When Andrew Durrans took over Auckland Plumbers Group in 2013, he told staff they were going to change from a plumbing company to a customer services company.

That dedication to customer satisfaction has paid dividends as Auckland Plumbers Group took out the 2024 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year at the New Zealand Plumbing Awards night held on 12 April at Tākina Convention Centre in Wellington.

"We felt by becoming a customer services company, we would really grow as a business, both for our customers and our staff," says Andrew.

Andrew lifted the magnificent trophy at the awards ceremony on Friday 12 April. The 55cm tall statuette of a plumber was crafted from a single block of pounamu in 2001 to mark the centenary of the Master Plumbers membership organisation.

New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year is the top national award for member plumbing businesses nationwide and is judged on criteria such as customer service, marketing, image and performance—and Auckland Plumbers Group shows excellence across the board.

Andrew says APG has prioritised apprenticeships.

"We currently have six apprentices and a dedicated APG Academy," he says, "This is led by one of our managers to support practical and theoretical learning for our apprentices, plus continuing development for all our staff."

Going above and beyond in health and safety, APG recently introduced an alarm system for support staff working alone, which is especially appropriate as they offer a 24/7 service to customers throughout the Auckland area.

APG is also looking towards the future of the plumbing industry, taking steps to make the trade greener.

"Our sustainability team has worked hard over the past year, as we continue to seek improvements in our processes and systems," says Andrew.

"We’re reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill, and have fully sustainable disposal solutions for metals, cardboard, soft plastic, porcelain, concrete, and polystyrene.

"Our next challenge is recycling hard plastic, and we are currently working with Marley and Waste Management NZ on a solution for that."

Andrew says APG is committed to creating positive change for their people, their industry and their community. "We provide our people with opportunity, support, training, a career, and genuine care across everything we do."