Latest news with #BPIR
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Consumer NZ Test Reveals Danger Of Unregulated Online Plumbing Products
Press Release – Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ A recent test undertaken by Consumer NZ showed that one of six kitchen tap mixers purchased from a variety of retailers resulted in lead levels in the water higher than is permitted in the Australian/New Zealand testing standard. Master Plumbers' concerns that cheap online plumbing products will not comply with new regulations to make drinking water safer have proven justified. A recent test undertaken by Consumer NZ showed that one of six kitchen tap mixers purchased from a variety of retailers resulted in lead levels in the water higher than is permitted in the Australian/New Zealand testing standard. Lead is a cumulative toxin, which makes ongoing exposure through drinking water a particular concern. 'No level of lead is acceptable,' says Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace. 'Young children are especially vulnerable to the toxin, with even low levels of exposure linked to learning disabilities and nervous system damage.' The tap mixer that failed was purchased from global retailer Amazon, which ships a wide range of product to New Zealand. This highlights the dangers of buying tapware online where the market is largely unregulated and unpoliced. From May 2026, new requirements for plumbing products that deliver drinking water come into force, in line with an update to the building code. These products, which include kitchen and bathroom tapware, as well as valves and fittings connected to domestic drinking water pipes, must not contain more than 0.25% lead. Master Plumbers welcomes the transition to lead free plumbing products in New Zealand but wants more to be done to give consumers confidence. 'We want to see compulsory 'lead free' marking being placed either on the product or the packaging of relevant plumbing products, to allow consumers and tradespeople to easily identify that they are lead-free,' says Wallace. 'It is the plumber installing the product who is held responsible, so installers should have a way to easily determine if the product is compliant.' Compulsory marking would allow for the policing of non-compliant or falsely declared products through Commerce Commission regulations. As it stands, the current building product information requirement (BPIR) regulations rely on self-reporting and do not have a proactive enforcement system in place-which is particularly concerning for the regulation of online retailers that may be importing international products. Master Plumbers has been raising the alarm about lead in tapware for years. In 2018, the organisation commissioned independent testing of five tapware products sold in this country and found the level of lead leaching from one product to be 70% higher than the allowable limit in drinking water product standard AS/NZS 4020. The full details of the test conducted by Consumer NZ are included in their online report and published in the latest issue of Consumer magazine.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Consumer NZ Test Reveals Danger Of Unregulated Online Plumbing Products
Master Plumbers' concerns that cheap online plumbing products will not comply with new regulations to make drinking water safer have proven justified. A recent test undertaken by Consumer NZ showed that one of six kitchen tap mixers purchased from a variety of retailers resulted in lead levels in the water higher than is permitted in the Australian/New Zealand testing standard. Lead is a cumulative toxin, which makes ongoing exposure through drinking water a particular concern. "No level of lead is acceptable," says Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace. "Young children are especially vulnerable to the toxin, with even low levels of exposure linked to learning disabilities and nervous system damage." The tap mixer that failed was purchased from global retailer Amazon, which ships a wide range of product to New Zealand. This highlights the dangers of buying tapware online where the market is largely unregulated and unpoliced. From May 2026, new requirements for plumbing products that deliver drinking water come into force, in line with an update to the building code. These products, which include kitchen and bathroom tapware, as well as valves and fittings connected to domestic drinking water pipes, must not contain more than 0.25% lead. Master Plumbers welcomes the transition to lead free plumbing products in New Zealand but wants more to be done to give consumers confidence. "We want to see compulsory 'lead free' marking being placed either on the product or the packaging of relevant plumbing products, to allow consumers and tradespeople to easily identify that they are lead-free," says Wallace. "It is the plumber installing the product who is held responsible, so installers should have a way to easily determine if the product is compliant." Compulsory marking would allow for the policing of non-compliant or falsely declared products through Commerce Commission regulations. As it stands, the current building product information requirement (BPIR) regulations rely on self-reporting and do not have a proactive enforcement system in place-which is particularly concerning for the regulation of online retailers that may be importing international products. Master Plumbers has been raising the alarm about lead in tapware for years. In 2018, the organisation commissioned independent testing of five tapware products sold in this country and found the level of lead leaching from one product to be 70% higher than the allowable limit in drinking water product standard AS/NZS 4020. The full details of the test conducted by Consumer NZ are included in their online report and published in the latest issue of Consumer magazine.
Associated Press
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation Announces Winners of the 2025 Crown Royal Hats Off $100,000 Grant
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation Crown Royal Hats Off Grant Recipients MEMPHIS, TN, UNITED STATES, April 9, 2025 / / -- The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation (BPIRF) is proud to announce the recipients of the Crown Royal Hats Off Grant, a $100,000 initiative aimed at empowering Black cowboys and cowgirls to pursue their passion for rodeo. The award-winning whisky brand Crown Royal has generously provided $100,000 to BPIRF through The Hats Off Grant, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and support for the Black rodeo community by offering financial support to rising rodeo athletes across the country. The mission of this initiative is to help break down barriers and ensure greater access to competitive rodeo opportunities for the next generation. In a continued effort to empower the African American Rodeo Community, The Hats Off Grant was launched to uplift and inspire BPIR rodeo athletes. In partnership with Crown Royal, the goal is to ensure these rodeo participants have the resources needed to continue excelling in the sport. The 2025 $100,000 grant was divided among six deserving cowgirls and cowboys, providing crucial funding to advance their rodeo careers: • $20,000 Grant Recipients: o Breanna Meyer o Azja Bryant o Daryl Elliott o Dennis Chachere • $10,000 Grant Recipients: o Kanesha Jackson o Wyatt Raymond This marks another significant achievement for BPIR rodeo athletes. 'At BPIR and the Foundation, we are honored to announce the 2025 Crown Royal Hats Off Grant recipients,' said Valeria Howard Cunningham, CEO and President of both BPIR and BPIRF. 'This grant reaffirms our commitment to supporting our BPIR cowboys and cowgirls that have supported BPIR over the years, and I couldn't be more excited for these six deserving winners.' 'Through the Hats Off Grant and Royal Rider program we are proud to support and celebrate talented individuals who keep the spirit of rodeo alive,' said Hadley Schafer, VP of Crown Royal. 'For four years, we've worked alongside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and we are honored to be able to provide opportunities for riders through the grants. We are committed to honoring this storied tradition and do our part to help uplift the local rodeo community that keeps that keeps the sport thriving.' Join the Celebration and follow @BillPickettRodeo and @CrownRoyal for updates on this partnership and ongoing initiatives from BPIR, BPIRF, and Crown Royal. As we celebrate this exciting moment in rodeo, we remind everyone: No matter how you enjoy Crown Royal this rodeo season, please do so responsibly. . About Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation Since 1987, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation (BPIRF) has upheld its commitment to the rodeo, education, and arts by providing unique programs across the country. BPIRF has a community first approach and works to close educational and skills gaps through the various programs we provide in underserved communities. BPIRF has made an impact in each state that the BPIR performs by awarding scholarships, rodeo grants and creating programs that support the communities and the Black Cowboys and Cowgirls. Please visit our website to learn more about the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation at and to see all the great work the foundation is doing around the country. About the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Founded in 1984 by Lu Vason, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is the nation's longest-running African American touring rodeo association. Named in honor of legendary cowboy Bill Pickett, BPIR was created to spotlight the overlooked history and contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls. For more than four decades, BPIR has preserved and promoted Black equestrian culture, educating audiences about its critical role in shaping the American West. Under the leadership of Valeria Howard Cunningham, BPIR continues to honor this legacy, inspire future generations, and break barriers in the rodeo world. About Crown Royal Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly. About Diageo North America Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. Michelle R Johnson - BPIR Media Relations Director Facebook Legal Disclaimer:
