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July is a bumper edition, packed with government updates, quarterly injury trends, seasonal safety tips, a great giveaway, and a few extras you might want to check out. |
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📣APPRENTICE VOICE HEARD AT PARLIAMENT |
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Pictured left to right: Apprentice Representative Group member George McCallum-Clark, Master Plumbers and Masterlink Chief Executive Greg Wallace, and Lisa Onland, Master Plumbers Advocacy and Comms Advisor. |
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Last week, George McCallum-Clark - a fourth-year apprentice from Christchurch and member of the Master Plumbers Apprentice Representative Group (ARG) - joined Master Plumbers and Masterlink CE Greg Wallace at the Education and Workforce Select Committee at Parliament in Wellington. Speaking on the Vocational Education and Training System Amendment Bill, George explained how ongoing block course delays and changes to apprenticeship training have caused many over-durations. Sharing his personal experience, he highlighted the significant challenges it presents - not just for himself but for many apprentices across New Zealand - including impacts on training quality, career progression, and earnings, along with the added pressure it places on the wider industry. Koia koia George! 💪
Well done George! Hear The Submission
Start the video at the 29-minute mark to watch their 10-minute presentation. |
| WATCH THE RECORDING HERE >> |
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REGIONAL POLYTECHNICS GIVEN GREEN LIGHT |
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On Monday, the government announced that 10 polytechnics will return to regional governance and begin operating independently from 1 January 2026. Four polytechnics will remain under Te Pūkenga for now, as Minister Penny Simmonds explained they are still "working toward viability," with final decisions expected in the first half of 2026. |
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NEW INDUSTRY SKILLS BOARDS ANNOUNCED |
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Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has announced the creation of eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), set to take effect from 1 January 2026.
These boards will replace the current Workforce Development Councils and be responsible for setting apprenticeship training standards, quality assurance, and qualification design. Both Masterlink and Master Plumbers are pleased to see specialist trades recognised with the establishment of the new Construction and Specialist Trades ISB. |
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💥INJURY HOTSPOTS - THE STATS ARE IN! |
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The Masterlink Quarter 2 Injury Hotspots report shows us the most common injuries being reported in April to June by Masterlink apprentices. This quarter it was back, hands and shoulders. Tips to protect yourself so your future self will thank you! Backs | Tuarā
We’re not here for bend and snap energy - keep the Legally Blonde revival at home! Protect your back: bend your knees, keep the load close, and use proper lifting gear. Back pain is not the vibe. |
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Hands | Ringaringa
Your hands aren’t side characters - they’re the main tools of the trade! This isn’t KnifeTok - so wear the right gloves, keep your tools sharp, and clamp before cutting. Shoulders | Pakihiwi
Overhead work all day? Work really shouldn't feel like a Hyrox competition! Bring the task down to a better height, warm up those shoulders, and use lightweight tools. |
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TACKLE INJURY HOTSPOTS & WIN!
We’ve teamed up with CHASNZ to help you fix the risks and reward your team for staying safe on the job. Thanks to the Work Should Not Hurt team, you have the chance to win one of THREE awesome prize packs for prioritising safety! Each prize pack includes:
• A free on-site ergonomics or workshop evaluation
• A practical, expert-led toolbox talk for your team
• A team BBQ shout on CHASNZ! |
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HOW TO ENTER: 1.Complete the Foundation Assessment Toolkit — it takes 1–2 minutes
2. You’ll receive a personalised report to help manage strains and sprains
3. You’re automatically entered into the draw! |
| ENTER HERE! >> |
Entries close 31 August 2025 |
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MATES in Construction: Industry Wellbeing Survey |
Closes:
5pm Sunday 20 July |
Conducted every two years, the survey helps improve mental health support on sites, shapes how employers and the industry responds to stress, and influences government decisions that affect the construction workforce.
Go in the draw to WIN a
$100 Prezzy Card or $200 grocery voucher |
| Take Part |
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WEBINAR: CHASNZ Controls for Mobile Plant, Vehicles and Equipment in the NZ Construction Industry |
Wednesday 23 July
12pm - 1:30pm ONLINE (1.5hrs) |
CHASNZ has partnered with eight leading subject matter experts for a jam-packed session featuring personal experiences, key learnings, and case studies on controlling mobile plant, vehicles, and equipment in New Zealand’s construction industry. |
FREE |
| Register |
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WARMING UP FOR WINTER SPORTS |
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Every year, ACC sees around 140,000 injuries from rugby, football, netball, and rugby league - 90% of which are preventable. These injuries don’t just affect players; they can also impact workplaces, teammates, and whānau. To help keep everyone on the field and doing what they love, ACC has partnered with New Zealand Rugby, Rugby League, Netball New Zealand, and New Zealand Football to promote injury prevention across winter sports. |
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Good Luck Georgia! |
The NAWIC Excellence Awards Night is happening next Saturday, 26 July. Georgia Simeon, a Masterlink apprentice at Karl Boniface Plumbing in Invercargill, has been nominated for the Apprentice Excellence Award. Best of luck, Georgia — the Masterlink team is cheering you on! |
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Welcome Back Adventurers! |
Our two Outward Bound Scholarship recipients — Masterlink apprentices Noah Raymond from Glennies Plumbing (Wellington) and Phillip Webster from Peter Diver Plumbing & Drainage (Christchurch) — have returned from their adventures! The Outward Bound Anakiwa team praised the Building Leaders group, saying participants “oozed enthusiasm, maturity, and a willingness to give everything a go — from physical challenges to reflective conversations.” We can't wait to hear more! |
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A big congratulations on completing your apprenticeships:
A special mention to those who have also qualified:
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WELCOME |
Nau mai, haere mai to our newest Masterlink apprentices:
- Jackson Guy - Ben Mayne Plumbing, Auckland
- James Salt - Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas, Lower Hutt
- Dylan Spraggs - All Plumbed In, Auckland
- Luke Allen - F.B. Hall & Co, Hamilton
- Michaela Baucke - F.B. Hall & Co, Hamilton
- Theo Greenlees - Whitehead Plumbing, Christchurch
- Joshua Murray - Hi Flo Plumbing, Oamaru
- Sidhant Reddy - Plumbcraft, Auckland
- Taumaloto Tiatia - Aquacraft Plumbing, Christchurch
And to our new or returning Masterlink host companies:
Plumbcraft, Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas and All Plumbed In |
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