Newsletter: The Link - February 2026

The Link - February 2026

Kia ora,

Welcome to the first Link of 2026! Find out how to apply for some special Masterlink-only apprentice opportunities, check you're following our socials for giveaways leading up to World Plumbing Day on March 11, and get some handy tips to keep your ringaringa safe on the job👌

⛵ LOOKING TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

Watch to learn about Outward Bound from 2021 Winner, James and his host Mike at E.G. Glennies Wellington

Scholarship applications are now OPEN for the
2026 Outward Bound Building Leaders Course.

This isn’t another classroom course. It’s 16 days that will challenge, grow, and push you to your limits alongside other construction apprentices from across Aotearoa.

You’ll build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and mental grit — the kind of stuff that carries over into work, life, and everything in between.

📅 29 June – 14 July 2026
📍 Anakiwa, Marlborough Sounds

Masterlink is offering two fully funded scholarships for Masterlink apprentices. If you’re up for the challenge (or just curious), have a chat with your Regional Manager about applying.

FIND OUT MORE 👉

“...I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience. It has the power to unlock a side of yourself you may never have known existed.”

— Phil Webster, 2025 Outward Bound Scholarship Recipient (pictured below)

📖 READ ABOUT NOAH & PHIL'S EXPERIENCE

MAKE AN IMPACT & JOIN THE ARG

The Master Plumbers Apprentice Reference Group (ARG) is your chance to have a real voice in the industry. ARG members meet directly with industry leaders and decision-makers, sharing apprentice perspectives that influence training, workplaces, and career pathways.

Last year, ARG member, George McCallum-Clark (pictured right) even represented apprentices at the Education and Workforce Select Committee, highlighting the importance of timely block courses and how they affect workforce development and career progression.

Being part of ARG also gives you unique opportunities to:
• Attend the NZ Plumbing Conference or other industry events
• Meet leaders from PGD, training organisations, and industry boards
• Build networks that can help your career

If you’re motivated, engaged, and curious about the bigger picture, this is your chance to make a lasting impact on the trade.

LEARN MORE OR APPLY HERE

Former ARG member, George McCallum-Clark

💧MARCH 11 IS WORLD PLUMBING DAY!

To celebrate World Plumbing Day, Masterlink and Master Plumbers are giving away some amazing prizes — just for members and apprentices.

Head to our Facebook and Instagram, like, follow, and comment on the World Plumbing Day posts to get yourself in the draw. These prizes are to celebrate YOU and the work you do every day!

👉 Make sure you don't miss out!
Follow us along on socials:

The 2025 winners of our Makita Longboard from the World Plumbing Day giveaway!

SELF-CERTIFICATION UPDATE

This January, Master Plumbers and Masterlink CEO Greg Wallace appeared before the Government Select Committee on self-certification and occupational regulation.

The focus: ensuring new regulations support everyday plumbing and drainlaying work, and help New Zealanders get efficient, productive, cost-effective housing.

Greg was joined by Lisa Onland, Advocacy Advisor, and Josh Harris, Operations Manager at Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas in Lower Hutt, who also shared his practical industry insights.

A committee member said: “You’ve given us a lot to think about.” The report, including recommendations, is due mid-March.

You can watch our 10-minute Select Committee slot from the 47-minute mark

📺 WATCH THE SELECT COMMITEE RECORDING

NEW PTE INFORMATION EVENINGS

Master Plumbers is establishing a new Private Training Establishment (PTE) for the PGD sector — and we want your feedback.

There are still 12 PTE information sessions to be held across New Zealand, so don’t miss your chance to have a say.

📌 The session will cover:

What’s being proposed for the PTE
Time for questions and feedback
How it could affect your business, apprentices, and the industry

Everyone from employers, apprentices, admin staff, non-members and anyone interested in vocational training are invited to attend.

PTE General Manager, Mike Grumball

The sessions will be chaired by the PTE General Manager, Mike Grumball (former GM Assurance at Waihanga Ara Rau Workforce Development Council) and Masterlink and Master Plumbers CEO, Greg Wallace.

Find your local session & register 👉

SAFELY DOES IT: 'HANDY' TIPS ✋

🫨 DON'T BE LIKE THIS GUY!!!

Hands are essential — and also the body part most often injured at work. From December 2025 to February 2026, the most common incidents reported to Masterlink were cuts, knocks, and strains.

Hand injuries can be serious and slow to heal, but the good news is they are preventable.

The easiest way to protect your hands is to wear your PPE gloves — they'll improve your grip, reduce near-misses, and no-one's EVER said “man, I wish I hadn’t worn gloves"...

👍 WEAR YOUR GLOVES: