Awards keep flowing in for Wintec plumbing team
It’s been a standout year for Wintec’s plumbing whānau, with staff, graduates and apprentices earning recognition at both regional and national levels.
From prestigious industry awards celebrating decades of service and leadership, to emerging tradespeople being recognised as the future of the profession, the achievements highlight the strength of Wintec’s Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying programmes and the strong partnerships between education and industry.
The growing collection of trophies and accolades reflects more than individual success. It demonstrates the impact of dedicated kaiako, industry-connected learning, and the commitment of apprentices and graduates who continue to excel throughout New Zealand.
Leading the industry through service and partnership
Wintec Team Manager Amy Opperman was recognised with the Industry Excellence Award at the 2026 Waikato Master Plumbers Awards.
Sponsored by HirePool, the award honours individuals who make an exceptional contribution to the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying (PGD) industry through leadership, service and support, often working behind the scenes to strengthen outcomes for apprentices, employers and the wider sector.
Amy was recognised for her commitment to apprentice success, advocacy for continuous improvement, strong industry relationships and significant contribution to the Waikato PGD sector.
Amy Opperman receives the Industry Excellence Award at the Waikato Master Plumbers Awards.
A passionate advocate for industry collaboration and diversity in the trades, including leading the annual Wintec Wahine in Trades and Engineering event, Amy has played a key role in building connections between education and industry while helping develop a skilled and sustainable workforce for the future.
“While we know Amy has a wonderful team around her, it is the passion and commitment Amy brings to everything she does that truly makes her stand out in our industry, and the impact she has on the people around her is impossible to miss,” said Niki Keoghan, Territory Manager at Plumbing World.
Reflecting on the award, Amy said the recognition belongs to the many apprentices, teaching staff and industry partners who work together to support the next generation of tradespeople.
A lifetime of impact recognised nationally
Wintec Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying tutor Selwyn Hikuroa received national recognition at the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Awards, winning the Graeme Victor Smith Contribution to the Industry Award.
The award recognises individuals who demonstrate a longstanding commitment to the plumbing industry, support future generations of tradespeople, and make a significant contribution to the profession and the wider community.
With more than 40 years dedicated to training and mentoring future plumbers, Selwyn’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. Through his work as a tutor and his leadership on the PGD Programme Board, he has helped shape vocational education and the future direction of the industry.
“A highly respected role model for both our teaching kaiako and our ākonga, Selwyn has had a profound influence on generations of plumbing students and colleagues alike,” said Amy Opperman.
“Through his wisdom, humility and unwavering commitment to the success of others, he lives the Wintec values every day.”
Selwyn Hikuroa receiving the Graeme Victor Smith Contribution to the Industry Award.
For Waikato Master Plumbers President Jacob Smith, the award was especially meaningful.
“Selwyn was one of my tutors during my plumbing apprenticeship, and he holds a very special place in the early stages of my career journey,” said Jacob.
“He has invested in people and helped them see what they are capable of achieving. His influence can be seen not only in the qualifications people have gained, but in the businesses they have built, the apprentices they now support and the standards they carry into their work.”
The national award recognises a lifetime of service, leadership and commitment that continues to benefit apprentices, employers and the wider plumbing industry.
Graduates making their mark
Former apprentice Rhys Kimber, who studied at Wintec, was named Waikato/King Country Young Plumber of the Year and went on to win the prestigious James Douglas Medallion, one of the industry’s most respected awards for recently qualified tradespeople.
Awarded annually since 1948, the James Douglas Medallion recognises outstanding young plumbers who demonstrate determination, professionalism and commitment to excellence.
Wintec graduate Rhys Kimber, Waikato/King Country Young Plumber of the Year and James Douglas Medallion winner.
Rhys’ achievement drew praise from across the industry, with colleagues highlighting the resilience and perseverance that carried him from a wildcard entrant to regional winner.
His success reflects the qualities that are highly valued in the trades: dedication, adaptability and a commitment to ongoing growth.
Apprentices continuing the tradition of excellence
Current and recent apprentices are also earning recognition for their skills and work ethic.
Bailey Oliedam, a fifth-year apprentice with Joe Comins Plumbing Ltd, was named Waikato Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Apprentice of the Year at the Waikato Master Plumbers Awards.
Bailey, who completed his block courses through Wintec, was recognised for his outstanding commitment to the trade and strong work ethic.
Waikato Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Apprentice of the Year, Bailey Oliedam (Centre).
The Wintec Plumbing teaching team described Bailey as a standout apprentice throughout his training and were delighted to see his hard work recognised by industry leaders.
Building New Zealand's future trades workforce
Together, these achievements demonstrate the strength of Wintec’s Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying programmes and the important role that collaboration between industry and education plays in developing highly skilled tradespeople.
From nationally recognised tutors and industry leaders to award-winning graduates and apprentices, Wintec continues to help shape the future of the plumbing profession.
As these award-winning staff, graduates and apprentices show, excellence in plumbing doesn’t happen by chance. It is built through knowledge, mentorship, hard work and a commitment to helping others succeed.