Kia ora {#party.FirstName}, |
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Welcome to the August edition of The Link! This month we're checking in with our apprentices through the 2026 Apprentice Survey, celebrating some big moments from the NZ Plumbing Conference, sharing a sneak peek from our Outward Bound scholarship winners, and breaking down what the end of Fees Free means for apprentices and host businesses. |
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HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE 2026 APPRENTICE SURVEYđ |
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The 2026 Apprentice Survey will be closing soon! Don't miss the chance to share your feedback on your experience as a Masterlink apprentice. Whether itâs your experience on the tools, your training, or the support you receive along the way â your feedback helps shape what we do next. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, responses are anonymous, and once completed you have the choice to enter your details to go in the draw to WIN one of THREE $300 Prezzy Cards! |
| NOT AVAILABLE VIA WEBSITE |
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2026 NZ PLUMBING AWARD WINNERS đ |
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Congratulations to all the winners and finalists at the
2026 NZ Plumbing Awards Night in Hamilton |
The 2026 NZ Plumbing Conference held the NZ Plumbing Awards on its final night in June, celebrating the people making a difference across our industry. Congratulations to: Plumbing World Scholarship Recipients
Overall Winner: Eric Gruythuysen, Kumeu Plumbing in Auckland
Winners:
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Jackson Women in Plumbing sponsored by Allproof
Winner: Sarah Jamieson, BOP Plumbing & Gas and Masterlink host in Rotorua A huge achievement and a well-deserved recognition of the hard work, commitment and passion you bring to the industry. |
| VIEW THE FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS |
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đ„ âThe awards NIGHT WASN'T the only moment TO CELEBRATE people who make our industry great! |
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As part of Master Plumbersâ 125-year celebrations, members were also invited to feature in a special anniversary video â including some of our Masterlink apprentices who represent the next generation of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.
It isn't easy stepping outside of your comfort zone and being in front of the camera, so a huge thanks to everyone who took part:
William Ormsby-Northcott, Niko Sarich and Noah Raymond from E.G. Glennies, Wellington Quinlan Armstrong and Jamiee Cartwright from Clyne & Bennie, Christchurch James Salt from Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas, Lower Hutt Laura Fisher and Hera Eruera from Auckland Plumbers Group, Auckland Masterlink Regional Manager, Emma Dunkley from Christchurch! |
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WHAT APPRENTICES SHOULD KNOW BEFORE THE END OF 'FEES FREE' |
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You may have seen the recent updates around the Governmentâs Fees Free scheme coming to an end. Hereâs what you need to know: Since January 2025, Fees Free has changed from covering fees upfront to allowing eligible learners to apply for reimbursement of their final two years of study costs through Inland Revenue once they complete their qualification. The scheme will officially close on 31 December 2026.
What does this mean for apprentices? If you completed your qualification in 2025, you have until 31 December 2026 to apply. If you complete in 2026, you have until 31 December 2027 to apply â provided you havenât already received first-year Fees Free funding. For PGD apprentices still training beyond 2026, the reality is that many wonât be eligible, due to the length of trade qualifications. Drainlaying is the exception, with a 24-month programme meaning apprentices who started in 2025 may still complete by 31 December 2026. Key dates:
Apprentices who complete their programme during 2026 may still be eligible to apply. Applications can be made for up to 12 months after completion. The final date to apply is 31 December 2027. |
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Need help? If youâre unsure what this means for you, we recommend having a conversation with your host business and keeping an eye on updates from the government. For more information, visit ird.govt.nz/fees-free or speak with your Regional Manager. |
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OUTWARD BOUND EXPERIENCE COMPLETE! |
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Our 2026 Outward Bound Building Leaders Scholarship winners have returned from an incredible 16 days at Anakiwa Jackson Cutts from BOP Plumbing & Gas and Cooper Robinson from Plumbing & Gas Works in Hamilton have successfully completed the Building Leaders course alongside other construction apprentices! A huge thank you to their host businesses for supporting them and giving them time to take part in this programme, which is designed to build confidence, leadership skills and personal development. Weâll share more about their experience in an upcoming issue of NZ Plumber magazine. |
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MASTERLINK APPRENTICES MAKE YPOTY NATIONAL FINALS |
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Congratulations to our Masterlink apprentices who have won their regional competitions and secured a place at Plumbing World's Young Plumber of the Year National Finals in Hamilton this October! Theyâll compete in the new NEXA Apprentice category, introduced this year alongside the main Young Plumber of the Year competition. Congratulations to the Masterlink apprentices heading to the National Finals so far:
Cameron White â representing Wellington/Marlborough region, from Scotties Potties Emma McCardle â representing Northland region, from Allan Plumbing & Gas Paige Samuel â representing Waikato/King Country region, from Tauranga Hardware & Plumbing Apprentices from across the country will go head-to-head for the national title and an impressive prize package, including $2,000 cash, a Milwaukee M18 FUELâą 8 Piece Power Pack valued at $3,000, a one-year subscription to NZ Plumber magazine thanks to Master Plumbers, premium tools and accessories, and more! There are still more regional competitions to come, so weâll keep adding to the list as our finalists are confirmed. Good luck to everyone competing! |
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THANK YOU, HOSTS â YOUR SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN! |
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A huge thank you to all host businesses who took the time to complete our recent Host Survey.Your feedback helps us understand whatâs working well and where we can continue improving the support we provide. We recently sent out an email sharing some of the key insights from the survey, so you can see what fellow hosts had to say. |
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SAFELY DOES IT: CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY |
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, so you may not know itâs there. Exposure can happen quickly and can be dangerous. CO can be produced when fuels donât burn completely, including from gas or oil heaters and boilers, welding, fuel-powered vehicles and forklifts, fires and furnaces or kilns. If you think you've been exposedIf you feel unwell and think CO could be present, get into fresh air immediately and tell your supervisor. Donât stay in an area where you suspect carbon monoxide may be present or assume that opening a door or window makes the area safe.
Always seek medical attention, even if your symptoms seem mild. If someone is seriously unwell or collapses, get emergency medical help. How to reduce the riskâGood ventilation is one of the most important ways to reduce the risk. Work areas should be adequately ventilated, with contaminated air safely extracted where necessary. Fuel-powered equipment should also be properly maintained and serviced, helping to keep emissions as low as possible. |
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Know the exposure warning signs:
headache dizziness weakness nausea confusion These symptoms can be easy to mistake for feeling unwell for another reason, so itâs important not to ignore them. |
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If you're concerned or something doesnât feel right â donât ignore it.
Stop, get fresh air and speak to your supervisor. |
| LEARN MORE FROM WORKSAFE |
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Check out the NAWIC Regional Events Calendar! |
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Masterlink apprentices can apply for FREE membership with the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) through Masterlink, giving you access to events, networking and opportunities to connect with others across the construction industry. |
| Check out NAWIC events near you |
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â MASTERLINK MILESTONES â |
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A big congratulations on completing your apprenticeships:
A special mention to those who have recently qualified in the following:
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WELCOME |
Nau mai, haere mai to our newest Masterlink apprentices:
Seth Cornes-Jackson - DunnRight Plumbing and Electrical, Cambridge Jackson Harness - Your Local Plumber, Auckland Tony Samson - Aqua Pro Plumbing & Drainage, Christchurch Zach Bolton - Roberts Plumbing & Gas, Auckland Locklyn Trass - O'Neill Drainage Systems, Hamilton Harlo Lawson - FB Hall & Co, Hamilton Pippa Challis - FB Hall & Co, Hamilton Jovan Bosch - BOP Plumbing & Gas, Rotorua Tre Kepa - BOP Plumbing & Gas, Rotorua Kieran Oliver - Neustroski Plumbing & Gas, Te KĆ«iti Patrick Hannay - Neustroski Plumbing & Gas, Te KĆ«iti Shakayden Peng - C F Reese, Hamilton William Cooper Rawlings - Plumbing Limited, Queenstown Nate Karst - Fox Queenstown, Queenstown Kobie Thwaites - RHE Mechanical, Queenstown Ty Gerrand - Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton Natasha Linton - Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton Amy Pedersen - Regency Plumbing, Auckland Liam Watts - Dynamic Drainage and Excavation, Christchurch |
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And to our new and returning Masterlink host companies: |
âDynamic Drainage and Excavation in Christchurch, Roseline in WÄnaka, GG Don in Christchurch, Roberts Plumbing & Gas in Auckland, Drainage Systems in Hamilton, and Neustroski Plumbing & Gas in Te KĆ«iti. |
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