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Education – Whitireia Foundation Scholarships empower ākonga to give back

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

For first-year Bachelor of Social Work ākonga Loianna Iasona, study is about more than gaining a qualification – it’s about giving back to her community.
Originally from Tokelau (Atafu and Fakaofo), Loianna returned to study at 36, motivated by her experience caring for loved ones and a strong commitment to helping kāiga navigate life’s challenges. Balancing lectures, placement hours, and kāiga can be intense, she says. “At times, it can feel overwhelming.”
Receiving a Whitireia Foundation Scholarship helped ease some pressure, reducing financial stress and allowing her to focus on her learning. “With that support, I’ve been able to grow my confidence and stay committed to my goals.”
At this month’s Whitireia Foundation Scholarship Awards, recipients were celebrated alongside whānau, sponsors, trustees, kaimahi, and community leaders. Dr Leanne Ivil, Whitireia and WelTec Operations Lead, says ākonga success is not an individual journey – it takes a village. “It takes determination, as well as the support of friends, whānau, and those who believe in you. For many ākonga, receiving a scholarship changes what feels possible – it shows that a community believes in them and their potential.”
Loianna plans to use her qualification to advocate for families needing support with housing, financial assistance, and wellbeing services. The scholarship, she says, is meaningful beyond finances. “It reminds me that my journey is valued and that I’m not doing this alone.”
Fellow scholarship recipient Teina Samoa, also in her first-year of the Bachelor of Social Work, shares a similar sense of purpose. Born and raised in Cannons Creek, Porirua, she was inspired by her nana’s lifelong commitment to service. “She always told me if I wanted to create change, I needed to pursue my studies and never give up – to set an example for my children.”
Teina balances study with her work in mental health and raising her two children. She says the Whitireia Foundation Scholarship has made a significant difference, easing financial pressure so she can focus on her studies and professional growth. Grounded in the sense of strength and belonging she draws from her aiga, she is committed to uplifting Pasifika communities with dignity and care and says the scholarship has deepened both her confidence and her commitment to serve.
This year, scholarships were awarded across disciplines including engineering, nursing, youth work, architectural technology, screen production, counselling and addiction practice, carpentry, paramedicine, electrical engineering, painting and decorating, and veterinary nursing.
Backed by a strong network of sponsors, the Whitireia Foundation Trust continues to invest in ākonga with a clear sense of purpose – supporting their success and their contribution to the communities they call home.
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Economy – Recovery delayed, but not derailed – says Kiwibank Economists

Source: Kiwibank

In December, Kiwibank economists forecast a robust recovery for New Zealand in 2026. Since then, heightened global tension and the resulting oil price shock have seen the outlook revised, with a slower return to growth now expected.  

Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr says that while early recovery momentum has softened, the economy is showing signs of resilience.

“We expected clearer skies this year, but instead we’ve had to navigate a storm. The important thing is we’re still moving forward. The recovery hasn’t disappeared, it’s just slower than we’d hoped.” 

Global headwinds slow recovery

The outlook shows the economy entered 2026 with improved momentum, including early signs of stabilising demand and easing pressure on household and business budgets.  

That progress was disrupted as conflict in the Middle East drove a surge in oil prices, lifting costs and weakening demand as Kiwi pulled back on non-essential spending.

At the same time, a soft labour market and subdued wage growth continue to weigh on activity.

“Kiwi households and businesses are feeling the squeeze. There’s been some relief in places, but for many, higher costs are still front and centre. That’s holding back a stronger rebound in spending as New Zealanders continue to balance their books.”

Encouragingly, data for the March quarter highlights areas of resilience across the economy.

Nine of the 16 industry groups recorded growth. Manufacturing rose 1.9%, driven by transport equipment and machinery production. Wholesale trade lifted 2.4%, supported by machinery and equipment, while business services increased 1.1%. Business investment also rose 3.7%.

“That’s encouraging, because for the first time in a long while, the construction drag is being offset elsewhere.”

Inflation outlook remains uncertain

Inflation is expected to remain volatile in the near term, reflecting global cost pressures, before gradually easing as weak demand and subdued wage growth take effect.

“There may be short-term spikes, but the underlying trend is weaker demand and wage growth doing a lot of the work to bring inflation down.”

Kiwibank economists expect headline inflation to rise to around 4.2% in this quarter, with tradable inflation, particularly oil-related, pushing up to around 5.6%. Domestic inflation is expected to lift more modestly to around 3.3%, before easing over time.

With the outlook evolving quickly, Kerr says monetary policy will play a key role in shaping the recovery.

“We still believe this is a shock that needs to be looked through, with a focus on maintaining conditions that support the recovery and rebuild demand.”

Two scenarios – and a more positive path still in sight

Kiwibank economists outline two possible paths for the New Zealand economy.

The upside scenario assumes a “bounce back” in the domestic economy, supported by easing costs, improving confidence, and a lift in household spending and business investment.

The downside scenario reflects prolonged global disruption, weaker domestic demand, and a more challenging recovery path.

“There are still risks out there, but the positive outcome remains achievable.”  

Kerr expects conditions to gain traction through 2027, with inflation easing to around 1.9% as disinflationary forces take hold: “It’s taken longer than we expected, and that’s frustrating. But we’ve weathered though periods before. There are blue skies ahead – it just might take a little longer to get there.”

About Kiwibank

Kiwibank is a purpose-led organisation that has Kiwi values at heart and keeps Kiwi money where it belongs – right here in New Zealand. As a Kiwi bank, with more than a million customers, our trusted experts are focused on supporting Kiwi with their home ownership aspirations and backing local business ambitions, so together we can thrive here in Aotearoa and on the world stage. Kiwibank is among the top banks in Kantar’s 2026 Corporate Reputation Index and is one of the top 15 most trusted brands. To find out more about Kiwibank visit www.kiwibank.co.nz.

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Venezuela Earthquakes: "Fear, stress, and overwhelming sadness are everywhere" as children pulled from rubble with tens of thousands still missing

Source: Save the Children

Children in Venezuela are living on the streets and in informal tented camps, underscoring the urgent need for support, as rescue teams work round the clock to free people from the rubble with about 50,000 reported missing, Save the Children said [1].
Save the Children staff have described how rescue teams are pulling children out of the rubble, while some children are wandering the streets and going into hospitals in shock.
The country’s deadliest earthquakes in more than a century have driven children from their homes, with some now living in informal tented camps in parks or on the street, close to damaged buildings they cannot return to.
Nearly five days after the twin 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck, frequent aftershocks on the ground are being felt by Save the Children teams in Venezuela, causing further terror for children.
Protection is an immediate and critical priority for children, especially for those who lose contact with caregivers on the streets or in informal camps.
Save the Children will be working with partners and authorities to support family tracing and reunification, including identifying unaccompanied children and referring them to the appropriate protection services. The humanitarian and child rights organisation is providing emergency mental health and psychosocial support and will be operating mobile safe spaces where children are protected and can get emergency items, such as tents and hygiene kits, and learning activities while schools remain closed.
The UN has said up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes with up to 2 million people in Caracas alone impacted, underscoring the vast humanitarian impact of the disaster as assessments continue and rescue teams work around the clock to save people trapped under collapsed buildings.
Critical infrastructure remains severely disrupted, including electricity, water, telecommunications and transport, while hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties and schools in affected areas are closed.
Fatima Andraca, Save the Children’s Country Director in Venezuela, said:
“We are seeing so many families on the street – families who have lost everything and cannot return to the shattered ruins of their homes. There is so much uncertainty for them about the hours and days ahead.
“Fear, stress, and overwhelming sadness are everywhere. Families come to me to share their stories with tears in their eyes. Some are still frantically searching for relatives or friends. For children, the loss of everything familiar and comforting are immeasurable.
“Protection and psychosocial support are urgent priorities for children. With so many people dead, injured or missing, children will urgently need long term support to ensure that this devastating disaster does not cause long lasting mental harm.”
Save the Children is on the ground in Venezuela, working with authorities and local partners and will be providing primary healthcare through mobile clinics, distributing hygiene kits, clean water and essential supplies, and setting up safe spaces where children can access mental health support and continue learning while schools remain closed. The organisation will be also supporting nutrition screening, child protection services, and tracing and reuniting separated families.
Save the Children is an independent, impartial child rights organisation with our focus on the urgent humanitarian needs of children and families in Venezuela.
Save the Children has been working in Venezuela since 2019. Since the humanitarian crisis started to rapidly deteriorate a few years ago, Save the Children has been scaling up its response through local partners to support the increasing number of children in need. Save the Children is delivering health, nutrition, education, child protection, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene and food security and livelihoods support.
Notes to Editors:[1] As of 28 June, around 50,000 people are still reported missing in Venezuela, according to an independent online registry for missing persons: https://news.sky.com/story/venezuela-earthquake-live-high-casualties-feared-after-back-to-back-tremors-hit-south-american-country-13557399?postid=11956228#liveblog-body
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Politics – Federated Farmers backs National’s plan to slash solar red tape

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers says the National Party's commitment to make small-scale solar projects a permitted activity is exactly the commonsense farmers need.
National says, if re-elected to Government in November, it will remove planning rules that make it hard for Kiwis to generate their own power.
The announcement delivers on a key recommendation in Federated Farmers' 2026 election platform, launched just a few weeks ago.
“At Fieldays we challenged political parties to back practical policies that reduce costs and cut unnecessary red tape for farmers,” Federated Farmers energy spokesperson Mark Hooper says.
“One of those asks was a national permitted activity standard for small- and medium-scale solar because the current consenting system is creating needless costs, delays and frustration.
“It's great to see National pick that up so quickly.”
Hooper says farmers have been calling for simple, practical changes like this to cut the cost of farming.
“Solar technology has come a long way, but the planning system simply hasn't kept up.
“Too many farmers wanting to invest in on-farm solar have found themselves tangled in expensive, unnecessary and completely unjustified consenting processes.
“When councils are demanding resource consents for straightforward solar installations, something has clearly gone terribly wrong.”
Hooper says a consistent national permitted activity standard would remove unnecessary costs and delays while giving farmers greater confidence to invest.
“This is exactly the sort of practical red tape reduction we've been asking for to cut the cost of farming.
“Every council currently has different rules, which creates huge uncertainty and frustration.
“A single national standard will make life much simpler for farmers wanting to generate their own electricity.”
Hooper says on-farm solar has enormous potential to improve the resilience and profitability of New Zealand farms.
“Generating more power on-farm can reduce electricity costs, improve energy security during outages, reduce emissions and even create additional income opportunities.
“Rising fuel and electricity prices have seen what was once considered an environmental niche become a mainstream business decision.
“The economics of solar now stack up for many farming businesses, and removing unnecessary planning barriers will help unlock much more investment.”
In its announcement, National said it plans to make small-scale renewables largely permitted under the new resource management system.
It means Kiwis would be able install rooftop solar without a consent, put ground-mounted solar on farms as a permitted activity, with sensible safeguards, and add small-scale battery storage as of right.
Federated Farmers also supports National's proposed Home Energy Fund, which would offer low-interest, long-term loans to be repaid through rates.
“Lower-cost finance could help more households and rural property owners invest in renewable energy,” Hooper says.
“Strategic use of rooftops and small on-farm installations is an efficient, effective use of resources to help supplement NZ’s energy demands and support on-farm resilience.
“Making it easier and more affordable for people to invest in their own energy resilience is a positive step.”
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Politics – Federated Farmers backs commonsense conservation reform

Source: Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers is calling for the Government to be bold and continue with plans to modernise New Zealand’s outdated, clunky and overly complicated conservation laws.
“These reforms are long overdue and desperately needed to support conservation efforts and help grow the economy,” says Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins.
“The current legislation is outdated, unnecessarily restrictive and slow, and has been holding back the country’s conservation ambitions for decades – in fact, we’re rapidly going backwards.
“Despite significantly increased budgets, our conservation estate is being totally overrun by pests, weeds and wilding pines. The case for reform couldn’t be any clearer or more urgent.”
Federated Farmers supports a pragmatic approach to conservation that protects and enhances high-value conservation land while allowing sensible economic decisions.
“The Department of Conservation manages one of the largest public land estates in the world, covering more than eight million hectares,” Dawkins says.
“Unfortunately, conservation isn’t free. Somebody has to do the day-to-day work required to maintain New Zealand’s unique natural landscapes.
“It’s completely unrealistic to expect a government agency to manage weeds, pests, infrastructure needs and fire risk across an estate of that scale by themselves, funded by taxpayers.
“Successful conservation depends on strong partnerships with the people who live alongside the land every day – farmers, hunters, anglers and tourism operators.
“It should come as no surprise to anyone that it’s these same groups who are most passionately supporting the Government’s proposed reforms, because we can see the opportunity.”
Environmental activist groups have been quick to scaremonger in election year, claiming pristine conservation land will be sold off for mining, but Dawkins says that’s “total nonsense”.
“Groups like Forest & Bird and EDS have been running an incredibly divisive campaign of fear that hasn’t been particularly constructive or helpful for the national conversation,” he says.
“I think they’ve lost sight of what this is all about – modernising our conservation system to improve environmental outcomes, reduce the burden for taxpayers and grow the economy.
“There are plenty of economic activities we could be doing on that land with an environmental benefit, including grazing, wild animal recovery operations and tourism.”
Federated Farmers West Coast president Simon Cameron is also a passionate supporter of the Government’s proposed conservation reforms, particularly when it comes to grazing.
“New Zealand can’t conserve more than eight million hectares of conservation land through passive protection alone. It requires active management,” Cameron says.
“If we truly want to see better long-term conservation outcomes for future generations of New Zealanders, then we can’t afford to let ideology or politics get in the way of pragmatism.
“In practice, this will require a fundamental shift in thinking to recognise that a ‘lock up and leave’ approach to conservation – excluding people from the landscape – simply doesn’t work.
“Instead, we should be recognising the role of active, practical management like grazing in improving biodiversity, managing pests and protecting our famous natural landscapes.”
Cameron says that, since 1990, the Department of Conservation has inherited and retired 1.2 million hectares of land that was previously grazed – but it’s since gone backwards.
“That land was absolutely immaculate when it was actively managed by farmers who kept on top of the weeds and pests – like you’d see on a postcard,” Cameron says.
“Those farmers were outstanding stewards of the land, but they also contributed significantly to the economy producing world-class beef, lamb and wool.
“Unfortunately, when the farmers moved out, the pests and weeds moved in. That land has since been taken over by wilding pines, gorse, deer, pigs, wallabies and goats.”
Cameron says huge areas of our high country were retired because they had significant conservation value, but that value didn’t develop in the absence of human contact.
“The value was created by generations of farmers who invested time and money in protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations,” he says.
“They weren’t just grazing livestock. They were also fencing, hunting, maintaining tracks and controlling weeds. These are all important conservation activities that were lost.”
Cameron is scathing of the environmental activist groups who have tried to play politics and derail long-overdue conservation reforms.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable that, after years of work, anyone would be calling for the entire bill to be thrown in the bin,” he says.
“Surely everyone can agree the current system simply isn’t delivering the outcomes New Zealanders expect, and that change is needed to modernise our laws.
“It’s time those groups put the politics aside, stop playing petty games, and start working alongside the rest of us who are trying to do the right thing for the country.” 
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Environment – Rotorua company fined for illegally releasing synthetic greenhouse gases

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) welcomes the recent fines for a Rotorua-based company and one of its employees for illegally releasing a synthetic greenhouse gas.
On 25 June 2026, the Rotorua District Court fined G.B Teat Limited and an employee, Cole Wicks, following their guilty plea to a single charge each under the Climate Change Response Act 2002. G.B Teat Limited was fined $6,700, and Mr Wicks was fined $3,350.
The EPA laid charges related to the deliberate release of a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) into the atmosphere during an incident on December 20, 2024, while Mr Wicks was providing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) services.
Acting General Manager of Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement, Brian Ruiterman, says the successful prosecution highlights the importance of properly handling substances with high Global Warming Potential.
“The Court’s decision is a good reminder to all businesses working in the HVAC industry of their obligations under the Climate Change Response Act and to ensure they are correctly handling greenhouse gases.
“The Act provides mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishes the legal framework for Aotearoa New Zealand to meet our international climate change obligations.
“It is an offence to knowingly release any HFC into the atmosphere when installing, operating, servicing, modifying, dismantling, or disposing of refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment. They are potent greenhouse gases and their handling is tightly controlled.
“It is essential that everyone follows the rules around how greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential are handled. The EPA will take action to protect people and the environment from the harm these gases cause.”
For more information on HFCs and their Global Warming Potential please visit: Taking the heat out of coolants – what you need to know about hydrofluorocarbons | EPA
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Gumboot Friday records busiest month of 2026 so far, supporting 2,213 young Kiwis in May

Source: Gumboot Friday

In May 2026, 2,213 young people aged 5-25 accessed free counselling through Gumboot Friday – the highest monthly total recorded so far this year – with 3,578 sessions delivered nationwide.

Sessions are free, no referral is required, and young people choose the counsellor they want to talk to from Gumboot Friday’s registered network of counsellors.

Breakdown by age group:
• 640 young people aged 5–11 (28.9%)
• 608 young people aged 12–17 (27.5%)
• 965 young people aged 18–25 (43.6%)

May’s figures show demand at its highest point this year, but they also show the system working: young people reaching out, appointments being made, and support getting to them.

“May was our busiest month of the year so far, and that tells us two things. The need is real, and the door has to stay open. When 2,213 young people come through in one month, you don’t get to look away or slow down. You make sure the help is there,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King.

“What matters to me is that these kids didn’t have to wait until everything fell apart before they could talk to someone. They didn’t need a referral, they didn’t need money, and they didn’t need to prove they were struggling enough. They put their hand up, chose a counsellor, and got started. That’s what meeting demand looks like — removing the excuses and getting help in front of them,” King says.

Government support helps pay for the counselling sessions, while community backing helps keep the rest of the work going — the platform, the counsellor network, the team behind it, and I Am Hope’s early-intervention work in schools and communities.

With May now the busiest month of the year so far, that support matters more than ever. Every donation, fundraiser, shared post and gumboot sold helps keep young people connected to free counselling when they need it.

If you or someone you know is 25 or under and needs someone to talk to, visit www.gumbootfriday.org.nz to book a free counsellor today – no referral needed.

To donate, fundraise, or get involved with I Am Hope, head to www.iamhope.org.nz or text HOPE to 469 for a $3 donation.

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Media Sector – Gambling in New Zealand needs responsible advertising – Global TV Experts

Source: Global TV Experts

Auckland, 29 June, 2026 – Global TV Experts, a specialist iGaming television advertising agency, has launched GTE Pacific after securing access to nationwide television advertising inventory for licensed online gambling operators entering New Zealand's newly regulated market.

The launch comes as New Zealand prepares to award up to 15 online casino licences, creating one of the most significant market entry opportunities in global iGaming.

With licensed operators expected to begin launching later this year, competition to establish brand awareness and acquire customers is already intensifying. Unlike more mature regulated markets, New Zealand offers a rare opportunity for operators to enter a market without entrenched online casino brands or established player loyalties.

To support operators preparing for launch, GTE Pacific has secured advertising inventory across New Zealand's leading broadcast television networks, providing licensed operators with access to premium national advertising opportunities unavailable through any other media buying agency.

The company believes television will play a pivotal role in helping operators build trust, awareness and market share as consumers are introduced to licensed online gambling brands for the first time.

Ben Wilcockson, founder of Global TV Experts, said: “The winners in New Zealand will be decided long before the first bet is placed. This is a rare opportunity to launch into a regulated market with no established online casino leaders and no entrenched player habits. The operators that build awareness first will have a genuine opportunity to shape the market.

“With only a limited number of licences available and a finite amount of premium television inventory, the race to secure visibility has already started. That's why we've launched GTE Pacific and secured nationwide inventory to help operators maximise their opportunity from day one.”

GTE Pacific is backed by the wider Global TV Experts network, which has more than 15 years of experience supporting regulated gambling operators across over 50 international markets, including supporting partners entering newly regulated markets such as Ontario, Canada.

The agency specialises in helping operators navigate complex advertising regulations while delivering large-scale television campaigns designed to accelerate customer acquisition and brand growth.

The launch reflects growing industry interest in New Zealand's regulatory reforms and the commercial opportunities expected to emerge once licences are awarded.

GTE Pacific is encouraging prospective applicants to begin planning their launch strategies well ahead of market opening.

Licensed operators interested in securing television advertising inventory ahead of launch can register their interest by visiting: www.gtepacific.co.nz.

About Global TV Experts

Global TV Experts (GTE) is a specialist television advertising agency helping regulated gaming, betting and entertainment brands achieve large-scale growth through broadcast media.

Founded by media buying expert Ben Wilcockson, GTE combines more than 15 years of experience in television advertising with a deep understanding of regulated gambling markets. The company works with operators, affiliates and industry stakeholders across more than 50 jurisdictions, delivering compliant, performance-driven TV campaigns that build brand awareness, customer acquisition and long-term market share.

Through its international network, GTE provides strategic planning, media buying, campaign optimisation and market-entry support for brands operating in newly regulated and established markets alike.

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Events – World’s highest lift-and-descent ride opens at Auckland’s Sky Tower

Source: AJ HACKETT BUNGY NEW ZEALAND, AUCKLAND

 AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand (AJHBNZ) has today launched SkyRide at Auckland's Sky Tower – the world's highest lift-and-descent ride.

Designed to be experienced either solo or with a friend, SkyRide lifts riders 192 metres up the outside of the Sky Tower from street level before returning them to the ground in a fast, controlled descent, creating a completely new way to experience New Zealand's tallest building.

AJHBNZ co-founder and managing director Henry van Asch says SkyRide is the company's latest offering, demonstrating what's possible when gravity, innovation and technology come together.

“SkyRide is different to our other experiences. By utilising the very best in technology and innovation, we've created a smooth, swift uplift to the top before what feels like a freefall, but is really a high-speed controlled descent. We're excited to share it with both international visitors and locals alike.”

AJHBNZ has spent nearly 40 years helping people discover what they're capable of, van Asch adds.

“We’ve been challenging people to do the things they didn’t know they could do. SkyRide is our latest innovative way of doing this.”

SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge says SkyRide is a fantastic addition to the Sky Tower and reinforces its position as one of New Zealand's most iconic visitor attractions.

“Working alongside AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, we're delighted to bring the world's highest lift-and-descent ride to Auckland and offer both locals and visitors a completely new way to experience this iconic landmark.”

Developed by the AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand team, SkyRide has been independently certified under New Zealand's Amusement Device Regulations.

Following this morning's official launch, SkyRide will welcome its first public riders from 3pm today.

About AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand

Ever since it was launched with a buzz by AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch back in 1988, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has been in the business of fuelling people with courage and adrenaline. The world’s first commercial bungy operation opened at the Kawarau Bridge in November 1988 and AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has remained committed to levelling up the exhilaration across Aotearoa, with bungy, zipride, swing, catapult, SkyWalk, SkyJump and bridge climb across Queenstown, Taupō and Auckland.
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Awards – Hamilton-based Optiplumb Ltd Wins New Zealand’s Top Plumbing Award

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Just five years after starting out as a one-man band based in a home garage, Optiplumb Ltd has been named the 2026 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year.
Presented at the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Awards on 26 June, the award recognises outstanding achievement in workmanship, business performance, customer service, and leadership across New Zealand's plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying sector.
Founded by Duncan Leask in 2021, Optiplumb Ltd has grown to a team of 16 staff, supported by a dedicated Operations Manager, Estimator, Project Manager and Office Manager as the business continues to expand across the Waikato.
“Anyone who meets Duncan quickly realises how proud, passionate, and dedicated he is to giving his all to the plumbing industry,” says Jacob Smith, Executive of the Waikato Master Plumbers branch.
“With a strong focus on team culture, Duncan ensures his staff are supported, motivated, and happy in the workplace.”
This is a business built on investing in people. Over the course of his career, Duncan has trained more than 20 apprentices and established a structured programme of mentoring, technical training and coaching to help every member of the team develop their skills.
A certified plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer, Duncan began his apprenticeship 20 years ago and is always looking for ways to upskill and provide better service to his clients.
One example of this is Optiplumb’s Optimum Service Guarantee, which is underpinned by four core values: Knowledge, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence.
Behind the scenes, the company has invested heavily in technology and digital systems, while remaining involved in the Waikato community through sponsorships and support for local organisations.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) isthe national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 19 regional branches across Aotearoa New Zealand. Member businesses go through a Quality Assurance programme to join. Members are provided with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up to date with the latest technologies, products, and compliance requirements. Master Plumbers advocates on behalf of members and the wider plumbing industry.
About the New Zealand Plumbing Awards: 
The New Zealand Plumbing Awards acknowledge positive achievements and success stories in the plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying industry. They are presented at an awards dinner on the final night of the annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference.Organised by Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ, the national conference has been held for over 100 years and is the leading event for the industry, bringing together attendees from all over the country.