| 21 T T Sue Russell A colourful journey for supplies business Northland: Northland Plumbing Supplies Ltd REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The history of Northland Plumbing Supplies Ltd, based in Waipapa, is quite a colourful one, not only for its journey in the world of plumbing, but just as much around the vehicles that played a role in its establishment and growth. Northland Plumbing Supplies evolved when the owner of former plumbing business, L G Carders, wanted to retire and offered the business to Phil and Ricky Morris in 2002. Serena Morris, daughter of the founders, says a “sweet little, blue Morris 1100” became well- known around the district for delivering all manner of plumbing equipment. When she first joined the business in 1988, she recalls it sporting a 1500lt spa bath on its roof. “We went through a string of cars. At one point, I drove a Holden stationwagon pot-rivetted together. Dad took out the bench seat and installed a Celica five-speed gear box and two bucket seats so I could actually drive it,” says Serena. Fourteen years ago, the land where the business is now located was purchased, with a subsequent large shop/showroom and storage being built there. “I’m so proud of what we have achieved when you consider Dad started on his own. Even today, we’re still very much a family business. Mum’s retired and we’ve employed Tegan Deverell, my niece, and daughter Britney Tawhai to look after managing the shop,” says Serena. In all, a team of eight operates the company today. Northland Plumbing Supplies Ltd is a member of ‘Plumbling Plus’, New Zealand’s largest group of independently owned plumbing merchants. This means that product range and price is extremely competitive. “If you come to our store you’ll be impressed with comprehensive displays of local and imported bathroom, kitchen and laundry products. We cater for all budgets and tastes.” And as happens in family businesses, one generation comes into the business carefully, enabling a great hand-over in time. Serena says she’s acting like the ‘cloud above’ in the day- to-day business operation and that’s a good place to be. “I’m there if those on the floor need any specific information or support, but they really know how to run this business well and to the standards we’ve always upheld.” Northland Plumbing Supplies, given its years in operation, carries extensive experience into all aspects of plumbing servicing and supply. And doing its bit to support greater efficiency in the use of precious power is something else Northland Plumbing Supplies now has the opportunity to be connected with, as Serena explains. “We’ve been approached by a company providing solar-power technologies up here to place solar-generating panels on our roof. We’re really excited about this development, which will bring benefits not only to our business but to promoting solar-energy uptake in this region.” Given its long history in a region it is very proud to be a part of, Northland Plumbing Supplies also invests its advertising budget into local community-building initiatives, that give back. “We like to share the love around,” is how Serena describes it. Northland Plumbing Supplies Ltd is located at 34 Klinac Lane, Waipapa, a small Northland settlement about 10 minutes north of Kerikeri. “This is a great location for us, within easy distance of a large area we cover,” says Serena. “We welcome people contacting us to discuss their project, and we’re in a wonderful position to be able to offer them lots of options and ideas to consider.” Northland Plumbing Supplies, given its years in operation, carries extensive experience into all aspects of plumbing servicing and supply. K I T C H E N | B AT H R OOM | L A UND R Y Where great products are a sure thing, customers are the main thing, and customer service is everything. Manufacturers of Tapware, Laundry Tubs, Baths, Showers, Toilets, Furniture & Bathroom Accessories. www.aquatica.co.nz 09 828 2068 info@aquatica.co.nz Rheem proudly supports WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP YOU IN HOT WATER SINCE 2002 Proud supporters of Northland Plumbing Supplies Ltd 34 Klinac Lane,Waipapa 0246 Kerikeri, New Zealand theteam@northlandplumbing.co.nz www.northlandplumbing.co.nz Proud to Support Northland Planning & Development 09 407 9157
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