Nelson's Nelmac Wins 2025 National Live Tapping Competition
In this high-stakes competition, teams of two race against the clock to connect a household-sized water service to a live water main without shutting off the supply. Known as water main tapping, this process allows connections to be made under pressure, …
29 May 2025
Nelson's Nelmac water operations contractor has won the coveted 2025 National Live Tapping Competition.
Water network operators and civil contractors from across New Zealand competed in a live, high-pressure skills showdown at the annual Water Industry Operations Group (WIOG) conference on 29 May in Nelson.
In this high-stakes competition, teams of two race against the clock to connect a household-sized water service to a live water main – without shutting off the supply. Known as water main tapping, this process allows connections to be made under pressure, avoiding costly shutdowns and ensuring customers continue to receive water without interruption. It's a hands-on challenge that demands skill, speed and teamwork, reflecting the real-world pres sures water network operators face every day to keep communities supplied.
Once the connection is complete, judges inspect every detail for leaks, faults and technical accuracy. The smallest mistake can cost teams valuable seconds, while major errors could mean disqualification. The fastest team – after any penalties are applied – claims the national title and bragging rights for the next 12 months.
The Nelmac team of Raewyn Philbey and Damien Howe won with a time of 3 minutes 44 seconds.
The runners-up were Citycare Water.
Sponsored by Hynds Water, the competition is a showcase of the expertise that New Zealand's water operational teams bring to the job every day, ensuring essential water services reach their communities reliably and efficiently.
'The National Live Tapping Competition is a testament to the proficiency and commitment of our water network operations teams,' said Joshua McIndoe, Chair of WIOG. 'These are the people who work behind the scenes, around the clock, to deliver these vital services, often under demanding conditions.'
Mr McIndoe also acknowledged the importance of industry support. 'Competitions like this wouldn't be possible without the backing of knowledgeable and trusted partners like Hynds Water. Their support helps us champion the professionalism of our sector and foster pride in our industry.'
'We're proud to support the National Live Tapping Competition and the skilled teams who take part,' said Brent Merritt, Business Development Manager, Hynds Water. 'There's no room for error in a live pipe connection. This competition showcases the incredible skill and dedication of the professionals who keep our water networks flowing.'
Previous winners of the National Live Tapping Competition are:
2024 Waipa District Council
2023 Waimakariri District Council
2022 Conference and competition cancelled due to COVID
2021 Timaru District Council & Waimate District Council
2020 Conference and competition cancelled due to COVID
2019 Manawatu District Council
About WIOG
The Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) is a national not-for-profit incorporation formed in 2006 by a group of dedicated water and wastewater operations professionals. Its membership covers professionals in water and wastewater treatment, reticulation and construction, asset management, engineering, supply owners and industry suppliers. The goals and objectives of the Group are simple: to provide its members with the opportunities to enhance their knowledge, experience and to provide them with a voice. The Group also promotes the water industry 'source to discharge' as a whole in order to raise public awareness. www.wiog.org.nz
About Hynds Water
A division of Hynds Pipe Systems, Hynds Water brings together the water expertise from across the Hynds Group, creating a focused team of professionals dedicated to providing our water customers with the highest level of service and technical expertise, with easy access to world-leading water product brands and agencies. www.hyndswater.co.nz
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