McIvor Plumbers & Gasfitters Wanaka founder Stu McIvor and apprentice Brent Ewing have scooped top accolades at the New Zealand Plumbing Awards.

Stu was awarded the Graeme Victor Smith contribution to the industry award at the national awards last Friday evening (March 26) in Blenheim.

The award recognises commitment to master plumbers, to the industry, to running a successful business and to developing young and future plumbers.

Stu told the Wanaka App he had no idea he was in the running for the award. 

“I was very humbled. It was a wee bit special for sure,” he said.

Stu started his trade in the early 1970s in Dunedin and moved to Wanaka more than 20 years ago to set up McIvor Plumbers. He has been a member of Master Plumbers Otago Southland throughout.

Brent and Stu with Stu’s contribution to the industry award, which was awarded by namesake Graeme Smith.

“I do love the plumbing industry,” Stu said. “I’ve always loved the fact someone trained me, and we try to pass that on.”

His business usually has about four apprentices on board at any given time, and they have just taken on a young woman apprentice.

“Apprentices are the lifeblood of the industry,” Stu said.

McIvor’s apprentice Brent Ewing won the national NZ apprentice of the year (the James Douglas Medallion) and the Otago Southland apprentice of the year in 2020, but was unable to be presented with the awards because of the Covid-19 restrictions. He received both awards at last week’s event.

“Ever since day one his work ethic has been fantastic,” Stu said of Brent, who has been with McIvor for almost six years.

The James Douglas Medallion recognises outstanding recently qualified tradespersons who have demonstrated hard work, commitment and determination to achieve industry success. 

PHOTOS: Wanaka App