| 47 T T Bernadette Cooney Plan addresses key issues Master Plumbers advocates for self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers as a solution to inspection delays. New Zealand Master Plumbers - Foleys CONTRACTING For 123 years, New Zealand Master Plumbers has been steadfast in its mission to uphold the highest standards of workmanship across the nation. With a membership representing over 70 percent of plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers, Master Plumbers exists to support, resource and advocate for its membership. At the forefront of their recent endeavours is a comprehensive Master Plumbers Action Plan, crafted to address key issues facing the industry. Greg Wallace, CEO of Master Plumbers, describes the plan as both a call to action and a roadmap for improvement, urging local and central government bodies to consider its recommendations seriously. “The aim is to highlight critical issues our trade body is contending with and suggest well researched solutions to them, to ensure our industry remains future facing,” he says. Drawing on data from membership surveys and reputable planning reports, such as those from MBIE, BDO, and BRANZ, the action plan identifies three main priorities for the industry: Productivity and Workforce Capacity, Climate and Environment, and Public Health and Safety. “We’ve presented our plan to the ministers of building, energy and education within the coalition government,” says Greg. “I’ve met with them, and they appear receptive to some of the issues raised and the solutions we offer.” One of the primary concerns addressed in the plan are the inefficiencies within the consenting process. Master Plumbers advocates for self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers as a solution to inspection delays, citing examples from Australia and other trades within New Zealand. They propose leveraging technology to streamline compliance processes and reduce wait times for inspections. “When you’ve got delays of up to 20 days to get an in-person plumbing inspection for a new house, that holds up the whole project and those costs end up being passed on to the consumer,” says Greg. “Australian plumbers have been successfully self-certifying for some time now and other trades in NZ such as electricians and gasfitters also, so it is time for plumbers to join them.” Another critical issue facing the industry is skills shortages and cumbersome vocational training for its apprentices. “We estimate a current shortfall of 3000 plumbers and drainlayers nationwide which is of great concern,” says Greg. This is complicated further by delays in the delivery of off-site block course learning and assessment for apprentices. Block course delays in 2022 meant more than 1240 apprentices were unable to complete their apprenticeship within the normal 5-year duration. “It’s discouraging for the apprentice and frustrating for the employer, so we propose establishing on-job workplace assessments by certified assessors and greater industry involvement for unit standard development and training delivery.” Master Plumbers chairman Craig Foley says the solutions raised in the action plan are sensible and could be implemented without disruption. “Particularly self-certification for plumbers, which is long overdue, and robust workplace assessments for trainees, so we can get them through their qualifications and advancing quicker than they currently are.” GWA Group NZ Limited (GWA) is a leading force in designing, engineering and distributing cutting edge plumbing products for both commercial and residential construction projects across New Zealand. Iconic household brands like Caroma and Methven, cater to the needs of various sectors, from public health to commercial workplaces and luxury residences. Founded over 140 years ago, Methven is focused on creating memorable showering experiences through its spray technologies and water e icient showering systems. The irst brand in the world to develop a dual lush toilet, Caroma remains the market leader in sanitaryware. At the forefront of innovation, GWA specialises in intelligent systems incorporating smart water management and hygienic touchless solutions, enhancing everyday water experiences. With a commitment to excellence, the Group continues to rede ine standards in plumbing, ensuring unparalleled quality and innovation in every project they undertake. Establishing and nurturing long-term relationships and supply agreement with key stakeholders, including plumbing merchants and trade companies such as Foleys of Dunedin and Christchurch, is central to the company’s ethos. Aligned with trade speci ication , GWA’s extensive product range encompasses sanitaryware (toilets and basins), bathroom tapware and accessories, kitchen sink mixers, baths, rail showers and shower systems. GWA - Leading theway Leanne Foote, GWA Group’s Commercial Business Development Manager for the Lower South Island, underscores the enduring partnership with Foley’s Plumbing, emphasising their support in delivering front-of-wall solutions and premier products to both commercial and residential sectors. Foley’s Plumbing, with its root tracing back to Dunedin in 1935, has evolved into a nationally recognised entity with global reach, maintaining a steadfast commitment to the southern region. Collaborating closely, Foley’s and GWA have completed several signi icant projects across the lower South Island, including the ongoing construction of the new Dunedin Hospital Outpatients Building. “Involved from the planning stages to the delivery of products, we work alongside Foley’s on this exciting new public health facility,” says Leanne. As the construction progresses in two stages, the irst is a new 15,000 sq. metre Outpatient Building expected to be completed in 2026, complete with multi-disciplinary outpatient clinics and radiology department. Addressing the unique requirements of healthcare environments, GWA o ers high speci ication products such as ixtures with strengthened weight bearing ability, and germ-guard equipped ixtures, catering not only to hospitals but also aged care facilities. The availability of a wide range of colour options allows for customisation beyond the standard white and chrome, leading the way for a modern aesthetic. AVAILABLE FROMMAY 2024 caroma.co.nz
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