50 | Master Plumbers Awards 2023: McBeth Plumbing & Gas “A builder had been giving his time to help and he was having to shower out of a bucket at the end of a hard day’s work. It meant so much for him to have the simple comfort of a hot shower.” CONTRACTING Portable showers a winner Staff members try out the new portable showers. T T Sue Russell PHONE 07 378 8411 MOBILE 021 861 931 EMAIL hq@hqelectrical.co.nz BRIAN FARMER Taupo District Congratulations to McBeth’s Plumbing and Gas for going above and beyond supporting the community. Project Management New Homes | Renovations | Commercial Shop Fit-outs | Joinery | Maintenance 07 376 5117 info@newconstructiontaupo.co.nz In responding to the obvious needs of others impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle Taupo’s McBeth Plumbing & Gas, received the Outstanding Project Award at this year’s Master Plumbers Awards, held at Christchurch on 5 May. “I wanted our company to help in the devastation Gabrielle caused and came across an idea for a portable shower unit,” says Scott McBeth. Upon reading this, Scott got onto social media and help came from all corners. He credits the many hands that were involved in bringing this project to fruition. The community response to his initiative was nothing short of overwhelming, with numerous individuals and organizations stepping up to lend their support. “We had thought to just make a few but the response was terrific and it spurred us on. When we called for donations we received $30,000 from 122 people, which was just unbelievable and a real testament to the way people felt about giving what they could to bring a little comfort to people in really bad situations.” Getting in behind the project, suppliers offered materials and other plumbers and trades firms offered labour. In all 27 people were involved in cleaning, building and fitting out 15 shower units. And as often happens when times get tough and the tough get going, there are special moments that happen. “One story still sticks with me. It was when we put our first shower in place. A builder had been giving his time to help and he was having to shower out of a bucket at the end of a hard day’s work. It meant so much for him to have the simple comfort of a hot shower,” says Scott. When the first showers were ready for transporting, other challenges had to be overcome, with the Napier/Taupo road closed. Instead a six-hour trip through the Central Plateau and then north to Hawke’s Bay was undertaken. Showers were dropped to several locations, with some moving again to Whirinaki beach Eskdale, Puketapu, North Shore, Tangoia, Waiohiki and Dartmoor. Scott’s award was not the only one McBeth Plumbing & Gas Taupo received this year. Apprentice Emma de Salis was one of three trainee plumbers who received a Plumbing World Scholarship. Emma, according to Scott, is an exceptional apprentice, who displays admirable qualities of skill and determination. “She is just coming toward the end of her second year with us. She has already sat and passed her drainlaying exam and by the end of this year her intention is to pass her plumbing and gas qualifications. I have no doubt that she will achieve this and now she has had a taste of the awards, her intention is to one day win the prestigous James Douglas Medallion.” Asked what makes McBeth Plumbing & Gas, a third generation business, so special Scott says its about articulating and living a set of core values. Each month at the team BBQ breakfast staff vote for who they consider in the team has displayed these values in their work. The term KAPAI, meaning ‘Kind, Accountable, People Focussed, Authentic and Innovative’ best describes the values that underpin the business. “There is no point in saying you have values if you don’t articulate them in your work, how you are as a team member, how you treat your clients and the quality of the work you do.” The best part was, in creating KAPAI, everyone in the business was involved, so there’s a collective ownership of what McBeth Plumbing & Gas stands for. Today McBeth Plumbing Ltd has grown to a team of 15 professionals, all focussed on delivering customers the best possible service. “It’s not that easy to find the right staff but in the last couple of years we have really focused on our hiring process. We’ve had a lot of comments from people saying we’re a good team.” Three apprentices currently work in the business and along with plumbing, gas fitting and drainage, the company also installs central heating systems. Scott says the business has gained a reputation for its scheduling. “When we say we will be there, we will be there. Our customers can rely on that.” Scott has also seen a shift in the wider perception of the value of a trade. He thinks the Master Plumbers Association has been behind a push to elevate the trades and this has become more evident lately. “Going from school to University isn’t for everyone and there’s a really good quality of life that gaining trade qualifications can provide.”
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