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The Diverse Lives of New Zealand’s Plumbers: From World Champs to Antarctic Expeditions

Plumber in Antarctica, fixing pipes, cold.

New Zealand’s plumbing profession is a vibrant tapestry of diverse experiences, from young apprentices excelling in national competitions and international sports to seasoned veterans retiring after decades of service.

Young Talent and Sporting Achievements

  • Braith Swanberg: From Tools to World Stage
    Seventeen-year-old apprentice plumber Braith Swanberg, initially scheduled for work in Tauranga, found himself competing at the Oceanman world championships on the Gold Coast. A late call-up to the Junior Black Fins, Swanberg secured a silver medal in board rescue and an impressive fourth in the Oceanman final, showcasing his dual talent in plumbing and surf lifesaving.
  • JD Teture: Young Plumber of the Year Contender
    Palmerston North’s JD Teture, a 30-year-old apprentice with AA Plumbing & Gas, won the first stage of the 2023 Young Plumber of the Year competition. Teture highlights the high demand for plumbers and the vast opportunities within the trade, even encouraging three mates to join the profession.

International Experiences and Challenges

  • Josh Storer: A Plumber’s Ordeal in Auckland
    Derby plumber Josh Storer, working in New Zealand on a three-year visa, suffered life-threatening brain injuries after an assault in an Auckland pub. His parents travelled from the UK for the sentencing of his attacker, highlighting the severe impact of the incident on Josh’s life and his ongoing recovery.
  • Kiwi Plumber’s Viral Video Success
    Auckland plumber Dodds gained unexpected fame after his travel video went viral. Leaving his plumbing job for an OE, his clever storytelling and mix of adventure tourism and partying resonated globally, hinting at a potential new career path.
  • Plumbers in Antarctica: Unique Deployments
    Lance Corporal Darryl Spencer and Corporal Andrew Jobling, New Zealand Army plumbers, shared their experiences working in the harsh conditions of Antarctica. They provided crucial plumbing support for the Scott Base reconstruction, adapting to limited resources and extreme weather while enjoying unique Antarctic activities.

Industry Insights and Community Contributions

  • Demand for Plumbers
    Rob Kidd, Plumbing World chief executive, noted that despite over 8000 plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers in New Zealand, the workforce is insufficient to meet demand, especially after recent natural disasters.
  • Retirement of a Master Plumber
    Brian Rhode, a master plumber from Whanganui, retired after 50 years in the trade. His career began in 1973, and he became a master plumber in 1980, eventually taking over his father’s business. Rhode’s dedication highlights the long-standing commitment within the profession.
  • Plumbing Skills in the NZ Army
    Former EIT student and plumber, Private Te Kani, joined the NZ Army to apply his plumbing skills. He found the Army’s trade training comprehensive, covering various aspects of plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying, and appreciated the opportunity to serve his community.

Key Takeaways

  • The plumbing profession in New Zealand offers diverse career paths, from traditional roles to international deployments and even unexpected media opportunities.
  • There is a significant demand for skilled plumbers in New Zealand, with efforts underway to attract new talent to the trade.
  • Plumbers often face unique challenges, whether it’s adapting to extreme environments like Antarctica or overcoming personal adversities.
  • The community aspect within the plumbing trade is strong, with support systems for apprentices and recognition for long-serving professionals.

 

Get In Touch With Our Team

Need help preventing or fixing a burst pipe in your bathroom?
Give Paramount Plumbing a call on 0800 02 72 72 or email info@paramountplumbing.nz – we’ll sort it for you.

 

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