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Awards – Dunedin apprentice Trent Toomey named overall winner of Plumbing World scholarship at 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Dunedin apprentice Trent Toomey has been named the overall winner of the prestigious Plumbing World Scholarship, recognised for his outstanding dedication, determination, and maturity well beyond his 21 years.
The third-year Masterlink apprentice was presented with his Plumbing World Scholarship at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards Ceremony on Friday 2 May, held this year in Brisbane, Australia.
Toomey’s ambition and determination to succeed made him a standout nominee. His host company and employers, Shelley and Sean Reynolds, owners of Gas and Water Ltd. in Dunedin, highlighted his strong work ethic and proactive attitude.
“Trent actively seeks out areas where he can contribute, anticipating how the job is to be done, and is eager to learn new skills,” they shared, adding, “If Trent completes his scheduled work before the end of the working day, he does not hesitate to request additional jobs,” say Shelley and Sean Reynolds.
His eagerness to learn has meant in just three years, Toomey has already passed his plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying registration exams with high marks, and was able to complete his certifying exams in March.
The Reynolds’ noted that Toomey’s value to the company goes well beyond his technical skills, reflecting his broader contributions to the team and the industry.
“Trent turns up to work every day with a smile on his face and is enthusiastic no matter what job he has been assigned for the day”.
Last year, Toomey won the Trustees Apprentice Award for Otago at the 2024 Mac Mackenzie Trust Awards, recognising second-year apprentices who excel in their training or overcome significant challenges.
Toomey’s Masterlink Regional Manager, Danny Ledwith, also praised his determination and initiative.
“Twelve months ago, Trent took full responsibility for his learning and committed to completing all of his online and on-job assessments, impressively getting ahead of the curriculum by finishing assessments before they were even released. His proactive attitude toward his apprenticeship is a clear demonstration of his personal growth and maturity,” says Mr Ledwith.
The Plumbing World Scholarship is awarded annually to three Masterlink apprentices who show outstanding commitment, personal growth, and maturity. Winners receive a $1,000 credit at Plumbing World, with the overall winner also receiving conference registration to the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference, including flights, accommodation, and a guest ticket for the New Zealand Plumbing Awards.
In addition to Toomey, Blake Jones-Downes and Rory Van Vroonhoven also received the 2025 Plumbing World Scholarship, each taking home a $1,000 Plumbing World credit and tickets to attend the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Awards – Winners will not know they have won until it is announced at tonight’s awards

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers
Taupō-based apprentice Blake Jones-Downes has been awarded one of three prestigious Plumbing World Scholarships, recognising his initiative, professionalism, and versatility at such an early stage in his career.

The third-year Masterlink apprentice received the Scholarship at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards held on Friday 2 May in Brisbane, Australia.
Blake’s journey has been one of grit, growth, and drive to succeed. From managing his own vehicle to delivering top-tier service and continually finding ways to overcome challenges, he exemplifies everything the industry looks for in its future leaders. His reputation among clients and colleagues alike speaks volumes – he is dependable, skilled, and committed.
Nina Andrews, host employer and Director of McBeth Plumbing & Gas in Taupō, described Blake as a “rising star” in support of his nomination for the scholarship, adding that he is “more than an asset to the business; he’s a shining example of what’s possible when passion, resilience, and innovation come together.”
When asked what achievements and contributions he’s most proud of, Blake says:
“I’m most proud of the work I do that genuinely makes a difference – whether it’s solving a problem for a customer or getting a system back up and running. I’ve always been someone who enjoys problem-solving and figuring out how things work, so being able to do this professionally as part of my trade qualification is something I really love.”
“Blake’s combination of technical expertise, initiative, and work ethic make him an essential part of the business. He goes beyond simply completing tasks – he consistently adds value, demonstrating that he’s not just an apprentice but a future leader in the industry,” says Ms Andrews.
“There is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead, and this award would be a well-earned recognition of his dedication and achievements,” says Ms Andrews.
The Plumbing World Scholarship recognises three Masterlink apprentices each year who demonstrate exceptional commitment, personal growth, and maturity. Recipients receive a $1,000 Plumbing World credit. The overall winner also earns registration, flights, accommodation, and a guest pass for the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Blake was joined by fellow scholarship recipient Rory Van Vroonhoven, while Trent Toomey was honoured as the overall winner of the 2025 Plumbing World Scholarship.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Awards – 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Conference Awards: Full list of winners

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Master Plumbers is pleased to announce the winners and finalists awarded at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards on Friday 2 May. The New Zealand Plumbing Awards wraps up our annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference, this year held in Brisbane, Australia.
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 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
WINNER Blake Jones-Downes – McBeth Plumbing & Gas, Taupō
WINNER Rory van Vroonhoven – CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton
OVERALL WINNER Trent Toomey – Gas & Water Limited, Dunedin
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 Jacob Smith – Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton
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 Aladdin Easyfit Isolator – Plumbing World
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 Darrin Minifie – DL Good Plumbers, Auckland
Outstanding Projects Award
The award recognises an exceptional project that displays excellence and high levels of innovative plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying methods, the use of new materials or the innovative use of existing materials.
WINNER Hockly Plumbers, Wellington, for their work on Ngā Mokopuna The Living Building
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 Andrew Smith – E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd
GASFITTING FINALIST Marieke Oram – Clyne and Bennie Ltd
DRAINLAYING FINALIST Daniel Collins – Evergreen Plumbing Group Ltd
WINNER Andrew Smith – E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd
Jackson Women in Plumbing
This award recognises a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying industry.
WINNER Andrea Lovell – Heron Plumbing, Auckland
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 Aaron Rink – CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton
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 Allproof Industries
New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year
This award recognises a Master Plumbers member that can clearly demonstrate its business acumen and drive for success. The recipient will exemplify the highest levels of professionalism and service.
WINNER Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas
About the New Zealand Plumbing Awards
The New Zealand Plumbing Awards acknowledge the many positive achievements and success stories in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry and are presented at a gala dinner on the final night of the annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference. Organised by Master Plumbers, the national conference has been held for over 100 years and is the premier event in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, with attendees coming from all over the country.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Awards – Wellington Tradesperson Wins Prestigious James Douglas Medallion at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Wellington Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer Andrew Smith has been awarded the prestigious James Douglas Medallion at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards in Brisbane, recognising his exceptional commitment, technical excellence, and leadership within the industry.
Employed by E.G. Glennie & Co, Andrew has demonstrated an outstanding combination of practical skill, technical aptitude, and professionalism since joining the company. According to his nominators, company owners Mike Gooch and Gordon Diggle, Andrew’s natural talent for the trades has been matched by his drive to continually broaden his knowledge and leadership abilities.
“Andrew has become a true all-rounder at E.G. Glennie & Co,” said Mike Gooch. “From tackling technical problem-solving and calculations to working on the tools, he approaches every task with diligence and enthusiasm. His leadership, work ethic, and thirst for improvement set him apart.”
Andrew’s progression within the company has seen him rise to lead projects, price jobs, liaise with clients, and mentor fellow team members. His systematic approach to his work and tenacious attitude have resulted in him passing both his Tradesman and Certifying exams with flying colours.
“Andrew’s willingness to tackle any job – whether it’s designing an installation or unblocking a drain – shows his commitment to both the craft and our clients,” added Gordon Diggle. “He is an integral part of our succession plan and a key leader within our 10-person team.”
Praised for his polite, professional manner and technical expertise, Andrew has a passion for new ideas and technology, particularly in areas such as gas servicing, solar water heating, and problem-solving for complex installations. His initiative in seeking out knowledge and going the extra mile for clients and colleagues alike has earned him widespread respect within the company.
The James Douglas Medallion is one of the highest honours in New Zealand’s plumbing industry, awarded annually since 1948 to recognise outstanding recently qualified tradespersons. As the 2025 recipient, Andrew receives a $500 cash prize and a Career Development Scholarship valued at $2,500 from Skills Group, aimed at further supporting his professional growth. 
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Awards – Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas named 2025 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Wellington’s Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas has been named the 2025 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year, recognising their outstanding contribution to the plumbing industry, excellence in business practice, and commitment to community service.
This top national award was presented at the New Zealand Plumbing Awards ceremony on Friday 2 May, held this year in Brisbane.
Founded in 2005 by Jason and Kirstie Brown, the family business has grown from humble beginnings into a trusted name in Wellington regions’ plumbing sector. Their reputation for professionalism, quality workmanship and strong community ties stood out to the judges, earning them this top national honour.
“Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas represents the very best of our industry – skilled, trusted, and deeply committed to their community,” said Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace.
“Jason and Kirstie exemplify the values we strive for across our membership, setting a high standard for quality work, business leadership and customer care,” says Mr Wallace.
At the heart of the business is Jason, a Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, who has built a team culture focused on quality, integrity and service excellence. Every job is approached with meticulous attention to detail, earning the business a loyal client base that values their friendly, honest and dependable service.
The team is particularly proud of their work on the Wellington residence picked for the Master Builders 2024 National Supreme House of the Year.
Beyond the tools, Jason has made a strong impact at the local level, supporting schools, sports teams and community initiatives – reinforcing their commitment to giving back to the region that has supported their growth.
The business’s steady growth reflects a strong focus on professional development and resilience. Diversification into specialised drainage services has added further strength, ensuring stability through economic challenges.
With Jason’s natural ability to mentor and empower people, training the next generation of tradespeople remains a key priority, with hands-on apprenticeships and in-house leadership development workshops helping to build a skilled, confident workforce for the future.
Winning the 2025 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year Award is a fitting recognition of Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas’s continued excellence, innovation, and community spirit.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Awards – Hamilton Apprentice Wins Prestigious Plumbing World Scholarship

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Hamilton-based apprentice Rory Van Vroonhoven has been awarded one of three prestigious Plumbing World Scholarships, recognising his remarkable growth and clear passion for the plumbing industry over the past year.
Now in his third year with Masterlink, Rory received the scholarship at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards held on Friday 2 May in Brisbane, Australia.
Cody Hall, North Island Key Account Lead at C.F. Reese Plumbing-Rory’s host company and employer-praised Rory’s approach to his work in a letter of support.
“Rory tackles each issue or challenge and continually exceeds my expectations. Rory’s passion for the trade is evident in the way he asks questions about a specific task or problem, ingenious and well thought through.”
Rory’s enthusiasm has made a strong impact on his peers as well.
“Rory has been an inspiration to the new apprentices we have coming through, continually pushing others to reach outside their comfort zone and give it a go and teaching others of newly learned skills – a sign of a great tradesman in the making.”
Masterlink Regional Manager Russell Walsh also commended Rory’s rapid development.
“[He] is focused on career development and becoming the best he can be as part of an industry he is passionate about,” says Mr Walsh.
Walsh noted that Rory progressed from feeling overwhelmed by the scope of work offered by his employer to confidently taking ownership-recently completing an unsupervised repair on a water main critical to protecting one of the North Island’s main power sources.
The Plumbing World Scholarship recognises three Masterlink apprentices each year who demonstrate exceptional commitment, personal growth, and maturity. Recipients receive a $1,000 Plumbing World credit. The overall winner also earns registration, flights, accommodation, and a guest pass for the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Rory was joined by fellow scholarship recipient Blake Jones-Downes, while Trent Toomey was honoured as the overall winner of the 2025 Plumbing World Scholarship.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Greenpeace calls on Luxon to show leadership on dairy pollution as Canterbury floods highlight growing climate crisis

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa says that the damage caused by this week’s Canterbury floods is yet another reminder of the risk of continuing to ignore the climate crisis fuelled by the intensive dairy industry.
This week, devastating floods swept through the Canterbury region, causing many at-risk areas in the Selwyn District to evacuate, and leading to the declaration of a state of emergency in Christchurch City and Banks Peninsula.
Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Will Appelbe, who is based in Canterbury, says: “The damage caused by this extreme weather event is real, and will impact communities in Canterbury into the future. But neither is this the last time we will see flooding like this in our region.
“As the climate crisis continues, we can expect to see storms like the one that battered the country this week increasing in intensity and happening more often – unless we take action to stop climate change from getting worse.
“Here in Aotearoa, the worst climate polluter is the intensive dairy industry, led by Fonterra. The oversized dairy herd is belching out huge amounts of superheating methane gas, which heats the climate much faster than carbon dioxide.”
“But as we’ve seen repeatedly in Canterbury, farmers are also among the first to directly experience the consequences of the climate crisis – with extreme weather events flooding their farms, or droughts leading to dry pastures.”
“The way farming is done in Canterbury has to change. We need to transition away from intensive dairying that harms the climate and pollutes waterways, towards more ecological, plant-based farming practices. And Fonterra and our Government need to support that transition.”
Since the 2023 election, Christopher Luxon’s Government has rolled back numerous policies that would have reduced New Zealand’s impact on the climate crisis, including several in the agricultural sector.
“Cantabrians are seeing the consequences of inaction on climate change today,” says Appelbe. “This Government’s decisions have prioritised profit for a select few over a liveable future for us all.”
“Luxon must show some leadership and reverse the anti-nature decisions he has made, particularly when it comes to our country’s worst climate polluter – the agricultural industry. Otherwise, the climate crisis will only get worse.”
Greenpeace says that some of the communities being evacuated in the wake of this flood are also dealing with nitrate-contaminated drinking water as a result of intensive dairying.
“If we change the way farming is done, we can prevent the worst of the climate crisis by reducing methane pollution from intensive dairy, and we can protect drinking water, lakes and rivers here in Canterbury, which are under threat from intensive dairy pollution.”
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Research – Latest insolvency report urges Kiwi business owners to heed early warning signs

Source: BWA Insolvency
Latest insolvency figures reveal a sharp rise in business failures, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for New Zealand business owners.

The BWA Insolvency Quarterly Market Report released today shows insolvency rates between January and March 2025 surged by 31% compared to the same period in the previous year. Liquidations rose by 40%, while receiverships and voluntary administrations saw a decline.
 
The report’s author, BWA Insolvency principal Bryan Williams, says that despite the data there is a path forward for those with strategic foresight.
 
“These numbers, while concerning, serve as a crucial alert for business owners to review their financial strategies,” Williams says.

 
Key Data
NZ Insolvencies Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2024 – Annual Comparison

  • Liquidations: Up from 504 to 705 (40%) 
  • Receiverships: Down from 40 to 39 (-3%) 
  • Voluntary Administrations: Down from 25 to 4 (-84%) 
  • Total Insolvencies: Up from 569 to 748 (31%) 

NZ Insolvencies Q1 2025 vs. Q4 2024 – Quarterly Comparison

  • Liquidations: Up from 666 to 705 (5.86%) 
  • Receiverships: Up from 37 to 39 (5.41%) 
  • Voluntary Administrations: Down from 6 to 4 (-33.33%) 
  • Total Insolvencies: Up from 709 to 748 (5.5%) 

Williams says the rise is partially attributed to global economic factors, including trade instabilities and market uncertainties, but is also a carryover of COVID-19 and the accumulated debt that resulted.
 
“Insolvency is always late to the party. It has a long incubation period and often doesn’t show itself until the conditions that caused it have moved on.”
 
Williams believes that amid rising insolvency rates, companies should remain vigilant in looking for ways to minimise the impact of the current turbulence. “Hedge against the potential for risk wherever and whenever you can,” he says. “By identifying warning signs early, businesses can adapt and thrive despite the economic pressures.”
 
Industries hit hardest in the last quarter were tourism, transport and delivery, construction and manufacturing. The construction industry has seen continued high rates of business failures, with this quarter’s figures showing no reprieve—insolvencies increased by 44%, up from 130 in Q1 2024 to 187 in Q1 2025.
 
“Companies with solid balance sheets can expect to ride out the challenges immediately ahead. Focusing on efficiency and innovation will be the wet weather coat for these companies.”
 
Acknowledging the impact of the current “arm wrestle” between the United States and China, Williams hopes both parties will soon recognise that fighting it out may cost more than it will gain.
 
“The best that can be hoped for is that leaders will pull back and let their respective societies grow as they will. The interplay of global tensions and local economic factors means New Zealand businesses must be agile and prepared. Our current insolvency figures are a reflection of these broader issues.”
 
Looking ahead, Williams believes there are reasons to be optimistic: “Though the short-term outlook remains challenging, New Zealand’s inherent resilience and adaptability are its greatest assets.
 
“Even one or two major projects within the country can dramatically shift business optimism, reinvigorating growth and opportunity,” he says. “Such developments can serve as a catalyst for broader economic revival.
 
“There is a road of turbulence ahead and this will damage plans that were made during more stable times. The effects will be universal and avoiding them will be like a rally driver trying to avoid potholes.
 
“Businesses that stay nimble, focus on core strengths, and prepare for future opportunities will be well-positioned when stability returns.”
 
The full Quarterly Market Report is available here: https://bwainsolvency.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BWA_Insolvency-Market-Report_Q1-2025_FINAL.pdf
 
About BWA Insolvency 
BWA Insolvency is a leading insolvency firm that supports New Zealand businesses through liquidations, receiverships and voluntary administrations (VA), specialising in VA in particular.  Founder Bryan Williams has 30 years’ experience in the industry and has recently become just the second person in New Zealand and one of 200 people worldwide to be named a Fellow of global insolvency organisation Insol International. 
 
About the BWA Insolvency Quarterly Market Report
BWA Insolvency has been tracking data on liquidations, receiverships and voluntary administrations since 2012. The Registrar of Companies Office records the filings of companies that have gone into a formal state of insolvency. BWA Insolvency then does a deeper investigation to show industry trends and provide a detailed snapshot of what’s happening in the market for the Quarterly Market Report.
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Climate – Warmer nights ahead with upper north wetter- NIWA’s Seasonal Climate Outlook for May to July 2025

Source: NIWA

Wetness is favoured for the northern North Island, with dryness a possibility for the western part of the North Island as well as western South Island, according to the latest Seasonal Climate Outlook for May to July 2025, issued by NIWA. 
Seasonal air temperatures are expected to be above average across all New Zealand regions, says NIWA meteorologist Principal Scientist – Forecasting & Media, Chris Brandolino.
“”Low pressure systems forming north of the country are expected to affect New Zealand and may lead to heightened risks for heavy rainfall events. In the absence of strong large-scale climate drivers, local and regional influences – inherently less predictable – are likely to dominate New Zealand’s climate over the forecast period.”
Chris Brandolino breaks down what New Zealanders can expect over the next three months. Will it be a warmer than average start to winter? Who is going to see above normal rain? And what does it mean for skiers, farmers, and hydro catchments? 
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Education – Whitireia and WelTec Celebrate Graduates in Lively Lower Hutt Ceremony

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

On 30 April Whitireia and WelTec proudly celebrated the Whakapōtaetanga (graduation) of ākonga (students) from Engineering, Business, IT, Health, Creative, and Hospitality. The event was the second of two graduation ceremonies to be held in 2025, celebrating over 1,000 graduates.
The ceremony was opened by the cultural leadership of Whitireia and WelTec Tamaiti Whangai Mentor and Jobs Broker Tame Ngaheke (Te Āti Awa). Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori o ngā Kōhanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi performers welcomed the graduands as they took their places in the Lower Hutt Town Hall and set the scene for what was a moving ceremony.
Mayor of Lower Hutt Campbell Barry and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy (as pictured) joined the celebrations to acknowledge the achievements of the graduates and their families.
Mayor Campbell Barry said, “It’s been fantastic to join today’s celebrations and see the pride across the community. Graduation is a major milestone-not just for the students, but for the whānau and friends who have supported them. Whitireia and WelTec graduates bring real skills and talent to our city and will play an important role in shaping Lower Hutt’s future. I’m proud to celebrate with them and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.”
The ceremony ran seamlessly under the guidance of Whitireia and WelTec Jobs Broker, Tui Bradbrook, as MC. It featured inspiring speeches from special guest Vanessa Stacey, Director of the NZ Fringe Festival, and international ākonga speaker, Sonam Narayan.
Vanessa Stacey shared career highlights and commented on the importance of working hard and taking opportunities as they come.
“We live in a world where we are constantly comparing ourselves. The only real commodity that you have is in your own individuality, your own sense of self. Please hold onto that as you take these first steps into the beginning of the rest of your lives.”
Representative of the ākonga body, Sonam Narayan shared her unique experience moving from a new country to join Whitireia and WelTec, and her life-changing journey through tertiary education.
Whitireia and WelTec Executive Director Mark Oldershaw congratulated the ākonga and thanked the families, friends, and the dedicated kaimahi (staff) who have supported them every step of the way.
“We look forward to seeing these talented graduates make their mark on the world, confident that the knowledge, skills, and connections they have gained will empower them to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”