a successful West Auckland plumbing business together. Twelve years since it started, Water to Waste has grown to be an in-demand plumbing and drainage operation for commercial clients, private customers, schools and film production companies. With a business focus on social responsibility and environmental efficiency, Scot and Royce like to give back where and when they can. Turn to page 34 to read their story.

Firstly, I want to pass on my best wishes to everyone in areas impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. There has been extreme devastation and this has affected some Master Plumbers’ members, who have lost their properties and business premises.

It’s hard to comprehend from afar the extent of the damage, but the estimated $30 billion needed for recovery is second only to the Canterbury earthquakes. With many people left without drinking water or sanitation for a considerable amount of time after the cyclone, we are again reminded of just how essential our key services are.

Master Plumbers quickly decided our best support for the recovery would be to set up a fundraising campaign through a Givealittle page and we’re proud to have grown the funds to in excess of $55,000. I’d particularly like to thank the branches and associations who have contributed across the Master Plumbers’ motu, as well as Marley New Zealand for their generous $10,000 donation.

In the coming weeks, the team in Wellington are heading up into the affected regions to discuss how best we can fund specific projects relating to our industry.

On page 20, we highlight the lack of comprehensive infrastructure spend across Aotearoa New Zealand. Seeing images of a water main feeding Gisborne attached to an 80-year-old concrete bridge that has been washed away by the cyclone only serves to reinforce that New Zealand is trying to do infrastructure on a shoestring rather than having a proper bipartisan plan.

There will be consumers without water in Gisborne for a long period and it will

be interesting to see how the government addresses these infrastructure shortcomings.

You’ll see on page 22 that Waihanga Ara Rau are consulting on some significant changes to the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying training delivery regime. Master Plumbers is in discussions with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board about the potential of introducing endorsements on licences.

We believe endorsements will be essential for hydrogen and biogases but

This involves an appropriately trained person visiting a local business and completing an on-job assessment to ensure the tradesperson is competent in the specialist pathway being assessed.

Due to the general nature of the current qualifications, and the continual development of new and innovative products and technologies, we are unfortunately seeing some apprentices turn up to block course without any on-job experience in certain aspects of the trade, and it is very difficult for them to obtain the required learning at a block course.

It is interesting to compare our PGD training regime, which includes 18 weeks of block courses, with the Australian regime—where specialist endorsements have existed for over 23 years—which has a minimum of 24 weeks and up to 28 weeks of block courses.

there are some other specialisations, such as industrial gas and on site wastewater management, where we think endorsements could also play a crucial role in ensuring our trades are well qualified and experienced— and this should include on-job experience in these specialised areas.

There appears to be a level of confusion in the industry around the proposed new PGD qualifications, as there are multiple pathways to be able to prove competencies. One area that is proving successful is the workplace assessment project.

We need to ensure our training regime and qualifications are robust, and that apprentices are assessed and trained well—and it is my view that we need to incorporate workplace assessments into the qualifications.

On a positive note, we are gearing up for the big conference event on 3-5 May. We have some great guest speakers and we look forward to some in-depth discussions.

Greg Wallace, CEO Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ

I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions

With many people left without drinking water or sanitation for a considerable amount of time after the cyclone, we are again reminded of just how essential our key services are.

Grow

SUPPORT

Masterlink helps businesses train the next generation of plumbers, gasfitters & drainlayers. Regular meetings set goals, track progress, and check apprentice wellbeing.

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GETTING STARTED

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HEALTH & SAFETY

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Our hosts only pay for the hours their apprentice works for them each week. Masterlink pays for all their leave and when they go on courses. At no extra charge to our hosts.

PAY IT FORWARD

It’s your turn to pass on your skills. Every qualified tradesperson started out as an apprentice. Someone took a chance, gave them an opportunity, and trained them into our trade.

BUILDING PRODUCT INFORMATION: NEW GUIDANCE

From 11 December, building products manufactured in, or imported into, New Zealand will be required to include a minimum level of information.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has developed a guidance document to help the industry understand the new Building (Building Product Information Requirements) Regulations 2022.

The guidance includes:

How to comply with the regulations

Roles and responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and distributors

Information on compliance pathways

Definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts.

MBIE has also created templates that manufactuers and importers can use for the two classes of designated building products: batch/mass-produced; and custom-made lines.

Download the guidance at www.building.govt.nz/buildingcode-compliance/product-assurance-and-certificationschemes/building-product-information-requirements

What s’ up

THIS EDITION’S UPDATES FOR OUR INDUSTRY INCLUDE A LAW CHANGE FOR THE RETENTIONS REGIME.

Massive win for subcontractors

Plumbing businesses will have greater financial protection in the event of a construction company collapse following new legislation announced by the government in March.

The passing of the Construction Contracts (Retention Money)

Amendment Act will provide vital protections for all subcontractors.

Under the new legislation, companies and directors who choose to hold retention money against subcontractors will now be required to hold retention money on trust in a separate bank account, which is unable to be mixed with other company money or assets.

Information about the retention money held must be reported to subcontractors on a regular basis, at least once every three months. Companies who fail to meet their obligations to subcontractors will face strict penalties, including fines of up to $200,000.

The changes to the retention money regime will apply to new commercial construction contracts and existing contracts if they are amended from six months after the Act is passed.

Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace says Master Plumbers has strongly advocated for a change to the retention regime, which can leave plumbing subcontractors seriously out of pocket if a head contractor’s business fails.

“We are pleased the government has listened to our sector,” says Wallace. “Master Plumbers has

FIT AND PROPER PERSON CHANGES

In 2022, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) asked for feedback on its proposal to require information about a practitioner’s fitness to practice when applying to renew their licence.

The PGDB has now resolved to proceed with the proposed change, which means plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers will need to answer five questions when renewing their licence.

always said we want any retention money held by main contractors to be fully protected. The new legislation will enforce this and the fines are substantial for company directors who fail to comply.”

As things stand, main contractors can choose to remove retentions altogether and Master Plumbers supports this as the best process.

However, where retentions are applied, the new legislation will give subcontractors stronger protection, says Wallace.

“Many of our members are small operators, who are at major risk of folding if a big construction company goes under.

“This legislative change is good news for their businesses and good news for all New Zealanders, as it brings greater security and stability to the construction sector.”

The PGDB says it is making this change as it became aware of some matters that reflected on whether some registered people remained fit and proper to be doing plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying—including allegations of serious criminal offending and health conditions that could seriously impact on their ability to do work safely.

Practitioners only need to provide information relating to matters that have

occurred since they last renewed their licence. The PGDB assures that all fit and proper person information it collects will be kept secure and confidential.

The PGDB has published Fit and Proper Licensing Guidance, plus guidance for practitioners on disclosing health conditions and how the PGDB will keep your health information safe. Find it all at www.pgdb.co.nz/trade/licensing

ACC COVERPLUS EXTRA (CPX) POLICY UPDATE

ACC will be renewing its CoverPlus Extra (CPX) customer policies from 1 April 2023. CPX policy owners can review and update their details, switch their communications preference from post to email, and change their cover amount in MyACC for Business: https://business.acc.co.nz

What is CPX?

If you’re injured and can’t work, CPX allows you to choose how much of your income you want covered and what you’ll receive in weekly compensation. This means your levy invoices are predictable, and the amount you pay will stay the same, regardless of your income.

CPX is a good option for people who are self-employed, and non-PAYE shareholders whose income fluctuates each year.

All injuries (at work and outside of work) are covered under CPX and policy owners are entitled to independence allowance, lump sums, medical treatment and rehabilitation to support recovery.

For more information on CPX and to see if you’re eligible, visit www.acc.co.nz/for-business/understanding-yourcover-options/optional-cover-coverplus-extra-cpx

PROPOSED CODE OF ETHICS FOR PLUMBERS, GASFITTERS AND DRAINLAYERS

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is proposing changes to four occupational regulatory regimes in the building and construction sector “to ensure the standards practitioners must meet are fit for purpose, and so New Zealanders feel confident practitioners are working with the right skills and care”.

Proposals include a Code of Ethics for the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers regime. Master Plumbers has provided feedback in support of this proposal.

The government will make final decisions later in 2023.

PEOPLE

PGDB appointments

Diana Kuhtz-Covich has been reappointed for the third consecutive year as Chair of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) in 2023, and Martin de Gouw has been welcomed as Deputy Chair.

“Diana and Martin bring invaluable industry knowledge and insight to the strategic direction of the Board,” said Chief Executive, Aleyna Hall. “I look forward to the work that the Board will do under their guidance in ensuring public health and safety. I would like to thank Barry Willcox for his support and guidance as Deputy Chair for the last two years.”

Diana is a Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter and has been a member of the PGDB since September 2016. She is a past recipient of the PGDB’s Merit of Excellence Award for Gasfitters. Martin is a Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, IQP Backflow Prevention, and holds an Associated Trades Electrical Registration. Based in Christchurch, he has been a member of the PGDB since 2019 and is also on the Board of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ (Master Plumbers).

SMELLING A RAT

Rats chewing through multilayer gas pipes at an Auckland property caused a major gas leak, reported the NZ Herald in February. The homeowner, who was overseas at the time, got a call from the builders working next door to tell him someone needed to open up his home quickly as there was a strong smell of gas.

The chewed pipe was discovered by the plumber/ gasfitter called in after the leak. The homeowner said he thought it could have resulted in a major explosion if a spark had been lit.

The company spokesperson for the multilayer pipe said new multilayer pipe installations are now required to be fitted with an excess flow valve to stop gas flow during a house fire or a significant leak. This requirement doesn’t apply to existing installations, but the valve can be retrofitted if desired.

UNAUTHORISED PLUMBING CONVICTION

Wellington man Faamanu Anae was sentenced in March for unlicensed plumbing and drainlaying at 12 properties from November 2019 to December 2021.

Anae has been ordered to pay $57,297.06 in reparation to his victims. “It is very disappointing that the trust of a community and their safety was taken advantage of by Mr Anae,” said Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board Chief Executive Aleyna Hall. “Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work is regulated in New Zealand to ensure public health and safety.

“I want to remind business and homeowners to check whoever is doing work on their properties that they have a licence to do so. Before hiring a plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer you should check our register to ensure that they are authorised to carry out that work.”

Diana Kuhtz-Covich.

Martin de Gouw.

Give blood, give plasma, give hope

Plumbers are being urged to roll up their sleeves by the New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS), which needs more than 40,000 new donors to join the registry in the next 12 months.

“Every week, more than 5,000 donations are needed to keep pace with growing demand for blood and plasma in New Zealand,” says Scott Pearce, Donor Relations Coordinator at NZBS. “One donation can save up to three lives.”

All blood types are greatly needed, although NZBS always needs donors in the A and O blood groups, given more than 80% of New Zealanders have these blood types.

“If it has been more than two years since you last donated, NZBS would love for you to become an active donor again,” says Scott. “If your details have changed, it might explain why we haven’t contacted you.” Those who have never donated before can

find out if they are eligible by visiting www.nzblood.co.nz

Those who have previously been told they couldn’t donate due to their age, or a medical condition, should also check the updated NZBS donor eligibility criteria, as they may now be eligible to donate.

Book an appointment online, via the NZ Blood Service Donor App, or by phoning 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325).

John Kendrick of Quix Auckland Ltd was among the six Bike For Blokes cyclists who rode for 26 days from Cape Reinga to Bluff in February and March, with the goal of raising $300,000 for two men's health charities. Anything raised over and above this amount will go towards Cyclone Gabrielle flood relief.

Bike for Blokes welcomes your donations at bikeforblokes.co.nz

Kohler will be marking 150 years in 2023 with limited-edition product releases, digital storytelling and commemorative apparel under the anniversary theme of Come All Creators. “Bold moves and an entrepreneurial spirit are in our DNA and have deep meaning within our organization—starting with our founder John Michael Kohler who formed our company in Wisconsin together with an immigrant workforce creating new and better lives for their families,” says Chair and CEO David Kohler, the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership.

“As we celebrate our 150 years of achievements, learnings, and growth, we encourage all passionate creators to join our pursuit of continuous improvement in providing gracious living for future generations through better design, innovation, wellness, and sustainability.”

John with his parents in Palmerston North.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Book your place at industry courses and events coming up around the motu.

28 APR – WHANGAREI masterplumbers.org.nz/events

Hawke’s

29 APR – NAPIER masterplumbers.org.nz/events

PGBD CPD Roadshow

3-5 MAY – CHRISTCHURCH plumbingconference.co.nz

Backflow Prevention Courses

9 MAY – AUCKLAND (FULL COURSE)

15 AUG – CHRISTCHURCH (FULL COURSE)

18 AUG – CHRISTCHURCH (REFRESHER COURSE)

10 OCT – WELLINGTON (FULL COURSE) nzetc.wsp.com/w/courses/362-backflow-prevention-2023 nzetc.wsp.com/w/courses/363-backflow-prevention-refresher-2023

FROM 3 MAY – NATIONWIDE pgdb.co.nz/trade/cpd

Gasfitting

17 MAY – HAMILTON

24 MAY – AUCKLAND

25 MAY – WHANGAREI masterplumbers.org.nz/events

For upcoming Master Plumbers training and events in 2023, go to www.masterplumbers.org.nz/events

Refresher Workshop

Bay Fishing Tournament

2023 New Zealand Plumbing Conference

Rinnai Infinity A-Series: General Maintenance/Service

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VENTILATION

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One of the worst storms to hit New Zealand in living history, Cyclone Gabrielle left a trail of destruction from Northland to Napier and beyond, as it tracked down the East Coast of the North Island. NZ Plumber talks to Hawke’s Bay plumbing business owner Grayson Allen about this devastating event and its lasting impact on families, homes and livelihoods.

AUTHOR: BEVERLY SELLERS

The first sign of Cyclone Gabrielle’s arrival in Hawke’s Bay came with darkening clouds on Sunday night, 12 February. By Monday, the rain was falling heavily and didn’t stop all day. The wind picked up around 5pm and accelerated quickly as the evening drew on. By the end of the day, the power was out.

“My family didn’t get any sleep that Monday night,” recalls Grayson Allen of Peak Plumbing in Havelock North. “Our 1928 bungalow was rattling and cracking, and water was coming in under the window flashings. We could hear the rain hammering and branches snapping, and then we heard one of our big trees go over

and smash onto the lawn. Nothing was coping. It was fierce.”

Fortunately for the Allens, their property is on a knoll, but when they looked outside in the morning, the neighbour’s driveway was under three feet of water and the surrounding orchards were flooded.

Power and comms out

Cellphone and internet coverage was lost overnight, with cellphone towers knocked over in the galeforce winds, and all the local radio stations were off air. “We had to rely on an old-fashioned transistor radio in our emergency pack to get information from RNZ National,” recalls Grayson.

With the power and comms out, and trees across the roads, the Allens could only check on the safety of their immediate neighbours that Tuesday. “We couldn’t let family and friends know we were fine, or check on anyone else’s safety.” Everyone had to wait till the Wednesday to check on their wider neighbours.

A sobering sight

Grayson recalls a sobering sight that day, as he drove through local communities to drop off generators and help properties in semi-rural areas get their pumped water and sewerage supplies going again, if they hadn’t been totally flooded out.

“With no communications, we hadn’t realised that all the main rivers in Hawke’s Bay had breached their banks early that Tuesday morning,” he says. “The flooding had knocked out communications to Eskdale and Puketapu, which is probably why they didn’t get any prior warning to evacuate.”

Much like Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay is surrounded by high ranges, which are the headwaters for several rivers flowing out through fertile plains to the sea.

Grayson reels off a list of riverside and coastal communities—Wairoa, Twyford, Pakowhai, Meeanee, Omarunui and many more—that were devastated by the rushing torrents of floodwater, sewerage, silt, debris, forestry slash, fallen trees, rotting produce and dead livestock. The stench is something locals have got used to living with, he says.

Clients in need

One of Grayson’s staff had just completed a high-end tourist accommodation project at

the home of an orchardist client. After the cyclone, the client’s house had been yellow stickered and all the new accommodation flooded. He wouldn’t be able to live in his home until an assessor had decided if it could be repaired or would need replacing. Everything had to be stripped out of the new accommodation—kitchens, bathrooms, laundry and plasterboard up to 1.5m.

The client was running on adrenaline, using a forklift and digger to try and remove the silt that smothered his property. The river of debris had knocked out the concrete gateposts and electric gates to his driveway and slammed two Portacoms up against the fence.

Orchard fuit that hadn’t been washed away was also badly bruised and winddamaged. “It’s estimated that only three percent of pip fruit in the Hawke’s Bay region had been harvested before the cyclone,” says Grayson. “And with sludge up to 1m in some orchards, it’s hard to get any labour prepared to climb up and down ladders to pick fruit that’s undamaged.”

Another client in Omarunui had rung 111 at the peak of the cyclone to say the flood waters were rising fast, cows were tangled and drowning in his tennis court net, his vehicles were awash, his boats upended and—worst of all—his wheelchair-bound wife was stuck in the house with no means of escape. With no emergency services able to attend, the client had to rely on a neighbour to bring his boat round to the first floor of their home and carry his wife out to safety.

Rural communities cut off Grayson’s extended family were badly affected too. His wife’s parents, who are dairy farmers in Patoka, were cut off with no power or communications for 18 days, and their remote community was relying on helicopter drops for food and other supplies. Food supplies and diesel for diggers, tractors and generators were in low supply and high demand.

“They drove out for the first time at the beginning of March, when the

This map shows Havelock North—where Grayson Allen’s Peak Plumbing business is based—and the Hawke’s Bay rivers that run from the surrounding Ruahine ranges down to the plains and out to sea.

MASTER PLUMBERS’ SUPPORT

In response to the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, Master Plumbers has been coordinating requests for assistance from affected members and offers of help from other members from its national office in Wellington.

Master Plumbers also set up a Givealittle page to help affected members get back on their feet.

In the immediate aftermath, the most urgent need was for generators to restore essential services, such as water supplies and septic tanks. At least two members had lost their own homes and suffered damage to their businesses— and the recovery effort will take many months, if not years.

Master Plumbers kickstarted the Givealittle page with a $10,000 donation, which was soon matched by $10,000

pledged with incredible generosity by Marley New Zealand. Donations also came in from various Master Plumbers branches and associations, together raising $23,000.

Other generous individual donations flowed in to help members with resources, necessities and disaster recovery aid for their businesses—with a total of more than $56,000 raised by the end of March. A huge thanks to everyone for their fantastic support.

Members of the Master Plumbers national office team, including CEO Greg Wallace and Wellbeing Guy Kereama Karmody, met with members in Hawke’s Bay at the end of March, and were set to do the same in other cyclone-hit regions over the following months to discuss members’ needs and provide wellbeing support.

NZ’S WORST WEATHER EVENT IN A CENTURY

Few weather events are as terrifying or as powerful as a tropical cyclone, said MetService in March as it summed up the Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle event, which began in the Coral Sea on 8 February.

According to MetService, between 12 and 14 of February, parts of Aotearoa New Zealand recorded rainfall amounts of 300-400mm, wind gusts of 130-140km/h and waves were recorded as high as 11 metres along some of our coasts. The official death toll now stands at 11.

army engineered a temporary bridge at Rissington,” says Grayson. “Their community have lost roads, buildings and stock and the massive clean up will take years. Dairy farmers are being told that, because of the lack of road access, they must dry off their herds and stop milking for the season, which is leaving them without an income.”

Insurance assessment work

For plumbing businesses in all cyclone hit regions, there is a huge amount of repair and replacement work to be done but it is not likely to get fully underway until insurers have completed property assessments.

By mid-March, clients were starting to ask plumbers to price up repair work for insurance assessments. It can be hard even to get under the house to see what’s needed, says Grayson. “Labourers who’ve come in from out of town are having to lie in the mud, shovelling out silt from under houses, so services can be accessed.

Master Plumbers General Manager Luke Pirie (right) thanks Scott Townsend, General Manager Marketing at Marley New Zealand, for Marley’s incredibly generous $10,000 donation to the Master Plumbers Cyclone Gabrielle Givealittle page to help members in cyclone damaged regions.

“For the first week after the cyclone, the focus was on volunteering to help with the basics— helping anyone needing to shut down their water or gas, making sure everything was safe, putting in temporary gas hot water systems, and getting temporary power back for priority water and sewage services.

“Plumbers also volunteered their digger, truck and excavator services, and associated fuel costs, to help out with the silt clear-up. Plus, many businesses gave their own employees special leave to sort out damage to theirs and others properties.

“Two Master Plumbers member businesses have lost their own homes to flooding, and another has massive silt and infrastructure damage. They are living with friends and family or in temporary accommodation. They’re feeling shellshocked and have been spending 24/7 talking to insurance assessors and shovelling silt.”

Will roads be cleared only

damaged again because of their vulnerable location?

Can properties be rebuilt in obvious flood zones?

Grayson says his sons Reuben and Tom joined him in helping with the general clean up of silt and rotting produce. “There were onions, apples, kumera and watermelons everywhere,” he recalls. “Reuben was pulling watermelons out of a four foot high hedge—it was quite surreal.”

Meanwhile, Grayson’s wife Cherie, unable to drive to her Napier workplace, volunteered for a week at the regional distribution hub in Hastings, helping load supplied produce and other donations onto pallets.

Adrenaline to anxiety

People’s needs are changing week by week in the regions, as the full impacts of the cyclone become clearer, says Grayson. With the initial adrenaline rush gone, many are feeling stressed, anxious, emotionally drained and in need of wellbeing support. There’s concern among residents in affected communities that, with the cyclone dropping off media headlines, they will be forgotten about.

There’s also the big question mark over what happens next. Will roads be cleared only to be damaged again because of their vulnerable location? Can properties be rebuilt in obvious flood zones?

“Some wonder if the Queenslander-style home is the way of the future for flood-prone areas,” says Grayson. “But even they won’t cope when a 40ft container comes bowling through like a piece of Lego in a torrent of logs and debris. This cyclone was strong enough for tractors to roll and diggers to tumble.”

These photographs taken by Grayson Allen show the extent of the destruction. Top: A client’s boat smashed up against his fence in the cyclone and his vehicles were written off, including the disability vehicle used by his wife. Centre: All radiators had to be removed from the house of this client, who hopes to have his heating back up and running in time for winter. Above: Silt under this house has to be cleared before work can begin.

to be

ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP

Grayson Allen of Peak Plumbing in Havelock North is extremely grateful to fellow Master Plumbers’ business Straight Flush Plumbing, based in Wellington. Ngaire and Jeremy Mansfield of Straight Flush made two trips with trailer loads of generators, power leads and boards, plug boxes, fuel cans, water bottles and a drain jetter.

Jeremy spent the first weekend helping Grayson assist the local community with power, hot water and gas repairs. Other flood-related plumbing work included pumping out septic systems, replacing pumps/air blowers, flushing silt from drains, replacing gas hot water units and stripping out bathroom fittings, so floors could be lifted and wall linings removed to allow the framing to dry.

McBeth Plumbing in Taupo also rallied to help, coordinating with the regional Civil Defence to provide portable shower units for use by communities doing it tough. Deliveries were made to Eskdale School, Tāngōio Marae and the Whirinaki Road community, among others.

The off-grid shower units run on gas and solar and are totally self-sufficient. They can be supplied with a 1000L tank for water supply and are made from two stacked IBC tanks.

“The response was immense, emotional and very humbling, so we know that a hot shower is a much needed ‘luxury’,” said Nina Andrews of McBeth’s. “Aside from the obvious sanitation, we know the mental restoration a shower can provide to these struggling communities.

“Not only have we received incredible support, but we must also thank the Laser Plumbing Taupō team and our own team for donating their time to this project. You are all legends, and we are so grateful.”

With Hawke’s Bay merchants running low on essential equipment directly after the cyclone, Ngaire and Jeremy Mansfield of Straight Flush Plumbing decided to help out with urgent plumbing work by stocking up and making two trips from Wellington to Hawke’s Bay.

McBeth Plumbing & Gas in Taupō made temporary portable showers and delivered them to communities in desperate need in Hawke’s Bay. Hygiene is essential for residents and workers in these areas, dealing with silt and water contaminated by sewage, rotting produce and dead livestock, among other hazards.

ECONOMIC IMPACTS

Disruption from Cyclone Gabrielle poses a challenge for several regional North Island economies over an extended period, says New Zealand economic consultancy Infometrics.

“Looking ahead, we expect that the floods in Auckland and the massive disruption from Cyclone Gabrielle will dampen economic activity at the start of 2023, before providing an artificial boost to growth as the recovery swings into action,” says Infometrics Chief Executive and Principal Economist Brad Olsen.

Where to from here?

When the repair and rebuilding work ramps up— possibly in the next two to three months—more hands will be needed by plumbing companies, who are already struggling to find skilled workers for their business-as-usual. With every road except one out of Hawke’s Bay involving a long drive through major ranges, getting supplies and equipment in and out is a mission in itself.

By mid-March, just one lane of the main Napier/Taupō road was open, and this was only to convoys of essential freight and services—with geotech engineers front and back of the line checking for safety. “It could take years before the roads are fully opened up,” says Grayson.

“The New Zealand conversation has been one of coastal erosion and managed retreat,” he adds. “After this event, dealing with flooding and extreme weather events must also be built into the long-term plan.”

In the immediate term, there are a lot of people who will need to be housed in the most affected regions—both those displaced, and those coming into the region to help with recovery efforts.

“Resourcing the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle will be difficult given the constraints already clear across the economy,” says Olsen. “Workers and materials will need to be diverted from other areas and other tasks to enable the recovery. There will need to significant capital investment to rebuild transport networks and re-establish primary sector operations.”

Government cyclone recovery funding is available to eligible businesses. Apply at business.govt.nz

The NZ Defence Force rescued stranded residents by helicopter.

Removing deep layers of silt from properties, farms and orchards has been the priority, and it has caused untold damage.

PHOTOGRAPH: NZ HERALD/WARREN BUCKLAND

“Someone told me long ago there’s a calm before the storm. I know it’s been comin’ for some time.”

So sang Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Turns out their 1971 release could have been a warning.

Or maybe that warning was from the myriad climate scientists and weather forecasters who have been yelling from the rooftops for years that the weather is changing, that we can expect more extremes—and no, little old New Zealand is not immune from what we are seeing overseas.

My business is water, more particularly how to ensure water is where it should be. I head the Master Plumbers organisation. It represents our plumbers, drainlayers and gasfitters—those good people who are doing their utmost in this latest catastrophe to fix the pipes.

Here are some things that I know. New Zealanders have a right to expect that our critical assets—airports, hospitals, roads, municipal buildings and other key infrastructure—are built and maintained to a level that protects against natural disasters like the ones that have wreaked such devastation in the upper North Island and other parts of New Zealand.

Reliable stormwater and wastewater infrastructure planning and management is essential for handling extreme weather of this kind— and the fact is, we simply have not planned and invested to the level New Zealanders should expect. There is no excuse for this. None.

Anyone who has travelled to Asian capitals like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur will know their infrastructure has been constructed to withstand monsoon conditions very similar to the extreme rainfall just experienced. Singapore’s rail network is its public transport backbone, given priority before any residential development begins.

In New Zealand, we see the opposite strategy. One building goes up and before you blink, 1,000 more appear in a new subdivision without proper analysis of the infrastructure needed to support it (let alone the building of that infrastructure).

In Auckland, rainwater retention tanks are being used in residential developments to ease the load on the stormwater infrastructure. That is like applying a band-aid to a gaping wound. It’s no way to future-proof our cities.

And when the infrastructure fails, another problem arises. With an estimated shortfall of 3,500 plumbers and drainlayers, New Zealand simply does not have the workforce capacity to keep up with the normal workload, let alone the extensive repair work resulting from natural disasters.

At Master Plumbers, we are acutely aware that plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting businesses are stretched to the limit by the combination of staff shortages and an all-time high in building consents.

During the height of the Auckland floods in January, Auckland Council cancelled normal building inspections for two days to prioritise urgent or essential works on thousands of affected properties. Whilst understandable, this highlights a massive issue for the plumbing industry—long delays in getting work inspected and consented.

We’re having to send inspectors from around the country to help with assessments of damaged properties in the upper North Island. Yet, all the while, New Zealand remains painfully slow in adopting modern technologies to speed up the consenting process.

Please read these two factors again—labour shortages and consenting delays—and know that it means huge waits in building and construction. We have been saying both these things to Government for years, in the knowledge that we must

There’s no excuse for failing to plan and invest in our infrastructure, says Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace.

RAIN DRAIN

Big Rain Events

Need Big Drains

fill the labour shortage and fix consenting delays to ensure timely building and construction. Not enough has been done.

We have three fixes to the problems, the first two of which are relatively easy to implement. Ironically, in the same week that Northland and Auckland flooded, the Government removed free trades training under its Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund.

At a time when we desperately need more plumbers, in the raindrenched week that underlined this need, and in the thick of a cost of living crisis, apprentices were told they now have to find close to $60 a week to pay for their training. If we are to deliver the necessary maintenance and protective measures, we must continue to support trades apprenticeships; to incentivise young people into plumbing and to get them to stay in this country. And we need to prioritise skilled tradepeople to migrate to New Zealand.

So the first fix should be to restore free trades training, but this time taking a targeted approach towards critically in-demand sectors, such as plumbing and drainlaying. And let’s attract more plumbers and drainlayers to this country.

Secondly, for electricians and gasfitters, a consenting process called self-certification (the people doing the work initially certifying it) is a reality. There have been minimal problems with it. However for the kindred trades of plumbing and drainlaying, it is a long-held pipe dream, delayed by endless bureaucracy.

Consents could be issued much faster if these trades could also move to a self-certification model, using technology to give evidence of compliance instead of the slow and cumbersome face-to-face inspections now required by overworked council inspectors. Remote inspections, using photographic and video evidence of compliance, must be fast-tracked to prevent painful delays.

Lastly we need to invest in infrastructure. Pipes are not as sexy as convention centres, but we have all seen that you can’t even get to the pretty convention centres if the roads are crumbling or waterlogged.

Now the flood waters have receded, there must be a full review of how our civil infrastructure has stood up (or not).

From this, it will become clear what remedies are needed to keep our hospitals, airports and roads operational, as we inevitably experience more climate change-driven events in future.

In the meantime, sing with me: “I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain, comin’ down on a sunny day?”

MADE USING CLEAN SOLAR ENERGY

This article first appeared in the New Zealand Herald

Allproof’s large capacity drainage systems are made from polymer concrete and 100% recycled plastic.

CHANGING THE WAY WE TRAIN

In this article, Waihanga Ara Rau, the Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council, outlines three projects underway to help ensure a successful flow for the plumbing skills pipeline.

Masterlink apprentice Finlay Nolet by one of the appliances he fitted during his on-job assessment with assessor and Masterlink Business Development Manager Peter Shields.

Waihanga Ara Rau has been working with people across plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying, along with the education sector, to make life easier for apprentices and for the industry.

They’ve done this through three projects:

PROJECT 1: Supporting at-risk apprentices

Waihanga Ara Rau has addressed training gaps for each trainee through assessments on the job. Their assessor has identified what is needed to prove that a trainee is competent in a particular task. This proof includes work plans, job sheets, employer verification (sign-off), photos, and other evidence the apprentice can collect to show they can do what is required within assessment standards.

For theory assessment, assessors are using a new process, where they apply their discretion and professional judgment to work with apprentices and subsequently deem them competent. Providers are now looking at how they might extend this to apprentices outside of the project, to help them progress through their programme faster.

This project will finish in June. Assessors on this project will get together in April to share what they have learned, and recommendations will be given to training providers. Providers will ensure pilot apprentices with outstanding or overdue requirements remain supported and receive help to catch up.

PROJECT 2: Revision of training delivery model

A draft programme framework was developed in conjunction with the PGD Technical Advisory Group (PGD TAG) in early November 2022. Feedback was gathered from the industry, the PGD Board, providers, and apprentices at a series of webinars and in-person events.

The proposed NZ Programmes are due to be finalised in April 2023, via approval from the PGD TAG, and the PGD Strategic Reference Group. After approval, a transition plan per provider will be developed to transition all learners to the new delivery model without being disadvantaged.

Waihanga Ara Rau are aiming for the transition date of January 2024.

Look out for an update on this project in NZ Plumber’s June-July edition.

PROJECT 3: Capability and capacity review for PGD providers

A capability and capacity review for all PGD providers has been completed and a report is due to be published in April 2023 with the results of this mahi. This will help the sector to understand the provider environment, and what needs to be done to better support apprentices and the industry.

These projects are overseen by the PGD Strategic Reference Group and are funded by the Tertiary Education Commission.

They are due for completion at the end of June 2023. However, Waihanga Ara Rau will continue to work with providers and industry to ensure apprentices remain supported and recommendations from these projects are adopted.

For more detailed information about these projects, find an overview at www.waihangaararau.nz/latest-news/ pdg-project-improving-outcomes Or you can get in touch with Waihanga Ara Rau by email to moderation@ waihangaararau.nz

PROJECT TIMELINES

April 2023

Proposed new NZ Programmes due to be finalised

April 2023

Expected completion of provider capability and capacity review

June 2023

Completion of workplace assessment pilot

January 2024

Expected transition date to new NZ Programmes

Masterlink apprentice Dylan Robertson next to a gas hob he installed as part of a workplace-based assessment in Wanaka.

PLATINUM PARTNERS

Our Partners

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

GOLD PARTNERS ®

SILVER PARTNERS

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR A

Take the opportunity to protect your most important business assets—your people!

In conjunction with nib, Advice Financial can offer you a comprehensive medical insurance package for looking after your employees, so you can feel better about your business.

Putting your employees’ wellbeing first means they feel valued and encouraged to bring their best selves to work each day.

Advice Financial’s plan allows you to take a proactive position for your business and your employees—ensuring you minimise staff

Master Plumbers

downtime in an extremely tight labour market and providing an exclusive employee benefit. Your team will enjoy:

NO questions asked and NO stand-down periods. Immediate cover for pre-existing conditions like knees, hips, heart problems, cancers, hernias and much more A unique offer of up to $300,000 of nonPharmac treatments.

Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace—2023 Association Influencer

Master Plumbers is enormously proud to announce that CEO Greg Wallace is the recipient of a 2023 Association Influencer Award from the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE).

The award recognises Greg's significant contribution to the association sector and acknowledges his exceptional leadership and service to Master Plumbers. Greg's advocacy work and leadership have earned him massive respect among the Master Plumbers' membership and the wider plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying industry.

An independent judging panel selected seven 2023 Association Influencers from a total

Board Bios

DAVE STRONG DEPUTY CHAIR

Elected to the Master Plumbers Board in 2009, Dave Strong is currently Deputy Chair and Chair of Masterlink Ltd. Dave is Managing Director at Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services (MPG), which carries out

of 36 nominees for the award, based on their demonstrated influence, exemplary leadership, unrivalled guidance, strength in resilience, and service to the sector over the last 12 months.

“It has been our privilege to acknowledge each and every one of the nominated individuals for their tireless efforts to make a significant and lasting impact in the Association sector and to set a benchmark for future professionals,” said Toni Brearley, Chief Executive Officer of AuSAE, in describing the high calibre of this year's nominees.

Congratulations Greg!

plumbing, gasfitting, drainage, sheetmetal, light engineering and fume cupboard work along with backflow testing and surveys.

Dave joined the Master Plumbers Board as he believes it is important to give back to the industry. He also delivers Master Plumbers training courses, carries out complaint investigations as required, and sits on the Wintec employer partnership group.

THE MASTER PLUMBERS TEAM ARE BUSY GETTING THE FINAL TOUCHES READY FOR THE 2023 NEW ZEALAND PLUMBING CONFERENCE. HERE’S WHAT ELSE HAS BEEN GOING ON...

PAYSAUCE PAYROLL SOFTWARE: SPECIAL MEMBER OFFER!

PaySauce is simple payroll software that makes paying your people easy. They help you reduce the admin and get back on the tools faster!

Digital timesheets and leave requests go straight from your people to your pay run, for you to approve. Plus, PaySauce keeps you on top of PAYE, leave, deductions, tool allowances, public holidays and payday filing.

With direct integrations to your bank and Inland Revenue, PaySauce automatically deduct wages, PAYE and fees from your account to pay your crew, saving you time and hassle.

1. Ditch the data entry, paper timesheets and manual calculations

2. Track your time on jobs with start/stop functionality to increase accuracy

3. Manage your expense claims and reimbursements

4. Cost your jobs better with detailed timesheets right from the app

5. Pay your team right—no sleepless nights over compliance and legislation

6. Phone and email support from a friendly bunch of payroll professionals

7. Free onboarding and set up, or transfer from your current system

8. From just $11/month, no minimum term, no contracts.

NEW SILVER PARTNER: TERRA CAT

Terra Cat is New Zealand’s Caterpillar dealer. They are a business built on solid ground, with over 90 years’ experience in New Zealand as they continue to create strong relationships and close links to the people they work with—

In a new partnership with Master Plumbers, PaySauce is offering members TWO MONTHS FREE on any PaySauce plan. Get in touch with PaySauce today on 0800 746 701; sales@paysauce.com, www.paysauce.com

GOLD SPONSOR: YOUNG PLUMBER OF THE YEAR

from owner-operator family businesses through to larger corporates. They support those customers with a national network of facilities from Whangarei to Invercargill.

Terra Cat supplies a full range of Cat equipment, services and technology solutions, powered by people to drive tailored business solutions, enabling customers to be safe, sustainable, productive and profitable. They call it Power On The Ground.

Cat Mini Excavators from 1.5 to 10 tonnes deliver power and performance, giving you the strength and flexibility to take on any job. The Cat machines sport exclusive industry-first features, lower operating costs and simple servicing.

Master Plumbers is getting behind Plumbing World’s 2023 Young Plumber of the Year as a Gold Sponsor, and looking forward to cheering on participants from among our member businesses.

This flagship event is wellregarded in the industry, with winners put on the short-track to long-term success. Hundreds of contestants battle it out every year for a spot in the national final.

To register, go to: youngplumbersclub.co.nz/ young-plumber-of-the-year Best of luck!

Get to know the Master Plumbers team with our quick Q&A.

What does your role entail?

I am helping our continued membership growth and engaging with our current members to make sure they are getting the most out of the many benefits we offer. I’ll also be liaising with our Business Partners to ensure our members receive best in class when it comes to products, discounts and services to help their businesses.

What part of your new role are you really looking forward to?

I’m really excited to continue expanding the offerings we bring to all our Master Plumbers member businesses.

Why Master Plumbers?

As recent events have shown, the plumbing industry is vital to society, and Master Plumbers are the leaders in moving the industry forward. For me it was a no brainer.

What people do you enjoy being around?

Positivity is key for me. If you’ve got a positive outlook on life and are keen to help yourself and others around you grow, then I’m sure we’ll get on well.

Who inspires you?

NAME: Steven Lee

ROLE: Business Development Manager

Coming from Manchester in the UK and being a lifelong Man Utd fan, there can only be one option for me: Sir Alex Ferguson.

OUR WORLD PLUMBING DAY WINNERS!

Milwaukee Prize Packs

Congratulations to the lucky winners of our epic World Plumbing Day Milwaukee prize packs! In partnership with Milwaukee, we gave members the chance to win one of three Milwaukee prize packs of their choice, worth $9,000 in total.

The winners are:

First prize, worth $4,000: Terry Bircham, TJ Bircham Plumbing

Second prize, worth $3,000: Adam de Pass of ADP Plumbing & Gas

Third prize, worth $2,000: Mohammed Shamir of Tradespec NZ.

Congratulations all... Enjoy!

His leadership and management skills were second to none and he is without doubt the greatest football manager of all time.

What’s your happy place?

New Zealand!! Having originally visited in 2012 for my OE, I fell in love with the place and emigrated here a couple of years later. Whether it be the amazing Kiwi culture or our mind-blowing scenery, I count my blessings every day that I get to call this place home.

If you could invite any famous person round, who would it be?

So many options, but I’d probably go with Jimmy Hendrix. Having dabbled in playing the guitar myself, I can appreciate his incredible skills and could listen to him for hours on end.

What’s a perfect weekend?

Breakfast out with my family at a classic Kiwi café, followed by a nice waterfall walk with my dog Casey and then flying by the dairy on my way home to pick up that weekend’s winning lottery ticket.

And holiday?

I’d love to visit Antarctica or anywhere that’s a bit less typical than your classic lounging by the pool. However, having a lot of family back in the UK, my perfect holiday would have to be a white Christmas there with my niece and nephew.

CEO for the Day!

We also had a great response to our World Plumbing Day prize draw to Win a CEO for a Day. Well done to draw winner Sam Arundel of The Drainage Department in Mount Maunganui. Sam and his team are looking forward to having Master Plumbers and Masterlink CEO Greg Wallace with them for a day this May.

SITE SAFE AWARD WIN!

Master Plumbers was thrilled to win the Kalmar Mental Health and Wellbeing Award at the 2023 Site Safe Health, Safety and Wellbeing Awards. Master Plumbers was selected from among three finalists for this prestigious award, which was presented in early March at the Site Safe Evening of Celebration in Auckland.

The award recognises the success of the Master Plumbers Wellbeing on Tap programme, which has grown since its launch in 2019 to encompass online wellbeing resources, blogs and videos, an 0800 number to access

Wellbeing Guy Kereama Carmody, and our Wellbeing Toolbox Talk roadshow sessions.

The judging panel said the programme showcased an organisation going way beyond its legal duties and were particularly impressed with the growth of the programme. “What a wonderful initiative and a great model for other membership organisations.”

The construction industry can be a stressful one, and we are here to support all who work in our member businesses, our Masterlink apprentices and our employees.

Please pick up the phone to Kereama if you need to talk. Go to Wellbeing on Tap in the website member log-in at www.masterplumbers.org.nz to access the 0800 number. It is free, confidential, and available during normal business hours.

NEW MEMBERS

Nau mai haeri mai to our newest Master Plumbers member businesses:

Allwest Plumbing and Drainage – Auckland

Betta Plumbing & Gas – Auckland

Hot Water Cylinders – Auckland

NZ Plumbing – Auckland

Piped in Plumbing – Auckland

Powar Plumbing – Auckland

Stevens Plumbing and Gas – Auckland

Top Plumbing – Auckland

All About Plumbing and Drainage – Waikato

Alba Plumbing – Waikato

Create Plumbing – Waikato

Warren Plumbing – Hawke’s Bay

Euroheat – Hutt Valley/Wairarapa

Coyne Drainage & Civil –

Wellington

Synergy Plumbing Drainage and Gas – Nelson

Aquatec Plumbing and Drainage – Canterbury

Short Podcast Series BUILDING BUSINESS

Darryl McDonald, Roger Panton, and Bruce Turfrey, with combined industry experience of 140+ years, share their learnings.

Covering pitfalls to avoid, tips to win, and health and safety.

ON SPOTIFY

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE

In March 2022, Nick Paris of Aucklandbased Master Plumbers’ member business Plumbing Today was announced as the winner of our prize draw for an Applied Directorship Programme with Sirdar. Nick joined Master Plumbers Board Director Grayson Allen on the workshops, which ran over 11 months. With the programme now complete, Nick had this to say:

“I was truly honoured to be afforded this educational experience courtesy of Master Plumbers. The course was made up of a pretty wide mix of businesspeople, all of whom are currently sitting on a Board somewhere in the country—and therefore there were plenty of experienced and knowledgeable people in attendance for every meeting.

“Grayson was very relatable from myperspective, and had plenty to share. I was the rookie in the classroom and therefore the person most likely to benefit from it. That being said, I felt I fitted in pretty well.

“For me personally, it was a great experience. There was an enormous amount of content covered from culture, leadership, governance and strategy, just to name a few of the 11 topics covered.

“My learning curve was steep. However, I would summarise my key learnings as: You need to prepare for each meeting, contribute, listen, be professional, work as a team and never lose sight that your job is to grow the business in a sustainable

HOT WATER CYLINDER WOES

With yet another reported spike in hot water cylinder failures, this time in Whangarei and affecting stainless steel products, Master Plumbers wants to see water corrosivity tackled at a national level to protect New Zealand consumers.

The safety of water supplies for human consumption falls within the New Zealand Drinking-Water Standards. But there are no such standards for the performance of water supplies, in terms of how the water chemistry affects the appliances we use.

The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is a way of determining whether water is corrosive (negative LSI) or scale forming (positive LSI). The acceptable LSI range is between -0.30 to +0.30 LSI. Above or below this, and water is out of balance.

Hot water cylinder manufacturers include water supply chemistry, including the Saturation Index, within their warranties. In its warranty for low pressure copper hot water cylinders (LPCU), for example, Rheem states that the warranty will not apply to the copper

tank or heating element where the saturation index exceeds +0.8.

In Hastings, which has experienced a spike in LPCU failures, Rheem has advised this type of cylinder is not suitable for installation in two affected postcode zones, due to localised water conditions, and no longer covers new LPCUs installed in these zones under its warranty.

Master Plumbers believes water chemistry issues of this kind must be addressed through a collaborative approach between councils, NGOs and government.

“Consumers are being left out of pocket when their cylinders fail prematurely, and there needs to be some accountability,” says Master Plumbers General Manager Luke Pirie.

“We want to see a water quality standard that sets out acceptable LSI levels in New Zealand water supplies, and some form of centralised reporting. At the moment, the New Zealand public only becomes aware of water corrosivity issues if a hot water cylinder supplier reports a spike in product failures. There needs to be more leadership around this matter.”

and ethical manner. Thanks again for this wonderful experience.”

You are very welcome, Nick—glad it’s been of real value to your business!

WANT TO JOIN?

Master Plumbers is here to support all businesses in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry. Members are Quality Assured and backed by the Master Plumbers Guarantee. We offer a wide range of business resources, health and safety, HR & technical support, plus training and member discounts—and we advocate for our members as a collective industry voice. Get in touch today! Steven Lee 021 390 675 slee@masterplumbers.org.nz

Alana Fourie 021 985 894 afourie@masterplumbers.org.nz

Saniflo – making the impossible, possible

For over 60 years, SFA have been working to provide our professional and end consumer customers with increasing levels of sanitary convenience in their daily lives. SFA offer much more than technological know-how; we offer inventive, reliable, and easy-toimplement solutions; a state of mind and a way of doing things that led to the launch of the first Saniflo macerator in 1958. An ingenious idea that continues to revolutionise interior design around the world. Over the years, our expertise in pumping solutions has provided valuable help in a wide variety of sectors.

The Saniflo SFA range includes:

Macerators

The Saniflo domestic range of products means you can turn that unused space into the room you desire. From a shower in the loft to an en-suite or bathroom in the basement, there is a Saniflo product to help you even if there is no mains drainage or gravity isn’t on your side. A water supply, a discharge pipe and an electrical outlet are all you need for installation of a Saniflo macerator.

• SFA also offers an integrated toilet macerator pump, in the form the Sanicompact 43, featuring a compact integrated macerator pump.

Greywater pumps

Our range of greywater pumps makes creating that perfect space in your home easier. From an island in the kitchen to a utility room in the garage, we have a pump that can help you create the space you need without major remodelling.

• Because it is not always possible to bury a lifting station for your black water, SFA also offers the Sanicubic range. These are lifting stations that can be easily placed on the ground for easy installation and maintenance.

Sanifos

The Sanifos fully packaged pump station range lifts all wastewater from your building, whether that be commercial premises, such as an office block or warehouse, or a domestic dwelling. The Sanifos range has products that cope with all combined wastewater from your building and has twin pump and hi-lift pump options.

To check out our entire range visit our website at https://www.saniflo.co.nz/

OUT & ABOUT

It’s been an unimaginably tough start to the year for many in the North Island, so it’s great to see members able to connect and enjoy each other’s company at events in the region.

Allproof factory tour

Canterbury AGM

The Canterbury Master Plumbers Annual General Meeting was an opportunity to catch up with fellow members, hear an update from Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace, and acknowledge some individual Membership Milestones.

Allproof would like to thank Master Plumbers and all those who attended the factory tour in March. “The event was a great success and the feedback from it has been incredibly positive,” says Allproof Marketing Manager Chris Paterson. “Through the factory tour, attendees gained the opportunity to learn about the manufacturing process at Allproof, including the sourcing of sustainable recycled material, onsite power generation through solar panels and Allproof’s meticulous QA process to ensure the delivery of premium product.” Allproof also hosted Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace for an industry update along with Master Plumbers Wellbeing Guy Kereama Carmody and MATES in Construction to discuss wellbeing. The evening wrapped up with prize giving, food trucks and drinks.

Catching up in the Coromandel

The Classic Flyers Aviation Museum in Tauranga was the venue for a networking event in March, hosted by the Master Plumbers Bay of Plenty/Coromandel Branch. Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace and Board Member Sarah Jamieson came along to connect with members and provide a state of the sector update.

Golf for a cause

Northland and Auckland member businesses enjoyed a 4 Ball Ambrose tournament at the Bay of Islands Golf Club in March. Supported by BOI Plumbing and Gas and Blackrocks Construction, this Charity Golf Day donated 100% of the proceeds to two worthy causes: Kiwi youth charity BaldAngels Kerikeri and men’s mental health charity For All The Brothers.

AVAILABLE ONLINE OR PICK UP A COPY AT YOUR LOCAL PLUMBING MERCHANT

Meeting in Queenstown

Food, drinks and industry updates were on offer in February at the first meeting of the year for Queenstown Lakes Branch members, held at the Sherwood Hotel Queenstown.

BOND OF BROTHERS

Brothers Scot Pearce and Royce Parker have been in business together for 12 years, with a focus on doing what they can to help.

AUTHOR: NICK WALKER

Scot Pearce and Royce Parker used to talk about going into business together one day—but it ended up being forced on them in 2011, when Scot fell off a roof. Scot was running a one-man-van outfit and his brother Royce had only recently finished his plumbing apprenticeship. Scot says it was a textbook case of what not to do from a health and safety perspective.

“We were heading out on a family trip, and I had to stop and look at a quick job. I put a ladder up against the house and climbed up onto the roof thinking, ‘This won’t take too long.’ Wrong! The roof was dusty from pollen, and I ended up slipping.

“I slid all the way down, tore some of my fingernails off, tore about 20 metres of spouting off and bounced off the fallen ladder onto the ground. The ladder actually saved my life, because it was concrete below. Luckily, I only ended up fracturing my tailbone.”

As a sole operator, being off the tools wasn’t an option for Scot. He called Royce,

who handed in his notice from his job and got on board ASAP. This eventually doubled their ability to service clients in West Auckland, and in the 15 years since Water to Waste’s inception, it’s grown to be an indemand plumbing and drainage outfit for commercial businesses, private customers, schools and film production companies.

Lights, camera, action

“The film work is really cool,” Scot says. “It’s a lot of temporary bathrooms and kitchens for film sets and locations, paint and plaster wash stations, concrete production facilities... plus a lot more we can’t talk about!”

It’s an area of plumbing that could be easy to overlook, but talking to Scot, it becomes clear just how much is involved.

“You’ve got to facilitate all the extras and crew on sets and locations; they’ve got to be fed and provided with toilets etc. There can be recycled rainwater harvesting requirements if they’re in remote locations.

“Then you’ve got the greens department where you feed the grass and trees, so they stay alive. We’ve done mobile makeup and hairdressing facilities, plumbed inside rental trucks with fresh and wastewater holding tanks underneath.”

With key team member Rory Hosegood, Water to Waste has developed its own Wicked Washroom service. Bespoke portable bathrooms are available to hire for bathroom renovations, functions, events and filming. They’re fitted with flushing toilets, gas water heaters, a full-sized shower and vanity. A plant room hides all the pipework and macerating pump.

The Water to Waste team has changed over the years, employing up to 14 people plus contractors at one stage. The 11-strong team currently includes three Masterlink apprentices. Scot’s mostly off the tools, focusing on running the business, arranging and pricing the bigger projects, and handling areas like marketing and governance.

The Water to Waste team on a rare day when they were all together (except Masterlink apprentice Alana Zieba, who was on block course!).

Brothers Scot Pearce (right) and Royce Parker, who run Master Plumbers' member business Water to Waste in Auckland.

Royce deals with the day-to-day of the main projects, which means they only tend to cross paths at their 6am coffee. For the last 18 months, Royce has been mostly onsite at a 90-home subdivision, which is approximately halfway through completion.

Helping out in the floods

Water to Waste’s focus is to better accommodate their existing customers by being a full-service plumbing and drainage company. In saying that, they did revert to answering call outs in the flooding across West Auckland early this year and last year.

“We had a lot of regular customers that needed help with machines and equipment,” Scot says. “We did what we could with what we had. In those times, it’s not about the money, it’s about the relationships and making sure our team members, customers and family are taken care of.”

For many people, this year’s flooding wasn’t the first time they’d ended up underwater. Scot says a handful of other storms over the last few years have led to

people wanting to ensure their homes can handle more extreme weather.

“I’ve been out most of the last 10 or so days pricing extra drainage for people where their systems were inundated. Even with some of the new drainage systems, the water went straight over the top. People are now wanting bigger and better systems that can handle a greater capacity.”

Scot sees part of the fallout from this year’s heavy rainfall being a greater need to invest in good drainage. He says it’s been a huge wake up call to customers that it’s worth putting in the time to get things right at the beginning.

It takes a team

As well as helping locals with flood clean up and plumbing work, Water to Waste is a keen supporter of community organisations, schools, kindergartens and sports clubs. They have a focus on social responsibility, recycling and environmental efficiency.

Team culture is another thing that’s important to Scot, and it’s clear on the company’s website that they enjoy a laugh together. They have quarterly team meetings where they stop work for a day, go over things like health and safety, compliance issues and team birthdays. Occasionally this involves going to a manufacturer or supplier for extra education.

Whether it’s for his own staff or their clients, Scot’s mindful of doing what he can to help.

“Life wasn’t easy growing up, but with the input and influence from others, some hard work and perseverance, we have got to where we are today. It’s important for me to give back where and when we can.”

“Life wasn’t easy growing up, but with the input and influence from others, some hard work and perseverance, we have got to where we are today.”

SCOT PEARCE Water to Waste, Auckland

PHOTOGRAPH: ROBIN HODGKINSON

Scot mainly handles the business operations, while Royce is the Plumbing Manager.

MASTERLINK CELEBRATES TURNING 21 AND CONGRATULATES THIS YEAR’S MASTERLINK OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

TEN GO OUTWARD BOUND

Masterlink is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 Masterlink Outward Bound Scholarships.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Methven Caroma, our 10 winners will be heading to Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds on 28 June to join other construction industry apprentices on a fully funded 16-day Building Leaders course, worth over $3,000 per person.

Congratulations to you all and we look forward to hearing about your adventures!

Jason Beijerling

Jack Anderson

Andrew Smith

Christopher Linehan

Russell Hohaia

HELPING MATES TURN THE CORNER

Masterlink got behind our apprentices at Hardy Plumbing & Gas who climbed Lake Hawea’s spectacular Corner Peak in support of Wānaka builder Glen Thurston’s Turn the Corner challenge, with funds raised going to MATES in Construction. Glen climbed the peak 53 times over a 53-day period to raise awareness for mental health in the construction industry. Each year on average, 53 people in the sector take their own life. Glen’s project aimed to connect more tradies with the support they need.

Jack Conder

Jakob O'Dwyer

Henry Cooper

Raphael Smith

Lachlan Cuttance-Dunne

NEW REGIONAL MANAGER FOR LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

Masterlink is an official partner of MATES in Construction NZ, a non-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging positive wellbeing in the sector and preventing suicides.

Masterlink welcomed new Lower South Island Regional Manager Raewyn Meharg in March. Rae joins Masterlink from Plumbing World, where she managed their trade sales operation. Rae has lived in Queenstown with her husband and four children since 2007. She is looking forward to getting to know all the Masterlink hosts and apprentices in her region. Rae can be contacted on 021 356 748.

Participants on last year ’s Building Leaders course.

Masterlink milestones

WELCOME

A warm welcome to our Masterlink whānau:

Conor McNeill

Michael Henry, Christchurch

Michael Leadbetter

Morgan Thomas Plumbing & Drainage, Christchurch

Lennox Tomes

Heron Plumbing, Auckland

Noah Parsons

BLR Projects Ltd, Christchurch

Ethan Hill

Quix Commercial, Papakura

Shane Saega

Quix Commercial, Papakura

Wayne Mackintosh

EG Glennie & Co, Wellington

Zaine Murdoch

Impact Roofing & Plumbing, Dunedin

Stanley Dalwood

Galbraith Plumbing & Drainage, Auckland

Jack Farrell

Cunningham Plumbing & Drainlaying, Timaru

Luke Jenkins

Water to Waste, Auckland

Alana Zieba

Water to Waste, Auckland

Sam Charles

Menzies Group, Timaru

Ethan Foakes

Howden Drainage, Auckland

Jesse Wickliffe

Paeroa Plumbing

Daniel Davis

Paeroa Plumbing

Joel Dodd

Moods Plumbing, Christchurch

Anthony Vartan

McBeth Plumbing and Drainage, Taupō

Estanislao Braco

Universal Plumbing, Queenstown

Varinder Singh

Bassett Plumbing, Auckland

QUALIFIED!

Completing a Level 4 New Zealand Certificate is a significant achievement. Congratulations to Dylan Robertson in Plumbing, Drainlaying and Gasfitting, and Jacob Louie in Plumbing and Drainlaying!

Problem solving in action! Masterlink third-year plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting apprentice Jordan Stratford, in a difficult place to access, cuts an eroded section of 40mm copper pipe from New World Kaikohe’s water main, and gets ready to square, swage and reattach the meter so the supermarket has water again. Jordan is hosted by Total Plumbing & Gas in the Bay of Islands.

MARKING OUR 21ST

Masterlink looks forward to welcoming hosts from around the motu at Kong in Christchurch on 2 May to help us celebrate 21 years of nurturing and mentoring the next generation of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers!

Curtis Marsh is eight months into his Masterlink plumbing and drainlaying apprenticeship. He’s loving it and learning plenty with his host company Watco Plumbing in Whangarei. Curtis is shown here helping with a new build water main connection job.

Colin Kilpatrick Auckland 021 773

Steve Meadows

Walsh

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS

Walton Plumbing has stood the test of time. Managing Director Martin de Gouw shares some insights into business longevity.

AUTHOR: JE T’AIME HAYR

The 1929 NYC stock market crash kicked off the Great Depression of the 1930s; a time of increased unemployment, protests, and New Zealand’s first soup kitchens.

Not one to be put off by challenges, in 1931, Edward Walton opened the doors to his plumbing business, Walton Plumbing in Gloucester Sreet, Christchurch. Now located on Wrights Road, Walton Plumbing celebrated its 90th Birthday on 2 March, 2023.

So, what does it take to keep a business thriving for all these years? A strong vision and leadership are key, as well as diversifying and being ready to embrace change.

“The company’s initial service focus was plumbing and drainage solutions,” explains Managing Director Martin de Gouw. “Over time, servicing and repairing hot water systems became an integral part of the business. By the 1980s, Walton’s covered all aspects of commercial and residential plumbing and added drainlaying in the 2000s.

“Walton Plumbing now offers an extensive array of plumbing services—from residential repairs to commercial contracts, hightech fault finding to drain cleaning and more.”

Martin says Walton has earned client loyalty over many generations, with an honest service approach, fair pricing and always standing by their workmanship. “Walton Plumbing has a very strong brand and many generations of families have continued to choose us as their plumbing provider,” he says.

Credibility is important to the business too. As a member of Master Plumbers, Walton Plumbing stays up to date with the latest regulations. In addition to their plumbing and drainlaying services, they are also

able to provide essential electrical backup services, and the business is IQP registered to offer backflow installation, testing and repairs.

“These memberships and registrations, together with our long history and extensive expertise, means we come highly recommended,” says Martin.

Although times have changed, the company maintains oldfashioned values in customer service. “Our goal is to be approachable and transparent, with expert advice,” says Martin. Walton Plumbing also has a 24/7 emergency service, which team members alternate to cover. “A small leak today can become a huge problem tomorrow, so it’s crucial to resolve issues quickly,” he adds.

Walton Plumbing takes a progressive approach to business. “We continually invest in new technology and training, including introducing green technology, and a greater focus on the environment,” says Martin. “This has brought many new regulations and highly efficient systems.

Currently comprising a team of 25, Walton Plumbing was one of the first Christchurch plumbing businesses to take on a woman apprentice, Louise Stella, 30 years ago.

“Our goal is to attract new staff with our apprenticeship training and supportive culture,” says Martin. “In five years, we want to double the team. With more staff we can again tackle larger numbers of shop and hospitality fitouts, as well as grow our commercial servicing offer.”

No doubt, this is a business that can look forward to marking its centenary and many more years in business to come.

Managing Director Martin de Gouw and Director/Pricing Manager James Cowles giving the signature Walton Plumbing thumbs up!

Martin de Gouw making the first slice into the cake at Walton Plumbing’s 90th Birthday Bash in March.

The future of home comfort is all-electric

STIEBEL ELTRON offers solutions that can help to drastically reduce energy consumption. The use of intelligent, energy efficient technology, in combination with renewables, allows us to become futureproof.

SEVERE WEATHER EVENT HEALTH RISKS

How to protect your workers in the aftermath of damaging storms and floods.

The recent North Island severe weather events have highlighted the need for businesses everywhere to understand how to protect workers’ health and safety following severe weather events.

Floodwater contaminated by overflowing sewerage systems and septic tanks can cause disease.

Damaged buildings containing asbestos can be a bigger risk once they dry out if the fibres become airborne and are inhaled. Extensive mould in buildings and vehicles can be a health risk and

On the tools

should be dealt with as soon as possible. WorkSafe has published comprehensive advice on keeping safe during cyclone and flooding recovery on its website. It includes working with silt or contaminated soil, electrical and gas safety, portable generator use, and the role of PPE.

Find the WorkSafe advice at www.worksafe.govt.nz/ managing-health-and-safety/keeping-safe-duringcyclone-and-flooding-recovery

TOOLBOX TIP

Contaminated floodwater is just one of the health and safety risks from major flooding.

PHOTOGRAPH: NZ HERALD/WARREN BUCKLAND

AUTHOR: NICK WALKER

Hamilton’s Plumbing and Gas Works (PGW) has a reputation for taking on challenging work. Their ability to deliver on difficult, technical projects is something they pride themselves on. So, when they say a new build is more technical than they’ve done before, you know it’s been tricky.

NIWA is New Zealand’s leading climate, freshwater and marine science research centre. It has a vast range of scientific interests and activities, and very specific needs in its facilities. In 2021, contractor Foster Construction invited PGW to tender for the extremely intricate plumbing project at NIWA’s new facility in Hamilton.

Water for laboratories

The complex includes four buildings on site, with seven different water supplies and 20 different pumps feeding 62 rooms with around 12 main laboratories, and two amenity blocks. Water feeds include potable and non-potable, with raw, spring and salt water all delivered from a tank farm in an external plant room to within 0.5°C of the temperature requested from an internal control panel.

There are a whole range of safety stations, including 11 in one building alone, complete with deluge stations, eye wash stations and sinks. It’s been a huge job that’s still ongoing, nearly two years after PGW started.

The team at Plumbing and Gas Works is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of working on a complex plumbing project at NIWA’s new facility in Hamilton. NZ Plumber talks to them about what’s involved.

NIWA’s new Hamilton facility taking shape.

Potable water in stainless steel, non-potable water in copper and specialty water (sea, spring & raw) in PPR, within the ceiling cavity. This includes offsets to accommodate services yet to be installed.

“We’ve had three guys there full time since day one,” says General Manager Mike Foote. “It peaked at six or seven in some stages. Two of the team involved in this one were on the last NIWA build that we did 25 years ago, but that was nothing like what we’re doing now.

“Some of it’s more technical than we’ve done before, but what makes it unique is having all of it in the same building all at once. The big challenge has been trying to fit it into the space that we’ve been allocated.”

Five layers of services

“You’ve got up to five layers of services in the ceiling space, and the bracing gets more and more complex trying to maintain a 50mm clearance between other services.”

The team utilised a 3D model to show the coordination of all services at the start, which Mike says was crucial to figuring out how it would all look.

“I was on site with a laptop driving a 3D model so the boys could correctly position the fixings before other services were installed, which would limit access even further. I couldn’t have done without that.”

Second-year Masterlink apprentice Brendan Wood (left), hosted by Plumbing and Gas Works, has been incredibly fortunate to have been involved in a project of this size and complexity, says company GM Mike Foote. Brendan is shown here with Project Manager Greg Clarke.

One of the suite of open bench laboratory spaces intended for flexible use. This one is for NIWA’s freshwater group. The hairdryer-like units are suction units to enable ventilation of the immediate workspace, in case of odoriferous samples— ensuring staff comfort and safety through design!

But that wasn’t all—coordinating the order pipes went in was also important.

“The effects of the pipework we’ve put in when we’re at the top meant often having to wait for someone to go underneath and cross over the other way so we can carry on. Also, every service has to get their seismic bracing amongst everything else that’s all gone in. There was quite a bit to think about.”

The coordination of all the plumbing and gas work was on top of the “massive amounts” of integration between PGW, the mechanical team and the electricians working on the site concurrently. Mike says they’ve also had a lot of collaboration with designers and engineers at BECA to make sure the system would be fit for purpose.

“The building management system is done by the mechanical trade, with sensors and probes and all sorts of things attached to our equipment, so the NIWA technicians can monitor everything within any room from anywhere in the country. It’s all remote, so someone in Wellington will be able to check what the hot water temperature is in Hamilton.”

Unforgettable experience

Mike’s quick to credit the work of project manager Greg Clarke, whose experience has been vital to the success of the work. They’ve also had second year apprentice Brendan Wood on site full time, who Mike says is incredibly lucky.

“He probably won’t know it yet, but he’ll still remember that job in 30 years’ time. He’ll be lucky to get a chance to work on something similar again. There’ll be plumbers who’ve been working for 45 years who wouldn’t have experienced anything like it.”

Brendan says it’s been a massive learning curve, and one he’s excited to build on.

“It’s pretty cool to have this whole experience and being here through the whole thing. You have to be so on top of what you’re doing to make sure everything’s correct.

“You want to do things that are challenging. We’ve spent three months in a plant room—one small room with tanks and pipes everywhere. When you see it come together, it’s pretty cool.”

Work is still ongoing, with handover expected in May. The work of the PGW team has already attracted high praise from BECA, with senior managers calling PGW to remark that they hadn’t seen work of this quality for some time. As PGW contract manager Jacob Smith pointed out, “For an outfit such as BECA that is notoriously hard to impress, this is an outstanding result and something we should all be proud of.”

For Mike Foote, it’s a case study they can use going forward to showcase their expertise.

“Tradies have this thing where often fathers drive around pointing out jobs to their kids, and buildings they’ve worked on. My dad did it all the time, and as a kid you’d kind of roll your eyes. But it’s something you take pride in, and it’s one of those jobs that we’ll remember for the rest of our careers.”

“You’ve got up to five layers of services in the ceiling space, and the bracing gets more and more complex trying to maintain a 50mm clearance between other services.”

MIKE FOOTE General Manager, PGW

A completed lab sink with specialty water supply (left), sediment trap (underneath) and non-potable water supply (right).

SUPPLYING WATER FOR RURAL FIREFIGHTING

Some water to put out fires is carried in fire trucks, but firefighters can’t rely on this being enough to combat a large fire. In urban areas with reticulated water supply, pumps and hoses can be connected straight into the main supply through hydrants.

Where there’s no reticulated water supply— as in many rural areas—Fire and Emergency brigades use a combination of large tankers and other water sources, such as creeks, dams, ponds, lakes, swimming pools, or households’ private water storage to fight fires.

Code of Practice

In 2008, the New Zealand Fire Service (now Fire and Emergency New Zealand) published the Firefighting Water Supplies Code of Practice, which sets out how much water is needed to fight fires.

For reticulated areas, it describes the water pressures required when sourcing from the main water supply.

For unreticulated areas, it details how much water households or commercial buildings must store nearby for firefighting use.

These amounts must be accessible 365 days a year, so tanks need to be marked with the minimum required level to prevent usage dipping into the water reserved for fires.

The Code of Practice also provides details for installing connections to water tanks, and how to ensure the water can be accessed for firefighting use.

Around half of New Zealand’s district councils have adopted the Code of Practice, so compliance with it is required in those districts under local bylaws.

Other district councils either reference parts of the Code of Practice or have

introduced individual rules into their District Plans to detail water supply requirements.

Plumbers who need to provide a water supply for firefighting need to check with local councils what the requirements are for the district they’re working in. Fire and Emergency can also provide advice on this.

Where the water supply is stored in tanks, they can be filled from a bore, trucked in, or collected from rainwater harvesting.

Fire and Emergency can review a particular situation and approve lower minimum water storage than what’s set out either by the Code of Practice or the local council.

Fire and Emergency is currently starting work with Standards New Zealand to develop a new Code of Practice.

Home sprinklers

Homes which have sprinklers installed don’t need to store as much water for firefighting, as sprinklers can control a fire in its early stages, prevent property loss and even save lives.

While home sprinkler systems need to be designed by a qualified designer, they can be installed by plumbers.

These are often integrated as part of the main plumbing system in a house and should be looked at as an enhancement to a standard plumbing system.

Some plumbers install these systems as an additional funding stream for their business.

To learn more about home sprinklers, visit https://fireandemergency.nz/home-firesafety/smoke-alarms-and-other-safetydevices/home-sprinklers/

When firefighters arrive at a fire, they need immediate access to water supplies to put the fire out. Fire and Emergency New Zealand give the lowdown on what rural plumbers need to know.

The Firefighting Water Supplies Code of Practice 2008 sets out how much water is needed to fight fires. Work is now underway with Standards New Zealand to update the Code.

NEW RENAULT TRAFIC coming

soon

New TRAFIC has been thoughtfully redesigned to give you the freedom and flexibility in how you run your business, while remaining comfortable and practical. Plus, with new safety, driver assistance and connectivity features, New TRAFIC is built for the future. Special pricing is also available for Master Plumbers members. Visit our website and register your interest in this new model today. Expected arrival May 2023. renault.co.nz/new-trafic

40VMAX XGT BRUSHLESS

127MM BAND SAW

PB002GZ

• Up to 200% faster cutting 100mm steel pipe with 6mm thickness than the 18V LXT equivalent

• Constant speed control, blade speed remains constant under heavy load for faster cutting

• Variable speed via trigger and dial for controlled cutting in various materials

• High durability aluminium frame for stable cutting up to 127x127mm

www.makita.co.nz/products/model/PB002GZ

Q1: Has the correct model and gas type been supplied for the site?

A: The carton and appliance are clearly labelled with the model and gas type, so check before opening.

Q2: Is the appliance suitable for the room size?

A: Rinnai gas fireplaces are efficient room heaters. Check the product spec literature for recommended maximum rooms the fireplace will heat, and ensure the turn down rate is not too high to overheat the room once warm.

Before starting, check the way the flue is to be run complies within the maximum allowable for that appliance, taking bends into account.

Q3: What are the requirements for clearances to combustible materials?

A: The installation guide for each appliance explains in detail where you can use combustible materials and where you must use non-combustible materials. Most models are slightly different, so always

check the instructions. There is further data and drawings on the Rinnai website.

Q4: How important are the maximum flue lengths?

A: All Rinnai appliances have been tested and approved to the dimensions in the installation manual, so we can guarantee no problems with those dimensions. Bends do restrict airflow, so you must reduce the overall length by 1m for every 90° bend or 0.5m for a 45° bend.

Q5: How do I stop soot deposits on the logs and glass?

A: This is not uncommon with NZULPG because you can get high build-up of butane in your gas cylinder, which requires larger amounts of oxygen to complete combustion. Although the appliance is designed to accept 100% butane for a few hours, it is not designed to run continuously.

The way Rinnai achieves the most realistic flame picture is by combining tall yellow flames with some flame impingement on the logs to give red glow.

Setting up the logs and loose granules in the correct intended position is critical for best performance. Take special care to follow the installation guide and the easy-check picture attached to the glass of every unit. Our YouTube video clips on the Rinnai website also offer guidelines for selected models.

Q6: Do I need to set up the Wi-Fi?

A: Newer versions of the Neo, Novo, Ember, Evolve and Linear range have the capability of connecting to Wi-Fi and use the dedicated Rinnai Fireplace App for control. Some of the Rinnai fireplace range comes with the Wi-Fi module pre-installed and some require a Rinnai Wi-Fi module to be purchased separately and fitted at installation or later. Instructions are included and are also on the Rinnai website.

Q7: When I first turn on the appliance, I sometimes get error code 11 or 12 on the PCB. What does this mean?

A: Error code 11 indicates the flame sensing device has not registered a flame is present on the burner. This can be caused if the gas hasn’t been connected or turned on or if there is excessive air in the pipe that needs to be purged through the pilot injector. The pilot injector is very small, especially on LPG appliances, so this can take several attempts. Go through the ignition cycle at least 10-15 times before you determine there is a problem.

An error code 12 indicates a flame has been present but has gone out or the first of the two flame sensing rods (which are in most of our appliances) has sensed but the second hasn’t.

Q8: What do I do if I need help?

A: You can find all the information you need at www.rinnai.co.nz Register into the TradeSmart portal to access a library of information and training on the entire product range. The Rinnai New Zealand YouTube Channel is another handy resource. If in doubt, call Rinnai New Zealand on 0800 746 624

In this FAQ, Rinnai addresses common considerations when installing a Rinnai gas fireplace.

The Rinnai Linear 1000 gas fire.

HYDRONIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING: NEW INSTALLER TRAINING

The New Zealand Institute of Central Heating (NZICH) has introduced a training scheme for plumbers to help raise standards for hydronic underfloor heating installations in New Zealand.

Master Plumbers’ members who successfully complete the hydronic underfloor heating training also receive one year’s free membership to NZICH.

New Zealand currently has no regulation on hydronic heating standards for installers to work to so they can ensure the best possible systems are installed.

As a result, the New Zealand Institute of Central Heating (NZICH) is on its own mission to improve the industry through best practice and training.

Partnering to develop training

NZICH has worked with the British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC)—the UK’s leading provider of training, qualifications and assessment services for plumbing, heating and gas—to develop a new training scheme designed to raise standards.

“Working with BPEC, we now have a certified Underfloor Heating (UFH) Installer One course that will provide installers with a four-year certification,” says NZICH Secretary Paul Woodgate. “It also means we can approach architects and builders to develop greater knowledge and understanding of the right ways to design and install underfloor heating.”

Having previously worked as an underfloor heating installer and instructor in the UK, Paul had previous experience of BPEC, so he knew they had a training programme that could be adapted for New Zealand.

“They provided UK manuals and presentations to develop the New Zealand version, which covers all the main points in terms of British Standards while adding the features that are unique to how houses are built here,” Paul explains.

Mally Butters, BPEC’s Business Area Manager, says they were keen to work with NZICH and help raise the standards of hydronic heating installation in New Zealand— an approach that aligns with their values.

“We are looking forward to developing our relationship—working together can only benefit NZICH and the sector in New Zealand by improving quality and skills.”

Delivery through Master Plumbers

NZICH initially completed a pilot programme, with candidates undergoing training and assessment. The full launch to its members began in September 2021.

Now it is offering the course through Master Plumbers to its members, with one year’s free membership to NZICH upon successful completion.

The training material is presented as a series of modules which should be worked through logically from Module 1 onwards. Participants are sent the training manual before carrying out the in-centre element of the course. This helps participants to fully prepare and get the best out of the course.

Learning outcomes

There are 10 knowledge-based learning outcomes and one performance-based learning outcome, as follows:

1. Know the recommended minimum standards for compliance with the building regulations relating to hydronic underfloor heating system installation work

2. Know industry recognised sources of guidance relating to hydronic underfloor heating system installation work

3. Know the purpose and features and/ or operational characteristics of hydronic underfloor heating control components

4. Know the requirements of different types of hydronic underfloor heating system arrangements between the heat source and the underfloor heating system manifold

5. Know the options, operating principles, component requirements and operating sequences of hydronic underfloor heating time and temperature control arrangements

6. Know the fundamental principles of hydronic underfloor heating system design to achieve optimal system operation

7. Know the fundamental principles of

hydronic underfloor heating component sizing and component selection and/or positioning

8. Know the requirements to commission hydronic underfloor heating system installations

9. Be able to commission a hydronic underfloor heating system installation

10. Know the requirements to handover hydronic underfloor heating system installations to client.

At the end of the course there is a multichoice closed book exam. The candidate must achieve 100% to pass. The results are verified by BPEC in the UK, who then issue certification and an ID card valid for four years.

NZICH & BPEC

NZICH is a community of industry leaders, providing technical information and experience, and representing those responsible for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of central heating systems.

For more information, go to https://nzich.nz

BPEC is a specialised UK-based provider of industry-recognised qualifications, assessments, training courses and learning materials. It provides services to colleges, private training centres, employers and learners across the plumbing, heating, gas and wider energy sector.

For more information on BPEC go to www.bpec.org.uk

THE HEAT IS ON

When it comes to showcasing HVAC and water innovations, few events match the scope of the international ISH trade fair. Held over five days in Frankfurt, Germany, this March, the 2023 event took the theme of ‘Solutions for a Sustainable Future’.

As one of the biggest players at the 2023 show, Stiebel Eltron presented products and system solutions in three zones: Heating modernisation with heat pump; Heat pump and ventilation in new buildings; and Decarbonisation in the real estate industry.

A team of New Zealand representatives were at the stand throughout the show and hosted a group of New Zealand plumbing and HVAC professionals.

Within the Heating modernisation zone, Stiebel Eltron showcased four standardised heat pump sets for use in new and existing buildings.

The pre-configured system solutions are suitable for around 80 percent of applications in detached and semi-detached houses and can be quickly and efficiently installed in series, thanks to recurring system concepts. “This saves the trade an immense

amount of time—once during planning and design, then again during the installation itself,” said Frank Jahns, Managing Director of Stiebel Eltrons’ German sales company.

Among the company’s new releases on show were a brine-to-water heat pump and the new SNU Plus compact storage water heater.

SNU Plus has been redesigned with a modern look and is smaller and more efficient than its predecessor, making it the smallest appliance with the lowest energy consumption on the market. As part of its global launch, the SNU Plus will also be available in New Zealand later this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stiebel Eltron is among the global market and technology leaders in the fields of building services and renewable energies. Since 1924, when the company was founded by Dr Theodor Stiebel, technical performance, quality, innovation, reliability and customeroriented service have been defining factors of Stiebel Eltron’s success.

At the recent ISH 2023 in Germany, Stiebel Eltron devoted its 1000sq m stand to heat pump, ventilation and domestic hot water products and system solutions.

Among the new products on show at the Stiebel Eltron stand at ISH in Germany was the SNU Plus compact storage water heater, which will be available in New Zealand later in 2023.

Our extensive range of spare parts, genuine branded products, technical information and trouble shooting advice, is now just a click or swipe away!

ROBERTSONTRADE.CO.NZ

LOOK OUT FOR SOME OF THESE NEW-TO-MARKET PRODUCTS ON SHOW AT THE TRADE EXHIBITION DURING THE 2023 NZ PLUMBING CONFERENCE IN MAY.

New model Renault TRAFIC

The new Renault TRAFIC has been thoughtfully redesigned to give you freedom and flexibility in how you run your business, while remaining comfortable and practical. Plus, with new safety, driver assistance and connectivity features, New TRAFIC is built for the future. Special pricing is also available for Master Plumbers members. Expected arrival May 2023. Visit the website and register your interest in this new model today: www.renault.co.nz/vans/new-trafic

Ritter R290 Thermal Heat Pump

The Ritter R290 Thermal Heat Pump is the perfect solution if you are switching from gas to electric.

The Ritter R290 is an inverter air to water heat pump with R290 refrigerant and of high efficiency—optimised for heating and cooling for the ceiling and underfloor, as well as radiator heating and hot water applications.

The high quality and efficient compressor, fan and water heat pump is used to ensure the low noise level with insulation.

The heat pump is designed with a galvanised sheet case with ASA grills and a PC microcomputer-based controller, available for the users to review or set the running parameters of the heat pump with a smartphone and app control. This series of heat pumps is designed to work under different working conditions as low as -25 degrees for heating. For more info, visit www.waterware.co.nz, or fill in the contact form: www.waterware.co.nz/contact

New from Caroma

Magnetic lid conceals child seat when not in use

Detachable child seat when no longer required

Soft close adult seat and lid

GermGard antibacterial protection

Push button quick release for easy cleaning.

Hob and wall mounted electronic sensor mixers and soap dispensers

Available in chrome, matte black and PVD brushed brass, brushed nickel and gunmetal Riser available to increase height by 60mm

Dual power solenoid control box – mains power or battery power.

6,

Cleanflush® patented rimless flushing technology: easy to clean, water efficient with superior hygiene

Unique drop zone and bowl design minimises cleaning

Uni Orbital® connector for installation flexibility

Wall faced closed coupled and Invisi options

Back entry or bottom inlet

White and black seats available

Pans are load tested to 800kg

Vitreous China glazing; denser, durable and stain resistant

Vandal resistant flush button

Highly durable soft close seat with quick release, rotatable buffers (cleats)

GermGard antibacterial protection.

Pillar hob and wall, and time flow hob and wall (cold) taps

Solid DZR Brass construction for longevity

Simple push activated timed flow (5 to 6.5 seconds)

Assured shut off reduces accidental water waste

Automatic no touch shut off

Single temperature inlet ½” BSP male. 5-80 C

Static inlet pressure range : 150-500 (Ref. AS/NZS 3500.1)

Not suitable for gravity feed systems

WELS 6 Star, 4.5 l/min.

1. Family D-Shape Toilet Seat

4, 5. Urbane II and Liano II Sensor Tapware

2, 3. School Smart Cleanflush Toilet Suites

7. School Smart Tapware

Zenith HydroTap Arc Plus and Cube Plus

Elevate your kitchen with Zenith HydroTap Arc Plus and Cube Plus. HydroTap Arc Plus and Cube Plus offer enhanced sparkling and chilled water delivery, with the optimised aerator hidden inside the elegant spout of the tap. Available in seven modern finishes.

Rinnai INFINITY® A26 Graphite™

Rinnai are excited to introduce the new Rinnai INFINITY® A26 Graphite™! Designed with modern homes in mind, Rinnai have taken the ever-popular Rinnai INFINITY® A26 and transformed its original aesthetic with a new, hand-selected shade of dark grey. The Graphite™ unit allows you to enjoy endless hot water while maintaining minimal design disruption to your home’s exterior, providing both comfort and sophistication for total home living.

TOTAL BUSINESS SOFTWARE FOR THE TRADES.

Manage your business like you mean business with one software for job quoting, scheduling, inventory tracking, invoicing, meet the hardest working crew you’ll ever hire - with expert long-term support and coaching to help you build, repair and grow your business.

READY TO GET TO WORK?

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Easy ID for Buteline pipe system

After listening to customer feedback, Buteline has brought out several new fittings and a new Gasline range over the past few years. Feedback has also led to the introduction of Easy ID colour for Pexline in red, blue, lilac and green pipe for hot, cold, recycled and rainwater respectively.

This year Buteline is launching the same Easy ID for its Buteline pipe system. The company’s engineers have worked to create coextruded pipe that is multi layered, with a grey inner layer and an outer layer in red, blue, lilac or green. The pipe is the same as the standard grey in all aspects of size and performance.

Benefits:

NZ made

Easily identified to mitigate potential cross connection

Meets AS/NZ Standards and has WaterMark Approval

Complies with AS/NZS 2642

Available in:

Red, blue, lilac and green

Straight lengths, coils and lay flat coils

Hot Water (Red): BLH12, BLH18, BCH18, BCH22, BSCH18 & BSCH22

Cold Water (Blue): BLC18, BLC22, BCC18, BCC22, BSCC18 & BSCC22

Grey Water (Lilac): BLR18, BLR22, BCR18 & BCR22

Recycled Water (Green): BLG18, BLG22, BCG18 & BCG22

Standard grey Buteline will continue to be available. Visit www.buteline.com or your nearest plumbing merchant to enquire more about this exciting new product.

HOT WATER

BLH18, BLH22, BCH18, BCH22, BSCH18 & BSCH22

COLD WATER

BLC18, BLC22, BCC18, BCC22, BSCC18 & BSCC22

RECYCLED WATER

BLR18, BLR22, BCR18 & BCR22

RAIN WATER

BLG18, BLG22, BCG18 & BCG22

Latest from Robertson Bathware

OLI One Multi-Inlet Valve

Compatible with in-wall cisterns, exposed and ceramic tanks, and adaptors for compatibility. Delayed refilling inlet valve: it starts after the outlet valve is in the close position. Counter pressure closing system (hydraulic), effective with any flow pressures 50 - 500Kpa.

Featuring an anti-backflow function, high performance in dirty water, and adapters supplied for fitting.

This product has a multi-fit inlet valve and will work in the below cisterns: OLI120, Giada (1998 - 2010), BETTER, QUADRA, Diamante 03 - 13, Diamante 00 -02, Diamante 93 - 99, Expert Plus, Expert/Corner, Geberit Twiline UP170 (1989 - 2004), Geberit Duofix Sigma 12, Geberit Duofix Sigma 8 | Alpha 8 | Unica UP720, Geberit Omega, Geberit Monolith | Monolith Plus, Geberit Delta12, Grohe Cassetta Sciaquo Italiana 80MM, Grohe Rapid SL | Rapid SLX, Tece Box Basic, Tece Tece 1120, Viega Eco Plus, ITS Todin Hidrobox, Valsir Medusa, Valsir Tropeatropea 2 (2004 - 2012), Valsir Cubik, Valsir Evolut | Winner, Valsir Rios | Rios2 | Egea, Roca ONe WC, roca basic one wc compact, duravit durasystem 115cm, mepa varivit, bampi bsilent, kariba pratika, cassetta esterna | exposed cistern, cassetta in ceramica | ceramic tank.

Parisi Sway D2 Soft Close Seat

The Sway D2 toilet seat brings Scandinavian luxury into the bathroom, with a highly functional, elegantly designed and visually appealing toilet seat ideal for virtually any setting. Made with durable materials and quality stainless steel hinges, this toilet seat is made to last and is designed to be functional and stylish with added comfort.

The Sway D2 seat is compatible with ALL Parisi pans and is a Red Dot Design award winner for 2016.

Endless new ideas for endless hot water.

The Rinnai INFINITY® A26 Graphite™ hot water system

At Rinnai, we’re constantly thinking of ways to improve our products. Which is why we’ve transformed our ever-popular Rinnai INFINITY® A26 Graphite™ continuous flow hot water system. This new graphite coloured option has been specially designed to blend in with the darker exteriors of today’s homes, all while allowing your client to enjoy the benefits of endless hot water. For a home your clients would love to live in, turn to www.rinnai.co.nz/graphite

Your experts in total home living.

The Iplex Rainwater™ Systems unique fitting range with rubber ring joint design offers a simple clip in solution reducing assembly time and the need for solvent cement jointing of the spouting profiles.

GALIANO KONTACT

Make a statement in your kitchen with the new Galiano Kontact® Pull-Down Sink Mixer.

A user focused design for the busy modern kitchen space for all those times when you have your hands full. Kontact® sink mixers are elegant, effortless, and practical. Choose from one of the 6 stunning finishes available in the Galiano range.

Greens Tapware - designed and engineered in NZ since 1935 – fostering the plumbing industry today for a bright future tomorrow.

SCAN QR CODE TO SEE HOW THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS

1 Easy Installation

2 Easy Cleaning

3 Easy Repairs & Maintenance

4 BRANZ Appraised

5 15 Year Product Warranty

greenstapware.com

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What went right?

Josh is a good plumber with a great team. So, although he didn’t get the job, he also knew that, at two-thirds of the original price, it wasn’t worth having. Josh knows his numbers and has a good reputation. So, he:

1. Priced the job for profit (not based on gut feel or guesswork) and knew it wasn’t too high or too low

2. Knew his margins and at exactly what point the job wasn’t worth doing

3. Didn’t panic and slash his price

4. Has high standards and wasn’t going to take shortcuts

5. Knows he delivers top outcomes for his clients and deserves a fair reward.

Client’s viewpoint

Business Coach Daniel Fitzpatrick from Next Level Tradie shows how to compete without being the lowest price.

AUTHOR: DANIEL FITZPATRICK, NEXT LEVEL TRADIE

Lost out to a cowboy again!

Local plumber Josh is fuming. He’s just learned he’s missed out on the King Street bathroom reno—he really wanted that one. The local cowboy has undercut him again! By nearly a third this time. But there’s no way he could have made any money at a rate that low. It would have only covered the materials and labour.

He’d had an inkling when scoping the job that Mike (the client) might be shopping around. The job looked relatively straightforward but, from experience, Josh knew there were likely to be surprises with an older house like this.

Josh didn’t have time to explain this to the client that day; he needed to be at the next appointment. “Mike, don’t worry about the details, mate. I’ll put it all in the quote and email it to you when I’ve got time.”

That job he thought was in the bag is gone

So, what went wrong?

When Josh first scoped Mike’s job, there were opportunities he missed that would have put him in a better position against the lower price:

1. Asking the right questions to see if the job would be a good fit (so he didn’t waste time quoting a job he couldn’t make money off or was never going to get).

2. Checking if Mike was the decision maker or if others were involved, like his wife.

3. Taking time to listen to what aspects of the job were most important to Mike (eg,

timeframe, quality of work, dealing with the unexpected, staying on budget).

4. Making sure Mike understood what was involved in doing the job right.

5. Identifying Mike’s budget.

6. Making a detailed estimate/quote and making sure Mike understood each part (and knew what he was getting from a quality plumber). So, if Mike compared quotes, the difference would be obvious.

7. No follow-up to show he was serious about wanting the job and to address any concerns.

It’s human nature to like a bargain. Clients will always be tempted to go for the cheapest option if they don’t understand the reasons not to.

Here’s the thing, though. Most clients you quote don’t know the details like you do. Unless you show them.

A certain low percentage of all buyers will always decide purely on price. Let’s recognise those jobs are often the ones no one makes any money off. Weed these ones out early. You want to attract the much larger majority who appreciate good workmanship and want something that lasts. Who want peace of mind the work is done right and there won’t be any nasty surprises.

To give prospective clients the reassurance they need when quoting, use these:

5 KEYS FOR WINNING JOBS

#1. Turn up on time (ie a few minutes early).

84% of homeowners rank ‘punctuality’ as the most influential quality when looking to hire a tradesperson. Being on time will show you’re reliable.

Block time out for pricing up work (ie, not when you might be stretched, or at the end of a long day).

Quoting might seem a hassle. But meeting potential clients is highvalue, important work. An hour of your time could bring in big profit.

83% also say ‘prompt communications’ makes them more inclined to choose you. Have someone answering your calls and email, or at least return them without delay.

#2. Be intentional about building rapport and trust

People do business with people they know, like and trust. Build relationships by doing the little things well:

83% would be more likely to hire a tradie with ‘a polite manner’. The obvious, commonsense stuff: “Nice to meet you”, “Yes please”. Knock and step back from the door. Show genuine enthusiasm for the project. Respect the client’s time. Use the client’s name. Listen and repeat back bits of what they say. Understand and show empathy. Smile. Be helpful.

Respect your clients home or workplace: Take boots off at door. Ask permission: “Would you like to show me…” “Is it okay if I…” Be aware of kids and pets. Don’t walk on the grass—use the paths. Look the part: Be well presented. Wear your company uniform. Have a clean spare one on hand.

47% of clients say they’re more likely to hire a tradie with ‘a modern, clean, professional-looking van’. Not a game changer but worth noting.

#3. Take the time to fully understand your prospect’s motives

Your goal here is to understand exactly what the client wants to achieve—and why.

Start with listening. 85% of clients say simply ‘listening to what I want and need’ is a sign of a good tradesperson. This helps them feel you understand what they’re looking for.

It’s also going to be easier to win the job when you know exactly what the client’s ideal outcome is. With this knowledge, you can talk the client through all parts most important to them, and easily tackle any objections they might have. Ask questions to find out their biggest priority and concerns. Is it quality, price/sticking to the budget, a deadline, or just wanting a hasslefree experience?

Once you have a good handle on what the client wants, parrot it back and ask if what you’ve heard is correct.

#4. Take the time to educate and explain

Tell them what goes into a job and what it includes so, if they are comparing, it’s apples with apples. Educate the client around what they want to accomplish. Give your expert advice on the options, so they feel informed when deciding.

81% look for a tradesperson who ‘discusses their process and explains things’. Take time to outline how you’ll go about the job. Explain any potential complications. Be transparent about likely prices and timeframes.

Tell them when they’ll have the quote. Don’t look at it as selling… Have the attitude of genuinely helping. Become the problem-solver for your client.

#5. Show proof you’re the best 78% of clients want to see a ‘professional quote’. Include details like a breakdown of what’s included, how variations will be handled, price, timeline (69% felt it was important to see ‘a solid schedule’). Outline your process, quote expiry date, payment terms and conditions etc

Include trust-builders like a professional blurb saying what sets your company apart, your quality guarantee (46% of clients look for this), media/awards, Master Plumbers logo, qualifications, licence etc

Personalise your quote, emphasising your client’s needs and priorities. Include testimonials from happy customers with before and after photos and examples of your work.

Houzz Aussie looked at what influences hiring decisions in home renos and found 79% look for reviews and recommendations (twice as important as lowest cost’ at 29%). BRANZ found ‘quality and reputation’ is the most important feature NZ homeowners look for in a tradie—by far. Back this up with a professional website, positive reviews and social proof etc Losing jobs because you quoted too late? 83% of clients are unhappy about the speed of receiving quotes. Deliver the quote promptly. Using job management software can help. Go through your quote with the client, making sure they understand what’s included. If they’re undecided, agree on a timeframe when you’ll follow up again. Ask: “What’s the next step for you?”

It takes time and effort to put a quote together, so go the extra to convert. These things will position you, so price is not the only thing.

When the tradies I work with get these steps right, not only do they win more jobs, but they also find clients are more appreciative of their professional expertise and are happy to pay for it.

Doing it this way won’t get you every job, but it will get you a lot more work you want at the right price. In the client’s mind, you become a trusted advisor—an expert whose time and expertise is respected.

To win quotes when you’re not the lowest price:

1. Prioritise punctuality

2. Build rapport and trust

3. Listen carefully

4. Educate & explain your process

5. Show proof you’re the best choice.

Some of these ideas will be new, while others you may have done before. But to get the results, it’s about consistency. To pull this off, you need good systems that ensure these strategies happen every time, even when you’re busy.

Like a copy of our how-to guide on Qualifying your leads to position yourself as the expert while also identifying the tyre kickers? So you don’t waste time on quotes that aren’t going anywhere? Then email me at daniel@nextleveltradie.co.nz

Be part of the map pack!

Your Google Business online profile may be the first point of contact for potential customers. So, how can you get into the ‘map pack’—the first three businesses to show up when people do an online search? Georgia Gibbons of SideKit has some tips for the top.

The ultimate goal of any business owner is to be the business of choice. One of the most valuable marketing tools to help with this is Google Business. Not only is it free, but it is a super easy way to boost your online reach with a few key additions.

What is Google Business?

Google Business is a tool that provides information on a business when it appears in a search. Google Business profiles are found in a box on the right-hand side of your screen when googling a business. This feature allows you to reach a wider audience and streamline the service experienced by your customers.

With Google Business the goal is to be part of the ‘map pack’: the top three businesses that appear after a search.

To reach the top three, your profile must contain all relevant information for your business. Ensure this is consistent with your website, social media, and any other online platforms, because Google tracks this data, and ranks you based on the consistency of information.

Description

Your profile description tells people about your business and what makes you unique. This is where you can get strategic. Include keywords that your clients may be searching

for such as ‘Auckland plumbers’ or ‘good plumber near me’ to boost your ranking.

Products or Services

You also have the option to add your products and services. This information confirms what you sell and means Google shows your profile to your clientele.

Photos and videos

Including photos and videos in your profile is an opportunity to showcase your business. Photos of your team, office or

HQ often generate the best response from customers. It’s a great idea to share your social media content as posts on your Google Business profile too.

Reviews

Your search ranking is also based on Google’s judgement of your reliability. This is where reviews come in. A business with lots of good reviews is more likely to attract new customers than one with very few or mediocre reviews.

Pro tip: Respond to all your reviews—it reinforces your relationship with customers. Responding to the bad reviews as well as the good ones shows you are acknowledging any issues and trying to rectify these because you care about your customers’ experience. A Google Business profile is the first point of contact for potential customers, so it’s important you get it right. If you’re keen to get started, business.google.com is a great site.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

SideKit’s own Google Business profile includes photos of their office and the people who work there, plus the products and services they offer. They also link their social media posts to their profile to increase activity.

Georgia Gibbons is Marketing Manager at SideKit, a New Zealandbased virtual marketing management and assistance business, supporting businesses across the country. If you’re interested in speaking to a marketing professional, visit sidekit.nz

This boiler house diesel boiler features the award-winning unique grant Vortex heat exchanger and has some of the highest efficiencies available on the market today.

Floor standing indoor diesel condensing boiler with dual set point for central heating and or an indirect domestic hot water system.

Slip slidin’ away?

Are you losing your best people to other businesses with promises of better pay or perks? HR specialist Lisa Duston has some tips to retain loyalty.

Plumbing businesses everywhere are finding it hard to retain good people. With skills shortages and cost of living increases, employees are being tempted elsewhere with the promise of better wages and benefits.

Having talented employees leave your business can cause disruption and strain on existing employees, who are asked to take on extra work until the role can be replaced. Add to this the cost of recruiting a replacement, and wouldn’t it be easier to try and retain your top employees?

Here are some things employers can do to keep hold of their best people.

Ensure the salary represents your employee’s worth. This might mean above-average salaries and an excellent benefits package. With good pay and perks, employees are more likely to stay in their jobs longer and be happier going the extra mile.

Creating a culture where employees can speak up freely can keep employees

Anka Pipe Fittings

engaged and feeling like they are part of something bigger. Regular team meetings are a good way to get your people engaged.

Information sharing between management, office and site level is beneficial to all.

Employees want to know you’re listening and really hearing what they have to say. If you receive feedback via team surveys or one-on-ones, make sure you do something with it to show you value their viewpoint!

Aside from pay, make sure you regularly show your top employees you appreciate them. This can include recognising them for their achievements, celebrating birthdays, giving incentives, and providing positive reinforcement.

It may be tempting to keep your best employees in the same role with the same duties they do so well. But if they are performing above expectations, maybe there is an opportunity to move them into a new role that’s going to give them more reward and recognition.

These strong, non-corrodible and lightweight fittings are suited to a wide range of applications including irrigation,marine, hydroponics, plumbing, agriculture, pumping, hoses, landscaping, and industry.

The Anka fitting product range is made from glass fibre reinforced nylon, they are non-corrodible and approved for use with drinking water. This is also a fully recyclable product.

For more information on this product visit hydroflow.co.nz or scan the qr code.

Lisa Duston from the Master Plumbers HR team is available to Master Plumbers members to discuss any employee situation. Contact Lisa on 021 245 1704 or email lduston@masterplumbers.org.nz

Thinking of you

Kia ora everyone,

My thoughts are with the people who have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and the other major weather events that have happened in the North Island.

I think back to the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes and the psychological impacts they had on the Canterbury population. I can really

understand how you guys are feeling, dealing with the stress that follows a disaster of this magnitude.

I was living in Timaru at the time of the February 2011 earthquake. More than 11,000 people who had been displaced or were seeking shelter with family or friends came through a welfare centre set up in Caroline Bay.

My role was to support those people dealing with the mental health impacts of the earthquake and the damage to their homes, communities and livelihoods. It gave me some insight into just how challenging it is when your whole world is turned upside down by a natural disaster.

After the Kaikoura earthquake in 2016, I spent some time dropping in by air to support the communities that had been isolated. Even the most significantly affected showed amazing resilience straight after the event, but as the adrenaline subsided the magnitude of the resulting issues became clear—dealing with insurance companies, isolation, disruption, loss of livelihood etc. You could see how feelings of uncertainty crept in over time. Sometimes the impact was not felt for many weeks or months.

Feeling numb, depressed, desperate or angry is normal in these circumstances— and those of you in the thick of this disaster will probably feel some or all of these things at some point. Time however, is a great healer and things will improve.

In the meantime, I’m thinking of all who are affected and I’m available to talk on the 0800 number. Find it in the member area at www.masterplumbers.org.nz (under Wellbeing on Tap). Please feel free to give me a call.

KEREAMA CARMODY

Fake highs, real lows

Energy in a can is not the answer to staying alert at work, as Kelly Hyland explains.

Petrol in the diesel van. We cringe at the thought. We know what happens. A short burst of energy then all of a sudden, we come to a complete halt!

We know the wrong type of fuel is bad news for our vehicles, so why does it seem OK for us to put the wrong fuel into our own bodies? Redbull, Mother, V—these are just some of the energy drinks popular with tradies, and commonly seen on site.

Working in a trade is physically demanding. You need to be energised and alert, and energy drinks promote themselves to do just that. But that sugar-caffeine hit comes at price. Your energy buzz comes to a sudden halt, making you feel worse than before.

Excessive amounts can cause anxiety, insomnia, dehydration, irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure. Everything we don’t want to see on a worksite!

Sadly, this one-off read is unlikely to bring about significant change. It often takes a medical event or diagnosis before we reconsider our drinking or eating habits. However, the workplace can have a positive influence on employees’ health. With some strategic and innovative initiatives, alongside a supportive environment, there is hope when it comes to changing the tradie mindset.

ENERGY DRINK FACTS

An energy drink* per day costs approx $1,600 over the year!

Energy drinks* contain around 10tsp of sugar. That’s more than the total recommendation for one day!

Sugar-loaded drinks increase your risk of: excess weight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dental caries, and gout.

Energy drinks* have twice as much caffeine as a cup of plunger coffee.

Emergency hospital visits related to energy drink consumption are on the rise. The proportion of NZ teens who drink an energy drink at least once a week is higher than the number who meet this country’s weekly fruit and vegetable guidelines.

*Based on a 500mL standard can

30 years proven performance delivering efficient and reliable hot water.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kelly Hyland (NZRD) is the General Manager at Alex Hyland Plumbing Ltd. She has a Masters in Dietetics and Graduate Diploma in Teaching. She is passionate about improving health and wellbeing in the trade industry.

Over

VALUE IN STRUCTURE

Structure is one of the most overlooked components of small business success, says Brett Crombie of Straightedge Accounting.

Abusiness, like a building, is held up by its structure. The larger the business, the more structure is needed to hold it up, which can leave less and less space for individual initiative.

A common reason people go into business is to become their own boss. Starting your own business brings with it the exhilaration of doing things your way.

However, the downfall of some is to revel in this freedom a little too long. What does it matter if you start work late or your desk is untidy? If you’re not in the mood for work today, why not take the afternoon off to go fishing? After all, you didn’t go into business to have structure, you went into business to get away from it, right?

A small business is a creative endeavour, and creative endeavours need structure to survive. The smaller and more fragile the business, the greater the importance of structure. American author Stephen King, who has produced over 60 novels including

FOLEYS – WE’RE HIRING – PLUMBERS, GASFITTERS, DRAINLAYERS

Why work for Foleys?

• 13 Branches across NZ

• Heaps of variety – commercial/ domestic/new builds

• Relocation assistance

Find out more on our website or email hr@foleys.co.nz www.foleys.co.nz/hiring

The cost to place a classified advertisement is $120+GST for Master Plumbers members; $200+GST for non-members. Email advertising@masterplumbers.org.nz

Classified advertisements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Shining and The Green Mile, is a fine example of maintaining a strict daily regime. His references to the elusive writer’s muse can be just as easily applied to the discipline required of small business owners:

“Don’t wait for the muse… Your job is to make sure the muse knows where you’re going to be every day from nine ’til noon, or seven ’til three. If he does know, I assure you that sooner or later he’ll start showing up.”

STEPHEN KING

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

Prolific Australian alt-rock singer Nick Cave, whose creative output has spanned over 50 years in an industry notorious for brief careers, has said of his band’s habits: “It never occurs to us not to work, there is never a moment when we don’t work because ‘we are not feeling it’ or ‘the vibes aren’t right’. We just do our hours… The most important undertaking of my day is to simply sit down at my desk and pick up my pen.”

NICK CAVE

The Red Hand Files, Issue #156

This is the exciting thing about small business—not that you are free from structure, but that you are devoting yourself to your craft. And the good news about business structure is that you can create it in your own style.

Structuring time is about planning and scheduling. For example:

What time does my workday start and end?

How long is my lunch break?

What are my rules around other breaks?

What are my rules around interruptions and distractions?

How will I plan each day to maximise the business’s potential?

How will I plan each year/month/week to maximise the business’s potential?

Structuring space is about encouraging efficient flow. Questions to consider include: How will my desk workspace be set up?

How will my trade vehicle be organised?

How will I present myself to the public?

How will my computer and physical files be organised?

How will I organise my job sites?

Taking the time to consider these questions will give your business structure. Writing out the answers will form the basis of operating procedures, which in turn will become a source of competitive advantage, leading to higher profits and long-term success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brett Crombie is a trade specialist accountant at Straightedge Accounting. For assistance developing a business plan, or for tax and accounting services, contact Brett on 021 301 022 or email brett.crombie@straightedge.nz

There’s an exciting freedom in starting your own business. But freedom doesn’t mean no structure around your daily work. As singer Nick Cave says of his band: “...there is never a moment when we don’t work because ‘we are not feeling it’.”

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SURE TO RISE

Having swapped a career in baking for a plumbing apprenticeship, Kevin Watt is excited about having more opportunities for progression.

AUTHOR: LOIS OLDEHAVER

Up until three months ago, Kevin Watt spent much of his time behind a commercial kitchen bench, more comfortable kneading dough than attending to any blockages.

Now, fresh into his plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting apprenticeship, the 34-year-old Aucklander from Torbay is loving the change

of tempo. He chats to us about his previous career, how the two compare, and what led to the swap from pastries to tradies.

“Becoming a baker was honestly something I fell into. When I was 16, I worked part-time in the kitchen at Devonport New World. Then when I left school that year, they offered me a full-time baker position.”

After deciding plumbing was the trade for him, Kevin Watt quickly found an apprenticeship through Masterlink.

Kevin at work on a bathroom fitout. “Everyone’s been so helpful in teaching me what I need to know,” he says.

For 17 years, Kevin worked his way up at a string of popular bakeries and commercial food providers, with his last role being at Solutions Food, a major meal supplier to hospitals and charities like Meals on Wheels.

“Baking has been great for the people you get to meet and the fun of making new creations.”

“Plumbing suited me best”

The turning point for Kevin however was when he took some time out on holiday last year. Reflecting on the work, he realised he wanted a job with more progression and the opportunity to make more money. “I compared all the trades but decided the skills that go into plumbing suited me best. I thought it over for a week then made the first call.”

Within days of submitting his application, Kevin had met his Masterlink regional manager Steve Meadows and was introduced to the boss of Next Level Plumbing later that week. Days later, he was employed. “It all fell into place quickly and I’m now just taking each day as it comes. I love the work and the small team. They are younger than me, even my boss, which has been refreshing. Everyone’s been so helpful in teaching me what I need to know.”

Mastering the basics first, Kevin has been busy making wastewater pipes for water cylinders, putting new taps in basins, and installing laundry tubs and outside taps.

“The work’s been varied and it’s great not knowing what I’ll be doing each day—that’s the biggest change from baking.

“Just today, we had to drive up to Piha to fix a leak in a solar hot water cylinder. And during the floods, we had call outs all over the place to drain carparks and fix leaks.”

New way of working

The biggest learning curve has been the regular customer interaction. “Baking is behind the scenes, so knowing how to best relay information to the customer is something I’ve been taking tips from my tradesman for.”

Though it’s early days, he’s enjoying commercial projects the most for the technicalities involved.

The one thing Kevin does admit to missing from his baking days though are the hours and says he won’t be giving up his 4am wakeups anytime soon.

“It’s my normal. After years of baking, I love mornings and getting up before everyone else.”

As for the studying, it’s taken a bit of getting used to being back on the books but Kevin credits Masterlink for their help with all his questions. So far, he has completed coursework in First Aid, Working at Heights and Confined Spaces and Gas Testing.

In between prepping for his next paper, he spends his time relaxing with his partner and friends on the North Shore and working away on his car build, a Nissan 180 SX.

“And there’s always time for baking... My favourite thing to bake is ciabatta bread.”

“I compared all the trades but decided the skills that go into plumbing suited me best. I thought it over for a week then made the first call.”

FAMILY MATTERS

With the apartment project finished, what are you working on now?

It’s another apartment block remedial, about 16 storeys high. The whole building is under wrap and scaffold and everyone has moved out. We started by isolating the water to all the units and turning it on again to make sure fixtures like showers and toilets weren’t leaking.

Now I’m starting on a new accessible bathroom in the ground-floor lobby. At the moment, I’m working in the basement, feeding the waste pipes up through the concrete slab and putting the new water feeds through.

There’s a section in the Building Code on accessible bathrooms and there are very specific things you have to follow, like how far the basin must be from the toilet to allow for a wheelchair. The basin must also be at a certain height to allow for a wheelchair user to be able to reach the tap and not bump into anything underneath.

What’s been happening outside of work?

I moved out of my family’s home in Manurewa last October. I’ve signed a rental on a flat 15 minutes’ drive away in Papakura with my partner Darlene, and we’ve been busy buying furniture and stuff to put in it.

When I did my first weekly shop after moving out of home, I thought I was going to go broke. All the things you have to buy, like toothpaste and washing powder!

What’s your daily routine?

We go to work, come home, cook dinner, then rinse and repeat. Four days a week, we go and work out at the gym. I’m trying to be healthy. During lockdown I put on a bit of weight without noticing. Too much staying home and eating takeaways. It was fun at the time!

Do you have any siblings still at home?

My older sister lives there with my mum. I have two other sisters in Australia, a brother in Cambridge, and another brother in Swanson, about a 15 minute drive from the Heron Plumbing workshop. I’m the youngest of the pack!

Do you see much of them?

If I’m at the workshop, I try to see my brother after work. We do a workout and then I’ll have dinner with his family before coming home. I try to see my mum and sister at weekends but it’s been so busy recently with the move!

Have you always lived in Auckland?

I’m half Niuean and half Samoan. My mum

moved to New Zealand when she was 18. Most of my family live here but I have some distant cousins over there.

I’ve been to Niue three times—the first time when I was seven and the last time when I was 11. I got to see where Nanna and Granddad used to live back in the day. We went over to Niue for funerals at the time but it’s beautiful and I’d like to go back for a holiday some day.

Sebastian Sekene is a 22-year-old Masterlink fourth-year plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting apprentice, hosted by Heron Plumbing in Auckland. He currently works in the commercial division of the business.

This edition, 22-year-old Masterlink apprentice Sebastian Sekene talks about his latest plumbing project, his family, and moving into a new home.

Four days a week, Sebastian and his partner Darlene head to the gym for a workout.

Support for apprentices

According to a recent study, one in five New Zealand adults find everyday tasks such as reading and writing challenging. Part of the role of EarnLearn | Te Pūkenga is to provide support to apprentices with different learning styles, ensuring they have the literacy and numeracy skills to fully engage in their jobs, at home, and in their communities.

Some learners have solid practical skills but find the reading and writing tasks hard. Growing their literacy and numeracy skills will not only help them at work, but will also help them with many other tasks they have to do in everyday life. Higher literacy and numeracy levels mean better communication with customers and colleagues, more efficient handling of tasks, and the confidence to contribute more to their place of work and their community.

EarnLearn has a dedicated team that can support learners with literacy, numeracy, or

other areas of learning. Online literacy and numeracy assessments help identify any potential learning needs so the right level of support can be provided. Depending on individual needs, this could be free online resources, or specialised learning support through one-on-one sessions or as part of a wider programme. The aim is to make sure a learner’s voice is heard and help them with the tools they need to stay on top of their learning.

Aligning with the wider Te Pūkenga network, EarnLearn is focused on Pastoral Care. They are working together to bring additional benefits for all learners so that everyone has the skills and confidence to make the most of their training.

If you think your apprentices could benefit from some extra support with their learning, please give your EarnLearn Account Manager a call.

EarnLearn | Te Pūkenga has a dedicated team that can support learners with literacy, numeracy, or other areas of learning.

• Water filters & cartridges

• Housings, Tanks, Connectors

• UV Systems, Lamps and spares

•

•

Plumbing and Gasfitting Tutor

Full-time, permanent role

Based in Petone

This tutoring role include facilitating teaching, learning and assessment for Plumbing, Drainlaying and Gasfitting students, with courses including a strong hands-on practical learning component.

Teaching qualifications and experience are not essential for this position, however you must possess the following qualities to ensure you have the potential to quickly grow into an effective tutor: patience, adaptability, positive attitude, good communication skills and a reasonable level of physical fitness.

Successful applicants without teaching qualifications will be supported to achieve a Certificate in Adult Tertiary Teaching or similar tertiary teaching qualification through on-job training and development.

To be successful, you will have experience in the industry and a relevant qualification (i.e. New Zealand Certificate or National

Certificate in either Plumbing, Drainlaying or Gasfitting) and be a Licensed Practitioner or hold a Certifying qualification.

Applicants with multiple licence classes will be at an advantage, but we are also interested in talking with Drainlayers and Gasfitters, as there is scope to specialise.

Benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package

• Free parking

• Good leave provisions

• Rewards and Recognitions programme

For more information about us, visit https://www.whitireiaweltec.ac.nz/ about-us/

How to apply - Me pēhea te tono

To apply, please visit https://weltec.careercentre.net.nz/Job

For other information please email recruitment@wandw.ac.nz

Applications close on Wednesday, 1 May 2023.

It’s quicker, easier and neater with the Apex Fast Fit Combi Pack.

Just one pipe bend is required, and the cylinder-hugging installation sits tidily within the drip tray dimensions. With less joins, thanks to the integrated check valve and EVT, as well as a unique tee ball valve. Less time on the job means less cost Now that’s straightforward.

And finally...

10 MINUTES WITH...

PATRICK FLYNN plumber and

surf lifesaver

Pat Flynn has been a passionate swimmer, surfer and lifeguard since his early teens. We chat with him about his dedication to decades on beach patrol and the importance of safety in the sea.

AUTHOR: JE T’AIME HAYR

Tell us about your plumbing career

I’ve been a plumber and gasfitter for about 20 years. I was a late entrant into the industry and only qualified at 44. It was a significant shift, but I needed a career change. So, when the opportunity came up to do my apprenticeship at my brother-in-law’s plumbing company, DMI Plumbing, I took it. Being an adult apprentice had its challenges, but was well worth it. In 2007, I became a Craftsman [Certifying] Plumber

& Gasfitter, and 10 years later, I established Flynn Plumbing & Gasfitting in Pukekohe with my son Chris.

Why did you get involved with surf lifesaving?

I’m a water rat and love to swim and surf, so in 1972, at age 14, I joined Sunset Beach Surf Life Saving Club. I am passionate about educating people on how to keep safe in the sea and have been an active member ever since. I’m a familiar face on the beach and

Self-confessed ‘water rat’, Pat came to his plumbing career later in life, qualifying at the age of 44.

still volunteer as a Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service member at Port Waikato, meaning I do four patrols a year for an entire weekend. Surf Lifesaving New Zealand’s slogan is ‘In It For Life’, accurately reflecting my and the other volunteers’ passion for our work.

What does Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service entail?

On beach patrol, I focus on preventing people from getting into trouble. We take turns standing on the beach in our patrol uniform and closely watch people swimming between the flags and those that have strayed from the flag area.

We always have our fins, rescue tube and radio with us, and the tower guards call us when they see someone struggling in the water. We’ll whistle to attract their attention and get them to move back to the flag areas. If people are swimming further down the beach, we head across in the 4-wheel drive buggies, encouraging them to head back to the safest swimming area.

As mentioned, our goal is preventative, and we are trying to educate people. The west coast [of Auckland] is exceptionally rugged—a massive ocean of water and very changeable. It could be like a pond one day and a washing machine the next. At our local beach, the public is sensible. However, we can tell the people that have never swum at a west coast beach before, as they go out too far straight away and get into trouble.

Have you been involved in plumbing work on any surf lifesaving buildings?

Yes, five years ago, we built a new club facility and renovated our existing club facility as a combined build, and we did all the plumbing in both buildings. The community hub has a commercial kitchen and extensive bathrooms (nine toilets across the male and female bathrooms). The renovated surf club has three bunk rooms with 40 beds, nine showers, a huge bathroom and new first aid room, storage for surfboards and boats etc. It’s a great setup.

What have been your most significant rescues?

We’ve done quite a few rescues over the years. Most of the rescue missions we undertake are people swimming outside the patrol area—only by a few metres, so it’s a short burst to rescue them. I have also been in some very serious rock rescues. The southern end of Port Waikato is pretty rocky and people often fish off the rocks there. We have done multiple rescues from those rocks this year alone, having to race out there and get people into the IRB and back to safety.

Does there need to be more education and awareness around sea safety?

Yes, absolutely! Just look at the number of drownings every year—people need swimming skills. A big part of the problem is that many school pools have closed down, and children aren’t taught to swim at school, so parents have to pay for their kids’ swimming lessons, which not everyone can afford. And they shouldn’t have to; every child should be taught to swim at school.

How can people support surf lifesaving?

If people want to learn to become a lifeguard or donate their financial support, they can contact their local surf lifesaving club directly or visit www.surflifesaving.org.nz And please, do the lifeguards a favour—swim between the flags and stay in your depths!

COMMITMENT TO THE CAUSE

Over the years, Pat has qualified as a senior lifeguard, achieving first aid certifications and becoming a certified IRB (inflatable rescue boat) driver. In 1994, he was awarded the Sunset Beach SLSC Service Award and in 1996, the Sunset Beach SLSC Life Member Award.

In 2001, his service was recognised with a Northern Region Service Award, and in 2016 a Surf Lifesaving New Zealand Service Award.

HIDDEN TALENTS

Know someone with an interesting hobby or skill, who’d like to appear on these pages? Email the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz

Between 2020-2022, he was also a member of Project Steering Group for Community Hub Sunset Beach.

“It keeps me busy!” he says.

Pat out on the water in his surf lifeguard role.

Homegrown hot water

Thanks to Tauranga gasfitter John Birss for sending in this photo. “I smell a handy man... Spray and walk away,” he says.

Trapped!

“Here’s a good one—if in doubt trap it twice!” says Mike Lee of Gemco Plumbing, who sent this photo in. “Waste disposal blockages. One wonders why…”

Home handymen have been keeping themselves busy...

Keep them coming! Email the Ed: bsellers@masterplumbers.org.nz

Handyman’s finest

“Great home handyman installation,” says Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing, who sent in this photo. “HWC straight onto concrete, no tray, no seismic. And plastic watermain pipe for the hot straight off the HWC.”

Torn and frayed

David Whitfield of Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas sent in this photo of a dangerous pigtail.

“A bit of home handyman gasfitting we found,” he says.

Supporting you is what we do

Masterlink is here to help you grow your business – and our industry – through apprentices! Reach out to your Regional Manager for top quality apprentice candidates, or to put your own candidate through the Masterlink Recruitment process.

LESS RISK We’ve got your back! If your workload changes or if anything unexpected happens, Masterlink works with you to achieve the best outcome for all involved

LESS STRESS

LESS COST

You can focus on your business while Masterlink handles all the admin and keeps your apprentice on track to qualify. Call Masterlink if you need assistance

You only pay for the hours that your apprentice works for your business. Masterlink employs your apprentice, so we cover their leave, pay them on block course, and provide FREE Masterlink Training to boost their skills