2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards

Sponsored by Plumbing World

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Master Plumber of the Year

WINNER: Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas, Hutt Valley 

From its inception 20 years ago, Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas has been built on the foundations of quality, integrity and continuous improvement. Thanks to a loyal client base and strategic diversification, the company has expanded to a team of 13, successfully maintained during economic challenges. Jason holds himself and his team to the highest standards and is a respected leader – fostering a positive, growth-oriented environment. Exceptional customer service is a core pillar of this family-driven business, which is also dedicated to training the next generation of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.

Master Plumbers Business Partner of the Year

WINNER: Allproof Industries

This award recognises a Master Plumbers business partner who is commitment to Master Plumbers as well as contributes and supports the success of the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry.

2025 James Douglas Medallion

OVERALL WINNER: Andrew Smith, E.G. Glennies, Wellington

Always polite and professional, Andrew proved to be a true all-rounder at EG Glennies in Wellington. His drive to better himself saw him rise from Gateway student to Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter, and Drainlayer – eventually becoming a leader in the firm’s team of 10. A good communicator with sound technical knowledge, he genuinely cared about achieving a good end result for Glennies’ clients and the company. Andrew had a great work ethic and was always happy to help others when needed.

Gasfitting Finalist: Marieke Oram, Clyne and Bennie

Drainlaying Finalist: Daniel Collins, Evergreen Plumbing Group

2025Jackson Women in Plumbing

WINNER: Andrea Lovell, Heron Plumbing in Auckland 

Andrea played a pivotal role at Heron Plumbing in Auckland, combining hands-on management skills with strategic vision. She was also a mentor to the company’s apprentices, underscoring her commitment to a nurturing, supportive workplace environment. Responsible for Heron Plumbing’s advertising and sponsorship functions, Andrea helped build the company’s reputation in the community and the wider industry. With her unwavering dedication and versatility, Andrea was an exemplary leader in our industry.

2025 Outstanding Project Award

WINNER: Hockly Plumbers, Wellington for their work on Victoria University's Ngā Mokopuna building

Hockly Plumbers worked closely with hydraulic engineers on Victoria University’s Ngā Mokopuna project. The new marae wharekai aspired to Living Building certification, making it one of the world’s most environmentally responsible buildings. For the Hockly Plumbers team, this included off-grid technologies, such as rainwater harvesting, greywater filtration, and a vacuum toilet system. The plumbing team’s combined efforts were vital in maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operations throughout this flagship project.

2025 New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer Employee of the Year

OVERALL WINNER: Darrin Minifie, DL Good Plumbers in Auckland

Every plumbing firm has someone they turn to when things get challenging. At DL Good Plumbers, that person is Darrin Minifie. As commercial plumbing manager, Darrin oversees some of the most technically demanding commercial sites around Auckland. He also supervises DL Good’s 18 apprentices, providing monthly training sessions to ensure a consistent approach. Darrin is the first plumber in New Zealand to complete GIRI training to drive industry improvement and is a qualified Quality Management System auditor.

2025 Product of the Year

WINNER: Plumbing World for the Aladdin Easyfit Isolator

The Aladdin EasyFit Isolator can be installed in minutes into a live pressurised pipe to quickly isolate the water supply. This full-bore, quarter turn valve isolates water at the point of works, avoiding inconvenience to other residents. With no need to drain down the entire water system, it is also a time and money saver. New to New Zealand, the EasyFit Isolator has been trusted by plumbers in Europe for more than a decade.

2025 Graeme Victor Smith Contribution to the Industry

WINNER: Aaron Rink, CF Reese Plumbing in Hamilton

Aaron established CF Reese Plumbing over 25 years ago and has remained dedicated to growing the industry ever since. His commitment to training apprentices has helped many go on to become successful business owners in their own right. Aaron served on the executive committee of the Waikato Master Plumbers for 12 years and on the Wintec Council for 14, contributing valuable leadership and insight. In addition to running a successful plumbing business, Aaron operates Flow Consulting, offering hydraulic design and compliance services to support the wider industry. His unwavering dedication to the trade, combined with a can-do attitude and a generous willingness to share his knowledge, makes him a highly respected figure in the plumbing community.

2025 Plumbing World Scholarship

OVERALL WINNER: Trent Toomey, Gas & Water in Dunedin

In just his second year of training, Trent has already completed all the online and on-the-job assessments required for his entire apprenticeship. He has passed all three registration exams with high marks and is now progressing through his certifying exams. Demonstrating exceptional ownership of his learning, Trent continually pushes himself to succeed at his new host business, Gas & Water in Dunedin. He approaches every task with energy and enthusiasm, driven by a strong commitment to delivering outstanding customer satisfaction.

Read the news story here

Finalist: Blake Jones-Downes, McBeth Plumbing & Gas in Taupō

Read the news story here

Finalist: Rory van Vroonhoven, CF Reese Plumbing in Hamilton

2025 Mark Whitehead Training Leader of the Year

WINNER: Jacob Smith, Plumbing & Gasworks in Hamilton

As contract manager at Plumbing & Gas Works, Jacob Smith is committed to supporting people entering the plumbing trade. A member of Wintec’s Employee Partnership Group, he engages with students, encouraging them to pass their exams and enjoy successful careers. Jacob is also an industry voice on the workforce development council’s strategic reference group, providing valuable input from a Māori Pacific perspective. He considers it a privilege to work on the SRG with Mark Whitehead, whose passion for industry training remains a lasting inspiration.