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8 4
PLUMBING CONNECTION
SPRING 2016
SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT
I
was invited to attend the Plumbing Supply Forum 2016
and as the chairman of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and
Drainlayers Board of New Zealand I found it interesting to
consider the similarities between our standards, regulations
and enforcements.
The keynote speakers were of an incredibly high standard
and the clarity with which they delivered their key points is
something that I have taken from the forum and endeavour
to report to my Board here in New Zealand.
The fact that Australian and New Zealand standards are
intertwined as AS/NZS 3500 clearly shows the similarity
between our plumbing fraternities and a willingness by both
countries to be at the pinnacle of their desire, ensuring the
highest standards in plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting.
Dr Bronwyn Evans was happy to discuss with me a range
of interesting topics that her team and Standards New
Zealand have on their agenda which demonstrated real
cooperation between the two countries.
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards
system (WELS) is an organisation we are well aware of in
New Zealand but doesn’t have a regulatory function within
our country. In their discussions on how eBay is now the
common place to purchase product enforces the need to
be vigilant in this area and I would be hopeful that we in New
Zealand could contribute and help to ensure appropriate
product is purchased and installed in our country.
I was invited to the Master Plumbers meeting the
following day. During our discussions with this group it
was clear we could help and cooperate in several ways.
I have already sent information on our CPD professional
development courses and the communications we have had
with the New Zealand Insurance Council on the dangers of
using unqualified tradesmen by home owners and business
owners within New Zealand.
Another tool which is widely used in New Zealand through
the Boards initiative is an app available via mobile devices
and smart phones called RAC - Report a Cowboy.
This goes hand in hand with our ‘ask for the card’
campaign and from small beginnings is gathering
momentum in our drive to ensure only quality tradespeople
are involved in our industry.
I was also invited to an ASFLOW meeting. I am not
sure how well publicised the findings and functions of
this organisation are; however, for a kiwi to be invited to
participate openly and freely was a highlight.
The manner in which you choose your research topics is
truly inspirational and I do know that some New Zealand
participation has taken place in the past and as the Chair of
New Zealand’s Plumbers Board I would like to think we could
participate on a regular basis.
ASFLOW programmes regarding waterless urinals, stack
off sets, toilet paper trials, 3/2 flush in conjunction with
drainwave and off set pan collars are all issues upon which I
believe New Zealand can help.
I will be discussing this with my Board to create a pathway
to become a joint initiative between Australia and New
Zealand.
This cooperation would not be possible if New Zealand
were not members of the World Plumbing Council and the
fact that the Secretariat keeps us fully informed on matters
of mutual benefit. This will continue to be the catalyst
for further cooperation as we work towards satisfactory
outcomes on the above topics.
AFTER A RECENT VISIT TO AUSTRALIA
PETER JACKSON
DISCUSSES SOME OF THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND’S PLUMBING INDUSTRY.
DESIGN TIME
PETER JACKSON