Latest news with #MasterPlumbers
Scoop
3 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
3 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.
Scoop
03-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
2025 New Zealand Plumbing Conference Awards: Full List Of Winners
Press Release – Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Organised by Master Plumbers, the national conference has been held for over 100 years and is the premier event in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, with attendees coming from all over the country. Master Plumbers is pleased to announce the winners and finalists awarded at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards on Friday 2 May. The New Zealand Plumbing Awards wraps up our annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference, this year held in Brisbane, Australia. Plumbing World Scholarships Plumbing World Scholarships are awarded to three Masterlink apprentices who have demonstrated diligence in their assignment completions, and maturity and personal growth over the past year. They are a true asset to their Masterlink Host business. Winners receive a $1,000 credit at Plumbing World, with the overall winner receiving registration, tickets and travel to the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference. WINNER Blake Jones-Downes – McBeth Plumbing & Gas, Taupō WINNER Rory van Vroonhoven – CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton OVERALL WINNER Trent Toomey – Gas & Water Limited, Dunedin Mark Whitehead Training Leader of the Year This award recognises an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty to help educate and support people entering the industry. The winner will have demonstrated a true commitment to young people entering the industry, and an understanding of efforts required in building knowledge and standards within the sector. He or she deserves to be recognised for hard work and dedication to strengthening the industry. WINNER Jacob Smith – Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton Product of the Year This award recognises the significant contribution to product development of a company or individual in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry in the past year. WINNER Aladdin Easyfit Isolator – Plumbing World New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer Employee of the Year This award recognises excellence in the trade skills of an individual Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer, who is a respected member of their trade and known for their leadership skills. The winner will have demonstrated ability in trade calculations; in the selection of materials appropriate to the specifications and design of their work; and in applying relevant documentation and regulatory compliance to their work. WINNER Darrin Minifie – DL Good Plumbers, Auckland Outstanding Projects Award The award recognises an exceptional project that displays excellence and high levels of innovative plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying methods, the use of new materials or the innovative use of existing materials. WINNER Hockly Plumbers, Wellington, for their work on Ngā Mokopuna The Living Building James Douglas Medallion The prestigious James Douglas Medallion has been awarded each year since 1948. It recognises outstanding recently qualified tradespersons who have demonstrated hard work, commitment, and determination to achieve industry success. Young people are the lifeblood of our industry, and it is important we can attract and retain the best young people entering the workforce. The overall James Douglas Medallion recipient will be chosen from these three finalists and will receive a $500 cash prize together with a Career Development Scholarship to the value of $2,500 from The Skills Organisation. This is a major prize designed to build the winner's career progression. PLUMBING FINALIST Andrew Smith – E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd GASFITTING FINALIST Marieke Oram – Clyne and Bennie Ltd DRAINLAYING FINALIST Daniel Collins – Evergreen Plumbing Group Ltd WINNER Andrew Smith – E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd Jackson Women in Plumbing This award recognises a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying industry. WINNER Andrea Lovell – Heron Plumbing, Auckland Graeme Victor Smith Contribution to the Industry This award is presented in recognition of values important to Graeme Smith's career and personal involvement in the industry. It recognises commitment to Master Plumbers, to the industry, to running a successful business and to developing young and future plumbers. WINNER Aaron Rink – CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton Master Plumbers Business Partner of the Year This award recognises a Master Plumbers business partner who is commitment to Master Plumbers as well as contributes and supports the success of the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry. WINNER Allproof Industries New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year This award recognises a Master Plumbers member that can clearly demonstrate its business acumen and drive for success. The recipient will exemplify the highest levels of professionalism and service. WINNER Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas About the New Zealand Plumbing Awards The New Zealand Plumbing Awards acknowledge the many positive achievements and success stories in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry and are presented at a gala dinner on the final night of the annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference. Organised by Master Plumbers, the national conference has been held for over 100 years and is the premier event in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, with attendees coming from all over the country.
Scoop
03-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
2025 New Zealand Plumbing Conference Awards: Full List Of Winners
Master Plumbers is pleased to announce the winners and finalists awarded at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards on Friday 2 May. The New Zealand Plumbing Awards wraps up our annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference, this year held in Brisbane, Australia. Plumbing World Scholarships Plumbing World Scholarships are awarded to three Masterlink apprentices who have demonstrated diligence in their assignment completions, and maturity and personal growth over the past year. They are a true asset to their Masterlink Host business. Winners receive a $1,000 credit at Plumbing World, with the overall winner receiving registration, tickets and travel to the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference. WINNER Blake Jones-Downes - McBeth Plumbing & Gas, Taupō WINNER Rory van Vroonhoven - CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton OVERALL WINNER Trent Toomey - Gas & Water Limited, Dunedin Mark Whitehead Training Leader of the Year This award recognises an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty to help educate and support people entering the industry. The winner will have demonstrated a true commitment to young people entering the industry, and an understanding of efforts required in building knowledge and standards within the sector. He or she deserves to be recognised for hard work and dedication to strengthening the industry. WINNER Jacob Smith - Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton Product of the Year This award recognises the significant contribution to product development of a company or individual in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry in the past year. WINNER Aladdin Easyfit Isolator - Plumbing World New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer Employee of the Year This award recognises excellence in the trade skills of an individual Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer, who is a respected member of their trade and known for their leadership skills. The winner will have demonstrated ability in trade calculations; in the selection of materials appropriate to the specifications and design of their work; and in applying relevant documentation and regulatory compliance to their work. WINNER Darrin Minifie - DL Good Plumbers, Auckland Outstanding Projects Award The award recognises an exceptional project that displays excellence and high levels of innovative plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying methods, the use of new materials or the innovative use of existing materials. WINNER Hockly Plumbers, Wellington, for their work on Ngā Mokopuna The Living Building James Douglas Medallion The prestigious James Douglas Medallion has been awarded each year since 1948. It recognises outstanding recently qualified tradespersons who have demonstrated hard work, commitment, and determination to achieve industry success. Young people are the lifeblood of our industry, and it is important we can attract and retain the best young people entering the workforce. The overall James Douglas Medallion recipient will be chosen from these three finalists and will receive a $500 cash prize together with a Career Development Scholarship to the value of $2,500 from The Skills Organisation. This is a major prize designed to build the winner's career progression. PLUMBING FINALIST Andrew Smith - E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd GASFITTING FINALIST Marieke Oram - Clyne and Bennie Ltd DRAINLAYING FINALIST Daniel Collins - Evergreen Plumbing Group Ltd WINNER Andrew Smith - E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd Jackson Women in Plumbing This award recognises a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying industry. WINNER Andrea Lovell - Heron Plumbing, Auckland Graeme Victor Smith Contribution to the Industry This award is presented in recognition of values important to Graeme Smith's career and personal involvement in the industry. It recognises commitment to Master Plumbers, to the industry, to running a successful business and to developing young and future plumbers. WINNER Aaron Rink - CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton Master Plumbers Business Partner of the Year This award recognises a Master Plumbers business partner who is commitment to Master Plumbers as well as contributes and supports the success of the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry. WINNER Allproof Industries New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year This award recognises a Master Plumbers member that can clearly demonstrate its business acumen and drive for success. The recipient will exemplify the highest levels of professionalism and service. WINNER Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas About the New Zealand Plumbing Awards The New Zealand Plumbing Awards acknowledge the many positive achievements and success stories in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry and are presented at a gala dinner on the final night of the annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference. Organised by Master Plumbers, the national conference has been held for over 100 years and is the premier event in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, with attendees coming from all over the country.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Master Plumbers Welcomes Cabinet Approval Of Self-Certification For Plumbers And Drainlayers
Press Release – Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ 'We have been advocating for years that plumbers and drainlayers should be able to self-certify, just as gasfitters – who are also plumbers in most instances – and electricians can,' Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace says. Master Plumbers is pleased the Government is progressing with a self-certification scheme that makes plumbers accountable for their work, rather than relying on council inspectors. 'We have been advocating for years that plumbers and drainlayers should be able to self-certify, just as gasfitters – who are also plumbers in most instances – and electricians can,' Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace says. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced today that the Government has agreed on a new self-certification scheme for plumbers and drainlayers allowing them to sign off on their own work. The new scheme does come with some caveats: it will be opt-in and limited to plumbers and drainlayers carrying out work on simple residential dwellings. Trades that are currently able to self-certify are not required to opt-in or be restricted to a specific category of work. 'For plumbers and drainlayers to be competitive, we believe all of the industry should opt-in,' Mr Wallace says. 'While the Minister has limited the scheme to simple residential dwellings, we hope this is the first phase and that, in future, it will expand to all work.' 'Ultimately, we want the same system as electricians and gasfitters, but we understand this may be a staged approach.' Mr Wallace says there's a common misconception that liability moves to Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) once an inspection has been completed. 'The reality is that tradespeople are still accountable for their workmanship. Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Act, qualified plumbers and drainlayers are responsible for all work – including large-scale industry installations.' Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers are overseen by an independent regulatory board, the PGDB. Consumers can have confidence that certified plumbing professionals are highly skilled and their work completed to a professional standard. It takes seven years to obtain the qualification of a Certifying Plumber and two years for a Certifying Drainlayer. In addition, Master Plumbers members are subject to a rigorous quality assurance process and carry a guarantee for their work.
