Hamiltonian named Master Plumber of the Year

Media Statement
For immediate release
16 March 2001

Hamilton businessman named Master Plumber of the Year

Hamilton plumber, Tony Mannington, has been named as the inaugural Master Plumber of the Year at the annual conference of the Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc in Queenstown.

Mr Mannington won the award from a field of five finalists in what the organisers say was a competition of extremely high standard.

The Association’s newly elected National President, Peter Faul, said the judges were looking for someone who not only had exceptional plumbing skills but also a tradesperson who demonstrated good business practice, marketing skills and an appreciation of the need to promote the professional image of Master Plumbers.

“Although plumbing is widely referred to as a trade, customers are increasingly demanding a very professional business attitude and that is exactly what Tony Mannington epitomises,” Mr Faul said.

“He is a credit to the industry and, on behalf of the Association, I congratulate him on being a very deserving winner of the Centennial Trophy.”

The Trophy is a 550 mm high statuette carved from a solid block of West Coast greenstone specially commissioned in recognition of 2001 being the Association’s centenary year.

Tony Mannington said he was absolutely delighted to accept the award, as recognition that a small business was able to achieve the high standards that this award represents.

“To be named the inaugural Master Plumber of the Year is a real honour but one I could not have achieved without the very solid support from my customers, my suppliers and most important of all, my wife,” Mr Mannington said.

“I have always striven not only to keep improving my own business but also to enhance the image of the plumbing industry as a whole. I am delighted to have that recognised in this way and my biggest challenge now is see if I can make it two in a row.”

Auckland plumber John Kendrick was named runner up, receiving the Association’s Certificate of Merit.

Apprentice of the year was James Ingham-Hoult of Wellington who received the James Douglas medallion and a cash prize of $1000.

Prominent Wellington plumber Graeme Mander was awarded life membership of the Association for what Peter Faul described as outstanding service to the trade over many years.

“Graeme has been associated with plumbing for 44 years - both as a respected trade practitioner and an energetic and able administrator,” Mr Faul said.

“He has done a tremendous amount to foster trade standards, training programmes and the image of the plumbing as a whole and it is a privilege to have him as a life member.”

The annual conference of the Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers, which marked the Centenary year of the Association, ran for four days at the Millbrook resort in Queenstown.

Mr Faul said a major focus of the conference had been the very vital role to be played by plumbers in a world where natural resources and the environment were coming under increasing pressure.

“Although it’s often taken for granted, plumbing and its related trades play a very significant role in the health and wellbeing of every New Zealander,” Mr Faul said.

“Issues such as ‘grey water’, conservation of precious resources and basic health matters were widely canvassed during the conference - as were the challenges facing one of the world’s most ancient trades as it faces the 21st century.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

George Verry
Chief Executive Officer
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc
Tel: 0-4-384 4184

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