Minister recognises Upper Hutt plumber with Excellence Award

Media release

For immediate release

23 October 2013

Minister recognises Upper Hutt plumber with Merit of Excellence Award

An Upper Hutt plumber has received a Merit of Excellence award from the Minister for Building and Construction Hon Maurice Williamson.

Ross Wakefield was presented with the award at a ceremony at the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board recently after he was named top performer in the Board’s 2012 certifying plumber examinations.

Each year, the Board formally recognises the outstanding achievements of three individuals who score the highest results during the year in the Board’s certifying registration examinations in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying.

Max Pedersen, PGDB Chief Executive, said: “This award recognises the high achievement of Ross and underpins the Board’s commitment to maintaining and recognising high standards within the industry to ensure the health and safety of all New Zealanders.”

Ross started a foundation in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying with the NZ Army, starting his apprenticeships in 2008. He sat the certifying plumber examination for the first time in June 2012, gaining high end pass marks. He became registered as a licensed drainlayer in 2011. After passing two further certifying examinations, natural progression to a certifying drainlayer was attained in February 2012, and registration as a licensed plumber and gasfitter closely followed in April 2012. Ross is now well into his second year as a licensed plumber and gasfitter. April 2014 will see him eligible to apply for registration as a certifying plumber and gasfitter.

Mr Pedersen said the awards reinforce the Board’s strong stance on ensuring the highest professional standards in the industry to protect consumers.

“Anyone involved in carrying out sanitary plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying is required to carry a current authorisation card. We urge consumers to check the competency of their tradespeople by asking for the card, and checking that they are licensed to cover the work they are doing.”

“If a homeowner or building inspector believes work has been done by someone who is not authorised, or has concerns about the competency of tradespeople, they should make a complaint to the PGDB.”

Consumers can check if a plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer is authorised to carry out the work by visiting the PGDB’s website at www.pgdb.co.nz, or calling the PGDB on 0800 743 262.

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