The Link - September 2025 Final Apprentice Training Workshops; introducing Helen Mitchell, Rotorua apprentice opportunities & more inside!

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Fb In Yt Ig

Tēnā koutou katoa —  it's Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori Week (Māori Language Week)!

In this September update, don't miss your final chance to register for the remaining Apprentice Training Workshops, join us in welcoming Helen Mitchell as our new Central North Island Regional Manager, and discover a special opportunity for Rotorua hosts with standout apprentice candidates — plus much more!

APPRENTICE TRAINING WORKSHOPS: FINAL DATES

Pete Shields and Regional Manager, Steve Weeks helping in CHCH

Final 2025 Workshop Dates: 

  • HAMILTON
    Tuesday 23 September Quality Inn Clarence St. TO BOOK: Email Masterlink Admin 

  • WELLINGTON
    Thursday 16 October
    Johnsonville Community Centre 
    TO BOOK: Email Masterlink Admin 

  • CHRISTCHURCH
    Thursday 30 October 
    St Albans Community Centre
    TO BOOK: Email Masterlink Admin 

  • AUCKLAND 
    Thursday 13 November ICE East Tamaki
    TO BOOK: 
    Email Peter Shields 

  • QUEENSTOWN 
    Date to be confirmed

Only five Apprentice Training Workshops remain before the end of the year, so don’t miss your chance to take part. 

If you’d like to attend one of the upcoming sessions, please click the link to email your interest. Spaces are limited and do fill fast, so be sure to get in touch as soon as possible.

What a year it has been!

Our dedicated Apprentice Training Manager, Peter Shields, has travelled around the motu to deliver 11 workshops so far, with five more to go — helping 139 apprentices earn an impressive 195 credits. A huge thank you to Peter for his incredible commitment and energy.

Masterlink also piloted its first online training workshop with great success. These sessions will now become a regular feature, providing a flexible option for apprentices who can’t attend in person.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW REGIONAL MANAGER

Masterlink welcomes Helen Mitchell, new Central North Island Regional Manager for Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Taranaki, taking over from Russell Walsh.

A Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter, and qualified Drainlayer, Helen brings broad industry experience — from tutoring at Wintec and delivering CPD training to being a project manager for a plumbing merchant. She also won the 2022 Jackson Women in Plumbing trophy and continues to support local apprentices through regular training evenings.

New Masterlink Regional Manager, Helen Mitchell

A big thank you to Russell for his dedication, mentorship, and the strong relationships he built while managing one of our largest apprentice regions. His support for both hosts and apprentices over the years has been truly invaluable.

ROTORUA HOSTS: LOOKING TO STRIKE GOLD? 

Read about our 3 great apprentice candidates!

Masterlink People & Culture Advisor Nadine has uncovered a rare opportunity — three high-quality apprentice candidates based in your region! 

Each brings a strong CV, relevant industry experience, and valuable life experience.

READ ABOUT THEM HERE >>
Contact Nadine >>

Whether you're actively looking to expand your team or open to the right opportunity, these candidates are worth reading about

Don't Miss This Opportunity!
If you're interested — or know someone who might be — get in touch with Nadine soon, as these candidates are unlikely to be available for long.

SAFETY FIRST: DRILL INTO YOUR H&S MODULES

Want Your Own Makita Hammer Drill?
Complete your Masterlink Health & Safety Induction and it’s yours!

All Masterlink apprentices who successfully finish their H&S Induction will receive their very own Makita 18V Hammer Drill Kit.

Too easy 🤙

Masterlink apprentice Quinn with his new Makita 18V Hammer Drill

Masterlink and Clyne & Bennie apprentice Quinn with his new drill!

FLY THE FLAG WITH MATES IN CONSTRUCTION

A big thank you to everyone who took part in Fly the Flag week — MATES in Construction’s national campaign raising awareness for mental wellbeing in the construction industry.

As industry friends, the team at MATES have kindly extended their support to Masterlink hosts.

You can book a visit from a local Field Officer to run a toolbox talk or staff meeting focused on mental health and wellbeing at your site or workshop.

Need support now?
The MATES in Construction Helpline is available 24/7 — call 0800 111 315

Organise a MATES Visit
Wellington Office Flying the Flag
Christchurch team with MATES in Construction

READ: DIFFERENT MINDS, ONE TEAM 🧠

The latest NZ Plumber magazine features a practical article on how plumbing businesses can better support team members who are neurodivergent, like those who have ADHD or dyslexia.

With around 1 in 5 young New Zealanders identifying as neurodivergent, the article includes insights from four Masterlink apprentices — including Robbie (pictured), whose employer’s support helped him identify his dyslexia.

Featured Masterlink Apprentice Robbie White
READ THE ARTICLE >>

TRAINING + EVENTS CALENDAR

HR & Employment Law 
Wednesday 8 October
10am - 12pm
WELLINGTON

A practical session for Master Plumbers members covering staff issues, performance, restructures, and key legal updates. Interactive and discussion-based — bring your questions.

HR Registration

Mac McKenzie Trust 
Awards Evening
Friday 10 October
5:30pm - 10pm
INVERCARGILL

Celebrate the success of apprentices from Otago, Southland, and Queenstown Lakes at this special awards evening. 

Awards Registration

Young Plumber of The Year FINAL
Wednesday 22 October
HAMILTON

Watch the top regional winners go head to head to compete for the national title!

Learn More

MASTERLINK MILESTONES

QUALIFIED

A big congratulations on completing your apprenticeships: 

  • Jedric Haymes, Bailey Harris and Kade Wilson in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying

  • Lawrence Lemana in Plumbing and Drainlaying.

A special mention to those who have also qualified in Drainlaying: 

  • Ethan Fricker, Samuel Carter, Kane Ardern and Jordan Dibley

WELCOME

Nau mai, haere mai to our new or returning Masterlink apprentices:

  • Zuri Kimani - Allan Plumbing & Gas Solutions, Mangawhai

  • Corey Anderson - MEP Plumbing, Palmerston North
  • Ashley McCarthy - J & T Plumbing, Tauranga
  • Caesar Noten - Your Local Plumber 2015, Auckland
  • Coeyn Lockington - Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton
  • Turama Paranihi - Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton
  • Noah Attwood - Water Wise Plumbing & Gasfitting, Waihi
  • Sidney Boyd - MacMillan Plumbing & Gas, Auckland
  • Toby Menzies - LBK Limited, Auckland
  • Miles Holder - Simply Plumbing, Christchurch
  • Johnathan Watson - Laser Plumbing, Nelson
  • Jack Maclennan - Fletcher Plumbing, Auckland
  • David Gilpin - Mander & Co, Wellington
  • James Stacey - Heron Plumbing, Auckland 

Nau mai, haere mai to our new Masterlink host companies:

MEP Plumbing in Palmerston North, Water Wise Plumbing & Gasfitting in Waihi, MacMillan Plumbing & Gas in Auckland, LBK Limited in Auckland, Simply Plumbing in Christchurch and Laser Plumbing in Nelson. 

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Masterlink Ltd

119 Ghuznee Street, Wellington 6011

0800 502 102

admin@masterlink.co.nz

www.masterlink.co.nz

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