2026 New Zealand Plumbing Award Winners

Master Plumbers is pleased to announce the winners and finalists awarded at the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Awards on Friday 26 June. The New Zealand Plumbing Awards wraps up the annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference, this year held in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. 

Read about the 2026 Master Plumber of Year

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Plumbing World Scholarships

Plumbing World Scholarships are awarded to three Masterlink apprentices who have demonstrated diligence in their assignment completions, and maturity and personal growth over the past year. They are a true asset to their Masterlink Host business. Winners receive a $1,000 credit at Plumbing World, with the overall winner receiving registration, tickets and travel to the 2027 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.

WINNER Rory Read - McIvor Plumbers & Gasfitters, Wanaka
WINNER Sam Baldwin -100% Plumbing & Gas, Rotorua

OVERALL WINNER - Eric Gruythuysen, Kumeu Plumbing, Auckland

Mark Whitehead Training Leader of the Year

This award recognises an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty to help educate and support people entering the industry. The winner will have demonstrated a true commitment to young people entering the industry, and an understanding of efforts required in building knowledge and standards within the sector. He or she deserves to be recognised for hard work and dedication to strengthening the industry.

WINNER - Paul Stephens, Taumaranui Plumbing

Product of the Year

This award recognises the significant contribution to product development of a company or individual in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry in the past year.

WINNER Quandify Water Grip – United Supply Co 

New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer Employee of the Year

This award recognises excellence in the trade skills of an individual Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer, who is a respected member of their trade and known for their leadership skills. The winner will have demonstrated ability in trade calculations; in the selection of materials appropriate to the specifications and design of their work; and in applying relevant documentation and regulatory compliance to their work.

WINNER - Ross Hanna, Foleys Christchurch

James Douglas Medallion

The prestigious James Douglas Medallion has been awarded each year since 1948. It recognises outstanding recently qualified tradespersons who have demonstrated hard work, commitment, and determination to achieve industry success. Young people are the lifeblood of our industry, and it is important we can attract and retain the best young people entering the workforce.

The overall James Douglas Medallion recipient will be chosen from these three finalists and will receive a $500 cash prize together with a Career Development Scholarship to the value of $2,500 from The Skills Organisation. This is a major prize designed to build the winner’s career progression.

PLUMBING FINALIST Rhys Kimber – Soda Plumbing & Gas, Hamilton
GASFITTING FINALIST Apache Davidson – BOP Plumbing & Gas, Rotorua
DRAINLAYING FINALIST Oliver Hillson-Barratt – Simply Plumbing, Christchurch

WINNER - Rhys Kimber, Soda Plumbing & Gas, Hamilton 

Jackson Women in Plumbing

This award recognises a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying industry.

WINNER Sarah Jamieson, BOP Plumbing & Gas, Rotorua

Graeme Victor Smith Contribution to the Industry

This award is presented in recognition of values important to Graeme Smith’s career and personal involvement in the industry. It recognises commitment to Master Plumbers, to the industry, to running a successful business and to developing young and future plumbers.

WINNER Selwyn Hikuroa – Wintec Plumbing Tutor and Deputy Chair of the PDGB

Master Plumbers Business Partner of the Year

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.

WINNER Apex Valves

Kava Cup 

This award recognises a Master Plumbers branch that has made a meaningful contribution to its local community through projects, initiatives, or acts of goodwill. Established in 1995 by the Southland Association, now the Southland Branch, the award encourages goodwill between branches and their local communities while fostering friendly inter-branch rivalry.

WINNER Waikato Master Plumbers Branch – Community Woodcraft and Arts Hub