| 91 Jarvis Plumbing & Gasworks CONTRACTING T T Kelly Deeks Shaping business around what it does best Based in Stokes Valley, the family owned business has grown from its roots as Jarvis Plumbgas Services. Jarvis Plumbing and Gasworks is deliberately shaping its business around the work it does best, while preparing for major changes across the plumbing, heating, and energy sectors. Based in Stokes Valley, the family owned business has grown from its roots as Jarvis Plumbgas Services, established by Dave and Genny Jarvis in 1997, and Dan and Rhiannon Jarvis’ DJ Plumbing and Gasworks, launched in 2017. The two businesses merged in 2023 when Dave and Genny retired, bringing a team of about 10 people together. That team has grown to 15 today, with the business keen to recruit more qualified tradespeople when the right people can be found. “We are busy, but with workforce shortages there is just not enough talent to go around at the moment,” Rhiannon says. “We have to train our own and that takes time ” Rather than growing for growth’s sake, Jarvis recently sat down with its team to look closely at the work it enjoys, where it can add the most value, and what makes commercial sense. That conversation prompted the business to step away from some multi-unit and standard new build work, where tight budgets and timeframes can compromise the quality of workmanship. “Often these projects don’t have the time or the budget to do things properly, and that’s not how we want to work,” Rhiannon says. The residential focus is now firmly on maintenance, renovations, and bespoke new builds, where problem solving, craftsmanship, and close relationships with customers are more important. The same future-focused approach is shaping Jarvis’ work across gas, hot water, water storage, and filtration. While the energy transition is pushing more households towards electricity, Rhiannon believes gas will remain part of New Zealand’s energy mix for many years, particularly through LPG and emerging renewable biofuels. Jarvis has also trained in electric hot water heat pump systems, while continuing to install wood burners and exploring technologies that will become increasingly relevant as energy choices change. Water is another area the business expects to grow, particularly as Wellington households become more conscious of water use and future metering. Small, slimline water storage tanks can provide urban homes with a rainwater supply for gardens, car washing, and emergency resilience, while filtration systems can be tailored to what each household needs. Drinking water systems target the kitchen tap, while whole house filtration provides filtered water throughout the home, with potential benefits extending beyond drinking. Removing chlorine, fluoride, and other impurities can make water gentler on skin and hair, particularly for households with sensitive skin. The future at Jarvis also prioritises people. Jarvis has hosted Gateway students for about 20 years and has trained more than 30 apprentice plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers, with many going on to become long-serving members of the team. Community involvement remains equally important, with the company supporting organisations, sports clubs, and causes throughout the Hutt Valley and wider Wellington region. The business has been recognised for its approach, winning the Construction, Trades, and Infrastructure Award of Excellence and People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards. It is a forward focused approach that is shaping the next chapter of Jarvis Plumbing and Gasworks, with the business adapting to changing technology, evolving customer needs, and a rapidly shifting plumbing, heating, and energy landscape. With its 30th anniversary coming up next year, the team is planning a major celebration, marking three decades in business and looking ahead to an equally ambitious future. “We are busy, but with workforce shortages there is just not enough talent to go around at the moment, we have to train our own and that takes time.” HUTT VALLEY UPPER HUTT CARTERTON
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