2. 21
Contents
2 Notice of Annual General Meeting
3 Report from the President
5 Report from the Chair
9 Report from the Chief Executive
13 About Us
15 Our History
16 Our Membership
17 Our Membership Services
19 The Numbers
20 Electrical Workers Registration Board
21 Reports from the Industry
23 Our Events
25 Stakeholder Engagement and Member Communication
26 Digital Projects
27 Electrical Contractors Association of NZ Inc Performance Report
39 ECANZ Education Trust Performance Report
49 Our Accredited Partners
With special thanks to
our Accredited Partners
Notice of Annual
General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the
58th Annual General Meeting
For members of the
Electrical Contractors Association
of New Zealand Incorporated
will be held at the
Hilton Lake Taupo
28 October 2016
Neville Simpson
Chief Executive Officer
3. 3 4
All of our businesses are different and the
appetite for stress related to workload and
risk is hugely variable. One tool that I would
encourage all business owners to use is the
new ‘Know your Costs’ calculator – it’s like a
health check for your bottom line.
As we get busier it’s easy to get your margins
out of kilter with where they should be for a
healthy, profitable business. You may have
increased your pay rates to retain staff or
your margins may need to be adjusted as
suppliers have had to pass on price increases.
You can find the ‘Know your Costs’ calculator
on the Master Electricians website – modify it
to suit your own company and remember to
look at the newer costs like health and safety
compliance. I am sure that like me, you will
be astounded by the true cost of running
your business.
Over the last year, Master Electricians has
moved through the initial discomfort of the
new subscription model bedding in. This has
seen the rollout of the Regional Managers,
the ME Hub app and a huge effort around
health and safety. These new offerings for
you, the members, are made possible by this
funding model. We are seeing pressure on the
traditional funding streams and I congratulate
the Board for having the cojones to undertake
this necessary change and pre-empt the loss
of any of these traditional sources of revenue.
For it has transpired that Spark has withdrawn
their funding due to financial constraints in
the telecommunication sector. It is always a
sad day to lose a partner but I would like to
thank them for the support they have given to
Master Electricians in the past.
As a membership based industry organisation
we have to offer value to members to retain
the base of our membership and I feel
we are achieving this. We have in the past
concentrated this offer firstly around a black
book (viewed by some like a bible) and the
fuel and phone discounts. These offers are
now facing fierce competition in the market
place and although your support of these is
necessary to fund Master Electricians, we
need to explore where we can give support
and value to members and the wider industry.
With this in mind the Board has instructed
National Office to look for other commercial
opportunities that can generate benefits for
both business owners and their staff.
This is not restricted to monetary gain for
Master Electricians but as a mature and
responsible organisation we are looking at the
wellbeing of our industry in a holistic manner.
Our Accredited Partners have a role to play in
this as well. We need to keep pushing for our
common goals, such as strong representation
to prevent non-compliant and dodgy product
gaining a foothold in the market, seeing value
in the licensing regime and working together to
maintain a protected industry, and supporting
strong and profitable companies to turn
out quality work. We can’t be undercutting
the industry by bypassing the supply chain
or supporting operators who are trading
unsustainably outside the standard terms of
trade. We have all heard the stories and know
the sort of behaviours that are undertaken
by some in the industry. These actions have
consequences and we all need to raise our
game and move above the cowboy operators.
The Master Electricians brand has huge
awareness within consumer groups. Make
use of this by having the brand on your
vans, websites, and use it on your invoices.
I guarantee that displaying the brand will
enhance your business, so make use of
the profile that is being generated by other
members on your behalf. I would like to see
our Accredited Partners display the logo with
a ‘Supporter of Master Electricians’ tagline
on their websites, store fronts and in
marketing collateral.
Make no mistake the Master Electricians
brand has legs and we are seeing an increase
in membership numbers looking to benefit
from the offers and assistance that is being
rolled out to our membership. We are working
in an industry that is at the forefront of
energy efficient devices, energy production
and storage systems, smart homes and
buildings, electric cars and numerous other
tech advances. The consumers want smart,
professional and knowledgeable workers to
take care of their needs. We have a brand that
identifies companies who offer these attributes
and the more exposure generated across
all levels of industry the better for all. So get
behind the brand, make use of the combined
weight of marketing and enjoy the benefits.
But enough preaching to the converted, I am
sure you all understand what is required for
success. As this is my last report as President
I would like to thank you, the members, for your
support over the last two years, along with
the Council and our staff at National Office. A
special mention to Neville, Naveen and Bernie
– when I started on this journey I had no real
appreciation of the work you do on behalf of
the members. Also the board: Dave, Eddie,
Graeme, Craig and Ross. I have enjoyed working
with you guys. Your insight to the industry,
dedication and professionalism has allowed
this organisation to flourish.
To my wife Chris, a huge vote of thanks for your
support and to my team at Electrical Works
who have put up with me going AWOL on a
regular basis and taken up the slack to keep
the wheels turning.
I now hand over to Mike Barr to help guide
Master Electricians for the next phase in its
development. I am sure that Mike’s energy
and enthusiasm will spur everyone on to great
things –just don’t let him talk you into having
‘just one Tequila’!
Thanks to the Wanganui branch for hosting this
event, a big effort from you all!
Enjoy the conference.
Report from
the President
It’s been quite a year, with
very buoyant construction and
manufacturing sectors. I have
heard reports of some areas being
inundated with work and facing
major issues around staff levels and
others just sitting comfortably with
the amount of work they are willing
to take on.
Colin Smith
Master Electricians National President
COLIN SMITH
4. 5 6
Report from
the Chair
This year has been a huge year for us,
possibly the biggest year of disruption
since the transition from a Federation
to an Organisation. A year where
disruption and growth have been
both the norm and the focus of our
activities as the strategies floated by
the Board for the benefit of Master
Electricians have moved into the
implementation phase.
The introduction of the tiered National
subscription regime has been subject to
much debate and has challenged all of us at
some level. Regretfully we have lost some of
our membership as a consequence, however
the rationale for amending the subscription
regime remains valid and the benefits to our
organisation and membership are beginning to
be realised and will continue to do so into the
next decade.
It is also pleasing to report that the offset
of the loss of existing members has been
the number of new members that have
been introduced to Master Electricians, who
have identified the value and joined. I must
particularly commend the staff at Head
Office - Neville, Naveen and Kate, who have
been the recipients of significant additional
workload to their BAU while these structural
and financial changes have been implemented.
That said Bernie, Alex and Jess have also had
their part to play and we appreciate your
tireless endeavours that in turn contributes
to our success.
Last year at Napier, I reported that as part of
the Board’s plans for subscription increase was
that we would increase the value proposition to
the members through a number of initiatives,
including ‘boots on the ground’.
• Personal contact and support for you
• Business mentoring as required
• Workplace health and safety briefings
• Demonstrations of ME Hub, our
smartphone app
• Attendance at local branch meetings
• Promotion of Master Electricians services
and discounts to members
• Creating an increased Master Electricians
presence in the region
• Assisting with promotion to potential
new members
• Generally adding value to existing and
new members
I would encourage you to take the opportunity
to meet these guys while here in Taupo, but
more importantly to engage with them in your
region to ensure that you benefit from the
offerings that they bring to you.
In the marketing space we have also
engaged Alex Barnao as our Marketing and
Communications Advisor. Alex has responsibility
for the development of media releases and
editorials in national and regional media outlets,
enabling Master Electricians to respond with
clarity to issues that affect our industry, our
organisation and our brand. To keep Master
Electricians front of mind with the younger
generation, Alex has implemented a social
media strategy which aims to maximise
our engagement with the industry and our
membership, attract new members, and
educate the public. Some key progress in the
marketing space includes:
• Master Electricians Facebook audience has
increased from 55 to 3800 likes, or ‘active
followers’ since March 2016
• Social media campaigns along with conventional
media releases and editorials have enabled
us to have a voice and discuss key issues such
as career advice in schools, sub-standard
products, the skills shortage facing New
Zealand, workplace health and safety, and the
benefits of using a Master Electrician
• Discussions with wholesalers are underway
regarding a membership drive campaign
• Mediaworks radio and digital campaigns
with messages covering certification, the
workmanship guarantee, and the benefits
of using a Master Electrician
The introduction of the Health and Safety
at Work Act in April this year has been the
source of significant focus for employers and
employees alike. For many, this is seen as a
significant change in the health and safety
landscape, however it is necessary and we
should embrace these regulations and we have
an obligation to do so. To give you support, we
have contracted Carl Rankin to assist members
with the development, and implementation
of your own Workplace Health and Safety
Management Systems in conjunction with
the Up to Speed programme. I know that this
opportunity will be advantageous in providing
certainty and comfort to those members who
require support to comply with the legislation.
I encourage those who need to seek assistance
to do so.
In addition to the ‘boots on the ground’,
Marketing and Communications, and Health and
Safety, Master Electricians recognises the need
to keep up with the changes in technology and
has been working on a digital project that we
hope to have completed by the end of the year.
The Digital Services project is made up of
three parts:
• A new Master Electricians website
• ME Hub, our smartphone app for members,
the app lets you record test results, manage
health and safety risks, record safety
meetings, create and issue certificates, and
watch videos to brush up on testing while
you’re on the job
• Online training modules, including EcoSmart
Electricians and a ‘Know your Costs’ Calculator
Mathew Lawrence
Northern Regional Manager
Rob Ormsby
Central Regional Manager
Peter Maynard,
Southern Regional Manager
The responsibilities that they are charged with
providing are fundamentally to ensure that
you, our members gain the maximum benefits
available from a face to face contact and
include but are not limited to:
Facebook posts are reaching over
60,000people per week and over
320,000 people per month
We have delivered on that promise and
in April this year, we employed three
permanent Master Electricians Regional
Managers, two are based in the North Island
and one based in the South.
ROSS BEAL
5. 87
It is our intention to keep you up to date
with the progress of this strategic project
as elements of the plan are rolled out. The
focus of the Board in the last year has been
to continue to see that the initiatives we have
embarked on will be successful to enable our
dreams for the future to become a reality.
In February, the Board embarked on a full
day strategy session to challenge ourselves
about our perspectives, and to assist us
to review, confirm or amend as necessary,
and then to prioritise our strategic initiatives.
We co-opted an independent facilitator to
support the discussion. We also sought external
contributions including the Vice President
presenting on behalf of National Council,
the Chair of etco representing our Training
Company, and key staff in the National Office.
Through the Strategy day we were able to
confirm that the pillars of our ongoing plan
continue to be communication, membership,
compliance, commercial activity, and brand.
However our focus will be on the following
elements, in no particular order:
• Be the authoritative voice for the industry
• Strengthen stakeholder relationships
• Be more challenging and disruptive
• Build awareness and credibility of the
Master Electricians brand
• Build a team culture between Board,
Council and National Office
• Provide strong regulatory direction via
submissions and public commentary
Success in this space will ensure that we
remain the principle industry body and that
Master Electricians remains the voice of the
industry well into the future.
Achievement of these aspirations continues
to remain a collective responsibility and
will require the support of the CEO and
Management Team, National Council, Branches
and Membership if we are going to reap the
benefits. In each of the reports that I have
presented I have commented on the Board’s
intentions to focus on and ensure that key
relationships continue to be robust and add
value to our organisation, our partners, and the
industry at large.
We have undertaken a series of events and
engagements with key partners and the
Master Electricians Board, and/or the Board
Chair, have had the opportunity to meet with
National Council, the Board of etco, the Board
of Skills, and with members of the EWRB. We
place significant value on these relationships
and we retain a strong desire to see these
relationships enhanced.
Our Board met with our National Council in June
and again these engagements enable there to be
open discussion around the Board’s focus on the
future of Master Electricians and the objectives
that have been implemented to ensure that the
organisation remains fit for purpose.
Councillors have an important role to play in
representing the member’s interests, being an
effective two way communication pipeline, and
working effectively for the benefit of those they
represent. What is clear is that we need to define
the role of Council and provide direction and
objectives for achievement in line with our vision.
We need to clarify and determine the
specific responsibilities that when applied,
can complement our ability to achieve our
aspirations while ensuring that we have the
best people from each branch, with the time
available, to provide a substantive contribution.
The Board has already identified this as a piece
of work for this year, working collaboratively
with the incoming President.
Communication between the Chairs of
etco and Master Electricians has again been
a feature of this year. These discussions
have enabled each of us to understand
the aspirations of the other. I was invited
to attend a meeting with the full etco
Board in Queenstown late last year – these
opportunities are important to the future of
both Master Electricians and etco.
etco was 25 years old in February and I
was privileged to be able to attend this
exceptional event, and take this opportunity to
acknowledge this milestone as a magnificent
achievement. Thank you to Steve and your
Board, along with Peter and your management
team. You have managed etco, our ‘jewel in the
crown’ through a quarter of a century.
We acknowledge and thank you for the
significant role that etco plays in the provision
of training to the electrical industry and the
positive contribution made to alleviate the
skills shortage that New Zealand currently
faces. Well done to you and your team.
The Master Electricians Board has made
two appointments to the etco Board this
year. Director Steve Hallett was reappointed
for a further term and Wendie Harvey was
appointed for her first term.
We met with the Board of The Skills
Organisation again this year. As an
organisation that was fundamental to the
formation of the ITO, Master Electricians
extremely values this relationship. Our
aspiration is that our industry receives a
consistent and high level of service provision
from Skills. We believe over the last year
that Skills has delivered as promised and
are working beneficially for our members
and their trainee staff. We appreciate the
strong relationship that exists between us and
understand the value of your investment into
the industries that you support. We remain
available and willing to engage with you and
your Board at any time so that the relationship
between us continues to grow strong.
During this year we have engaged with the
Electrical Workers Registration Board to
advance a number of initiatives. We note also
the retirement of the long serving Registrar
John Sickels and acknowledge the role John
played during his 27 years at the helm.
I wonder as a consequence of this retirement
that the Board has taken an opportunity to
advance an agenda that may on the surface
take us back a step or two. The nature of their
proposed audit programme is designed in a
fashion that will add significant compliance
costs to employers, and the current voluntary
nature of audits is likely to be mandated.
The Memorandum of Understanding that we
signed with the EWRB many years ago appears
to be at risk as the EWRB appear divided with
regard to the value of such an agreement.
The future shape of the EWRB remains a
concern should Government amend or embark
on a rationalisation of licensing boards.
Our Practising Licences have value, and as a
consequence electricians exist in a protected
environment and our focus should be to ensure
that there is no ‘dumbing down’ of the value of
the Practicing Licence holders in our industry.
I believe that it remains imperative that we
position ourselves such that we can have
influence on those decisions that have
potential to effect and possibly change the
shape of our industry. Given that we are the
only recognised voice on behalf of the industry,
we will continue to do all that we can to lobby
effectively and have a level of influence on
your behalf. It is important that we ensure
that your voice is heard and that you are
represented when and where it matters.
For Master Electricians, what is core to our
business and purpose is the provision of
service, information and support to you, our
members. These are the deliverables that
as a Board we will continue to strive for. Our
promise to you is that we will continue to strive
for incremental improvement in performance,
while strengthening the relationships we have
for the benefit of the Association and the
electrical industry at large.
We want to shape an organisation that will be
fit for purpose long into the future, and most
importantly to leave a legacy for those that
will follow. Thank you for continuing to support
us on that journey.
I would like to acknowledge and thank
my fellow Directors, Colin, Dave, Eddie,
Graeme and Craig for your dedication and
commitment to Master Electricians.
A special thank you and congratulations to
Colin as he completes his term as National
President, and as a Director – our gratitude
to you for your years of excellent service to
Master Electricians.
I look forward to catching up
with each of you at Conference.
Ross Beal
Chair
Master Electricians Board
6. 9 10
Report from the
Chief Executive
The past year has seen increasing
immigration, low interest rates and a
booming housing market lead to a building
surge. As a result pressure has gone on
the sector to find and then retain skilled
electricians, and maintain good margins
when facing an increase in cheap products
and the use of unlicensed workers.
The continued tolerance of specific groups
who import labour and products, and shut
out local competition causes concern.
One can only surmise that the finished
product meets New Zealand standards.
The other downfall is the dairy sector
which is struggling. Many businesses that
rely on farmers’ money are having to
diversify into sectors they don’t usually
work in.
With little inflation in the economy,
businesses are looking at different
ways to retain their staff. Businesses
need to be wary that if inflation does
come into the economy, demand for
wage increases will occur and this will
add pressure as benefits given usually
can’t be taken back. A good business will
recognise this and factor it in for
the future.
Professional trade
associations
As with all professional trade
associations a large amount of pressure
is coming from members who want to
see value for their money. There are
many other offerings in the market
place, but commercial organisations
Industry future
Our mantra is based on what is best for our
members. As the largest member group,
we are the industry body that Government
turns to – they do not turn to the smaller
buying groups who offer the industry nothing
compared to the scale that we do. Commercial
benefits aside, these groups need to work for
the betterment of the industry and not just
take the benefits that accrue.
It is clear that without a strong industry
association the electrical industry could
become, through Government intervention,
either an industry far more compliant, with
more costs, or less compliant, with less profit.
Master Electricians must work to create a
balance between Government and the industry
to enable compliant businesses to succeed at
the cost of those who choose not to.
We will need to influence policymakers
and follow up on the concept of sector
representation on the Boards. A Board with
industry and Government representatives will
better represent those who make up and work
in the industry. This may mean that the focus of
Government is on licensing and discipline while
the rest is left to industry boards.
The electrical industry is currently a protected
industry and requires a licence to work in it.
The value of a protected industry should not
be underestimated. It gives value to your
qualification and enables only those who are
suitably qualified to work for hire or reward.
Regulation and standards under the Act exist
to help protect you and the public, especially
from a safety point of view.
Imagine, if you will, what would happen
if this industry was unpicked? The value
of your qualification, the quality products
that should be used, measured against
the supplier declaration of conformity and
taking responsibility for the work you do via
certification documentation, is put at risk.
Master Electricians has many roles in the
industry and one of the most important is
to act on your behalf to ensure our industry
remains protected. By ensuring our industry
remains strong and has a voice, our legacy can
be upheld to handover to the next generation.
Master Electricians must continue to guard
against the licence regime rigour being
reduced. We continue to note ridiculous claims
made by some Private Training Establishments
around getting an entry level role in 25 weeks
under the heading “Become a Sparky”.
Our Quality Assurance
programme
Master Electricians has a very good quality
assurance programme with internally set
standards that are specific to the goals of the
association. When combined with Government’s
regulatory regime, these provide a safe and
sound platform for the industry to operate.
We encourage members to engage with the
Quality Assurance programme, to ensure all
members can remain through our MOU, on the
EWRB low risk audit list.
The Quality Assurance programme is strong
and getting stronger. We will continue to
establish a clear point of difference between
our members and non members who cannot
show they have reached our standards, set by
you the members.
Providing service, information
and support
Master Electricians provides many services for
members and prospective members to enable
them to run their businesses in a more dynamic
fashion. New services for members include the
ME Hub app, three regional managers, a whole
series of testing videos and a ‘Know your Costs’
online module.
Master Electricians also has a very sound
Workplace Health and Safety Management
System (WHSMS) framework that members
can use to design their own. Courses
specifically aimed at assisting members
to develop their WHSMS are being run in
conjunction with the Branches.
do not contribute to the wider health of
the industry. Through your support, Master
Electricians can advocate for our industry on
the big issues including licensing, non-compliant
products and certification.
Faced with this pressure, Master Electricians
has had to look at what services it provides
and who these services are benefiting. Like
many businesses, Master Electricians needs to
investigate the option to combine resources in
order to remain competitive and relevant.
Master Electricians must seriously consider its
relationships with other similar associations
with the same or very similar objectives. One of
the benefits of being in an association such as
ours is the strength in numbers that we offer.
NEVILLE SIMPSON
7. 11 12
“Master Electricians wants to
improve its value proposition
to members by putting staff
on the ground to work more
closely with members, develop
more electronic interaction,
develop mobile applications
that enable members to
send and receive information
remotely and enable members
to integrate health and safety
into their business.”
Strategy
The continued growth of influence from the
Master Electricians Board has meant that
Master Electricians is better prepared to
instigate the changes necessary, to implement
the vision set in 2014 by the Chair. Continued
support from members is necessary and
we will keep you up to date with progress to
ensure it is realised.
When reflecting on last year’s report I note
we have achieved our value proposition
to members.
Master Electricians membership has been
maintained within the variance set by the
Board after the change to subscription was
announced. Some members have left as
they could no longer justify the subscription,
although it is interesting to note that fees of
other buying groups within the industry are
on par, if not more than Master Electricians.
Branches
Branches have been working to engage with
members, alongside the Regional Managers.
Members are encouraged to come together
and discuss among themselves what changes
they want in the industry – group action is
stronger than individual effort. Branches
are responsible for protecting the Master
Electricians brand, investigating disputes,
holding open meetings and contacting Branch
members encouraging them to get involved.
Our industry is protected – once you are
qualified you begin to operate within the
boundaries of the industry. Take responsibility
for your industry and get involved at Branch
level to have your voice heard when and where
it matters.
The marketing space
Master Electricians continues to promote its
members and our brand. A radio and digital
campaign, targeted press releases, creative
disruption and a bigger focus on social media
has meant our key messages are being heard.
Members need to support these messages
by using the Master Electricians branding, ask
yourself why not?
Master Electricians has continued to develop
and use new forms of communication
to engage with all members. Digital
communication is the way of the future and the
use of tablets and other smartphone devices
is reflected in our development of electronic
certification, e-newsletters and e-surveys.
We are currently redeveloping our website
and have added both EcoSmart Electricians
and the ‘Know your Costs’ Calculator as online
modules too.
Industry representation
A major win for the industry was the amended
Construction Contracts Act, which came into
force in 2015.
We had a key role in this successful campaign
to change the way construction contracts are
handled, specifically in relation to security
of retentions.
From March 2017, sub-contractors’ retentions
money must be held in trust by main
contractors and paid when they are due. This
will avoid main contractors using the money for
other projects and sub-contracting businesses
losing out if the main business collapses.
This is a great example of the advocacy work
we do that results in tangible benefits for
our members.
A related issue that we have an ongoing
interest in is voidable transactions, where
certain payments made to subcontractors
can be declared ‘voidable’ following a company
failure. We continue to monitor this with the
Specialist Trade Contractors Federation.
etco
Our training company etco has delivered
good numbers of quality apprentices into the
market and continues to provide value to
the industry.
etco is one channel that Master Electricians
can use to contact apprentices who may
one day become contractors. They must be
encouraged by everyone in the industry to
participate and learn about their industry and
what the future holds – it’s long term thinking
not just “what is in it for me?”
The initiative ‘Got a Trade, Got it Made’,
undertaken by the combined ITOs has gained
even more momentum in its second year.
We will work to ensure the campaign continues
so together, we can promote careers in
New Zealand’s trades and services to
the younger generation
coming through.
As you can see it has been a busy year, with
lots of activity on the go. We have achieved
a considerable amount. Take a moment to
reflect on where we were just a couple of
years ago compared to where we are now.
Finally, to all the members, Accredited
Partners, sponsors, stakeholders, staff in
National office and on the road – a big thank
you for your efforts. We have all had to cope
with some tremendous change in our office
and pressure to maintain and grow the
membership. Good progress has been made,
however it is only going to get tougher.
Good luck for the year ahead.
Neville Simpson
Chief Executive
8. 1413
BUZZ BARHAM
Councillor
Hawkes Bay/Gisborne
DAVE BURT
Director
DON MCLELLAN
Councillor
Southland
EDDIE EELES
Director
GRAEME BAKER
Councillor
Wanganui
GRAEME CHURCH
Director
KELLY O’DRISCOLL
Councillor
South Canterbury
COLIN SMITH
National President
BRIAN SINCLAIR
Councillor
Taranaki
ALASTAIR GEE
Councillor
Canterbury/Westland
MIKE BARR
Vice President
ROSS BEAL
Chair
CRAIG O’CONNELL
Director
COLIN SMITH
National President
About Us
Master Electricians is the professional trade organisation for
electrical contracting businesses in New Zealand. We have
over 1100 members, whose total annual combined sales are
in excess of $1 billion. Our members employ around 6,000
electrical workers.
As New Zealand’s only electrical contracting trade
organisation, we work with the Government, regulatory
bodies, industry stakeholders and the public over a wide
range of issues on behalf of our members.
We own the Electrical Training Company Limited (etco), which
was established in 1991 to employ and train apprentices.
Master Electricians Council
Master Electricians Board
KEN BUCHANAN
Councillor
Waikato Districts
VICTOR WISNIEWSKI
Councillor
Auckland
STEVE TIZARD
Councillor
Otago
OMRI ASH
Councillor
Wellington
Our mission
Our mission is to provide service,
information and support to our
members and the wider industry.
We represent, promote and
advance the interests of the
electrical contracting industry,
those substantially engaged
within the industry, and the
public who employ electrical
contracting services.
Master Electricians Staff
Neville Simpson Chief Executive
Alex Barnao Marketing and Communications Advisor
(commenced January 2016)
Aoife Lakeman Quality Assurance and Membership Administrator
(commenced September 2016)
Bernie McLaughlin Operations Manager
Jessica Morrison Corporate Administrator
(until September 2016)
Kate Mead Accounts Administrator
Mathew Lawrence Northern Regional Manager
(commenced April 2016)
Naveen Chandra Financial Controller
Peter Maynard Southern Regional Manager
(commenced April 2016)
Rob Ormsby Central Regional Manager
(commenced April 2016)
Auditor Crowe Horwath New Zealand Audit Partnership
9. 1615
Our History
Past Presidents
Our Membership
Honorary
Life Members
W A Simpson (Dec)
A W Gooder (Dec)
T A Yates (Dec)
Sir Robertson Stewart (Dec)
Stan Seear (Dec)
L G Brennan (Dec)
R W Barbara
J B Howarth
E J Eeles JP
J R Houston
A W Gooder
S Cowley
S C Seear
T A Yates
T McKenzie
A H Silcock
B R Edmond
L G Brennan
P J Read
M B Jenkins
G W Streat
W J Harding
J B Howarth
R W Barbara
E J Eeles
D N MacLean
M R Talbot
P D Tizard
P R Beal
M M Hughes
I R Butturini
S E Applegate
P J Coll
M J Rawson
L J Ballantine
B F Winter
C L Smith
1958-60 (Dec)
1960-64 (Dec)
1964-66 (Dec)
1966-68 (Dec)
1968-70 (Dec)
1970-72 (Dec)
1972-74 (Dec)
1974-76
1976-78 (Dec)
1978-80
1980-82 (Dec)
1982-84 (Dec)
1984-86
1986-88
1988-90
1990-92
1992-94
1994-96
1996-98
1998-00
2000-02
2002-04
2004-06
2006-08
2008-10
2010-12
2012-14
2014-16
Membership of Master Electricians was 1120 as
at 30 June 2016, showing a 4% decrease from
the last year. The introduction of a National
subscription resulted in some members
cancelling their membership, however failure
to introduce a National subscription would
have put the future of the Association
and the advocacy work we do at risk. The
appointment of Regional Managers has given
Master Electricians additional ‘boots on the
ground’ to visit members and hear their ideas
and concerns. New members are also being
recruited at a very good rate which is promising
for the future of Master Electricians.
Many younger contractors do not understand
the influence they can have on their future
from a participation and business perspective.
It is crucial that not only Regional Managers,
but existing members highlight the benefits
that can accrue for their businesses and the
industry. Without a strong industry voice,
contractors risk losing control of their industry
to Government and other large stakeholders.
The Board, in its original projections had
forecast a loss of 10-15% in membership, as a
result of the increase in national subscriptions.
With a total loss of 4%, while still disappointing,
falls well under the original predicted range.
BRANCH
Auckland
Canterbury/Westland
Hawkes Bay
National
Otago
South Canterbury
Southland
Taranaki
Waikato
Wanganui
Wellington
30 JUN 15
289
209
55
52
68
24
48
41
139
16
222
1163
30 JUN 16
285
203
52
56
62
18
46
37
132
15
214
1120
%
-1
-3
-5
+7
-9
- 25
-4
-10
-5
-6
-4
-4
Branch Members – the numbers
10. 17 18
Our Membership Services
Z Energy Fuel Scheme
The competitive nature of the New Zealand market has put pressure on member subscriptions.
To reduce market pressure, support the growth of Master Electricians and support additional
member services it was necessary for the Board to increase subscription fees.
While we encourage members to support the Z Energy fuel scheme, it was clear that relying on
revenue generated from the scheme was not a sensible move. The continuation of this revenue
is at risk as members have competitive deals from other providers available.
Over the years, we have maintained the relationship with Z Energy as they are competitive and
add value to Master Electricians. Added value includes: AA Roadside Assistance, no card or
joining fees, Fly Buys and Airpoints dollars, marketing support and an even larger network with
the potential acquisition of Caltex in New Zealand.
The Spark and Master
Electricians partnership
concluded this year,
with Spark withdrawing
their funding due to
financial constraints in the
telecommunication sector.
Total loyalty bonus received
for the year was $114,881.
We are still offering
Spark services as a
member benefit.
We thank Spark for the
support they have given
Master Electricians over
the years.
Master Electricians works
with Marsh to ensure
member insurance
requirements are met. With
new workplace health and
safety legislation in the
pipeline, it is important that
members are made aware
of the risks, particularly
under the Directors and
Officers provisions. In
addition, members need to
be thinking about possible
cyber insurance, as more
and more information is
handled online.
Total rebate for the year
was $57,870.
The Master Electricians and
n3 partnership continues to
deliver significant business
savings to members. As a
buying group of over 12,000
members, n3 produce
better pricing with a wide
range of leading suppliers
throughout New Zealand.
In most instances, for
members using n3, savings
have generated enough to
cover a Master Electricians
subscription.
Average member spend and
savings through n3 has risen
on the previous year:
• In 2014-15 sales totalled
$2,418,858 and savings
came to $745,602
• In 2015-16 sales totalled
$3,654,963 and savings
came to $1,053,778
13
12.5
12
11.5
11
June2006
June2007
June2008
June2009
June2010
June2011
June2012
June2013
June2014
June2015
June2016
LITRES(inmillions)
YEAR
Fuel Scheme Volumes 2006 – 2016
11. 19 20
Electrical Workers
Registration Board
The Electrical Workers Registration Board
(EWRB) Annual Report 2014/15 has been
released. The EWRB achieved a small surplus
of $12,000 on the previous year, with their
closing balance totalling $5,474,000.
They also reported:
• Significant increases in revenue from
practicing licences, examination and
registration fees (approximately $1,200,000)
• Expenditure increased by around $300,000
• 47,509 registered electrical workers in
New Zealand
• 1,523 new registrations were issued
(down 80 on the previous year)
• 842 of the new registrations were
electricians (down 30 on the previous year)
• 1,149 candidates sat the Electricians Theory
exam with 634 candidates passing the exam
• 1,519 candidates sat the Electricians
Regulations exam with 930 candidates
passing the exam
The report reveals that 119 complaints were
received against registered electrical workers,
up 55 on the previous year. This resulted in
35 prosecutions (down 10% on the previous
year). In our opinion, this suggests that many
complaints were commercially driven despite
increased numbers of registered persons.
The trend of fewer prosecutions proves the
standards of workmanship and public safety
remain very high. There were 15 prosecutions
carried out against unregistered people who
undertook prescribed electrical work.
Master Electricians and
the EWRB
Master Electricians met with the EWRB during
2016 to discuss:
• Increased and proactive support of
licence holders
• Progressing and making improvements
to the existing MOU between Master
Electricians and the EWRB
• Re-signing the MOU. Master Electricians
has re-signed, however the EWRB has not
reciprocated
• Expanding our Quality Assurance
programme and reviewing the impact this
could have in regards to an employer or
contractor licence
• Putting competence refresher training and
examinations online
• Including workplace health and safety in the
refresher programme
We currently have a challenging relationship
with the EWRB. We will continue to actively
work with the EWRB to progress the
interests of electrical contractors,
and the health of the industry
as a whole.
1,100
members
of Master
Electricians
128
members
attended
Workplace Health
and Safety
workshops
120
entrants for
the Challenge
(Apprentice of the
Year Competition)
1,079
downloads
of the ME
Hub app
$1,053,778
saved by members
using n3
128
calls received
per week at
National Office
4,401,119
online ads delivered with
Mediaworks
$977,175
saved by members using
Z Energy fuel cards
820
members
visited by
Regional
Managers
11,272
radio ads
delivered with
Mediaworks
8,512
Z Energy fuel
cards used
The
Numbers
82,300km
travelled by Regional
Managers
3
Regional
Managers
employed
16
Workplace Health
and Safety
workshops held
across
New Zealand
20
12. 21 22
Reports from
the Industry
The Skills Organisation enjoyed a phenomenal
year in 2015. Across key areas of the business
we achieved our strongest results to date
and built on solid foundations laid out in
previous years. Forging firm partnerships
with industry associations, trainees, training
providers, commercial customers and other
industry training organisations has been, and
remains, the basis for our long-term success
and sustainability.
Our success in closely working together with
the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
continued throughout 2015, with a positive
alignment of our goals. We continued to be a
crucial contributor to addressing New Zealand’s
skills shortages in construction-related trades.
These shortages are a priority for TEC and
represent a buoyant market for our trainees
and training providers.
Diversity in our industries remained a key goal
for us. The past year saw us forging closer
ties with Iwi and entering into planning stages
of significant long-term partnerships. Our
Pasifika strategy enjoyed the same success,
with promising opportunities on the horizon in
the current year. Integral to our engagement
strategy was a critical examination of our
pastoral care delivery. This involved seeking
better ways of creating equitable training
opportunities together with our Maori and
Pasifika partners.
A cornerstone of our diversity strategy was
creating greater opportunities for women to
enter our industries and to complete their
training. Through development of pastoral
care and a greater focus in this area, our
female trainees enjoyed roughly equivalent
completion rates as their male counterparts.
We will continue to build on diversity
engagements, and are excited for
opportunities ahead.
With the success of our core business and
the high degree of skill developed in-house, we
made excellent progress in pursuing customers
at home and abroad who had a desire to
develop their training ambitions.
The commercial returns generated from
these activities are aimed at being able
to support the growth of initiatives in the
vocational education areas, as well as assisting
training activities with our more traditional
industry partners.
I also take the opportunity to thank the
Board, CEO, and all staff, for their outstanding
contribution to the success of the organisation
during 2015.
As we look to the future, we remain cognisant
of the crucial role ITOs play in equipping
New Zealand for success. We continue to be
proactive in redefining our role as an industry
advocate, and creating positive pathways
for New Zealand’s talent to develop skills for
growing the industries.
2015 has been and gone and we are
celebrating our 25th year of producing
the very best electrical apprentices in
New Zealand. It is a credit to Peter and his
team that the academic results, apprentice
retention and completion rates, and the
demand for etco trained apprentices is
at an all-time high.
During the period in review the Board
assembled on five occasions and had the
opportunity to meet with various regional
managers throughout the country.
This allows the Board to better understand
the organisation and allows the regions
to provide feedback. The Board have also
held teleconferences throughout the year
between meetings, to discuss more
pressing matters.
One of the many duties of the Board is to
direct and approve the strategic plan for
both the short and longer term and to ensure
that the strategies are carried out. During
our mid-year meeting an update of the five
operational goals was provided and endorsed
with clear progress being made towards
completing all five by the end of the year.
In September the Board met with the Senior
Leadership Team and developed an updated
business plan for the next five years which
amongst many initiatives, included a blended
learning trial, level five training and upgrading
of our existing training facilities.
During the 2015 year and in line with our
Director Rotation Policy, two of our Board
members stood down with Colin Smith leaving
to take over the presidential duties at Master
Electricians and Neville Simpson, with nine years
service, retiring to concentrate on leading the
rebranded Master Electricians into a new era.
We welcomed onto the Board two new
members with a wealth of experience between
them, Dean Addie from EIS in Southland and
David Le Mouton from Bishman in Auckland.
On behalf of my Board I would like to pay
tribute to all those at etco who have made
this company into what it is today and I look
forward to celebrating many more successes
with you in the future.
Brian Nowell
Chairman
The Skills Organisation
Steve Hallett
Chairman
etco
22
13. 23 24
Our Events
24
57th Annual General Meeting
Conference 2015
The 57th AGM and Conference was held
in Napier and hosted by the Hawkes Bay/
Gisborne Branch. It was a very successful
event which concluded with a themed dinner
at the Napier Prison. To Kevin, Buzz, Scotty
and the team, who organised the Conference
– thank you for your efforts and well done.
We look forward to seeing you all at the
Wanganui conference in Taupo this October.
To all the sponsors and Conference partners
involved – we thank you for your continued
support of Master Electricians and the
electrical industry.
Master Electricians
Excellence Awards 2015
New Zealand’s premium competition to
showcase innovation and professionalism
within the electrical contracting industry
was another success. With over 30 quality
projects entered from across the country,
the judges had a difficult time in choosing
the finalists.
The Master Electricians Excellence Awards
Dinner was held on 28 August 2015 at the
Langham in Auckland. Worthy winners were
celebrated across a number of categories,
including Small Business/Sole Trader, Projects
under and over $500,000 and Industrial
Automation and Lighting.
We sincerely thank our sponsors, who
continue to support this important industry
event: J.A. Russell Ltd, Ideal Electrical,
Powerbase, Schneider Electric, Philips, Skills
and etco.
Master Electricians Challenge 2016
The Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition (The Challenge), in its 15th year,
kicked off in July with competition first at a local level (prelims). The top 10 place-getters
nationwide will go through to the finals, held 26-28 October in Taupo. There are two
divisions - Domestic/Commercial and Industrial.
The Challenge is about celebrating the work of our apprentices and recognising excellence,
quality and innovation in our trade. The scenarios are designed to test that they can
respond swiftly and efficiently to challenging tasks they may face in their working life.
This year’s Challenge is made possible through the support of Skills, NHP, Rockwell
Automation, Marley, Vynco, Philips, HPM Legrand and J.A. Russell Ltd.
14. 25 26
Stakeholder Engagement
Member Communication
Digital Projects
Communication and engagement with
members and stakeholders was a priority
for Master Electricians during the year.
The monthly ‘Current Matters’ e-newsletter
updated members and stakeholders on
progress of key projects, and profiled the
great work taking place in the industry.
Regular meetings were held with staff and
senior management of industry organisations,
as well as Board strategy sessions and
member workshops – designed to share
information, and inform the development
of a Workplace Health and Safety
Management Strategy.
Master Electricians undertook its annual
member survey, resulting in many positive
responses and high levels of satisfaction
from the added value and performance of
Master Electricians this year. It also identified
room for improvement, with all of the
responses incorporated into planning for the
incoming year.
Public Awareness Campaigns
One of our key roles is to raise awareness of
the importance of using a Master Electrician.
One of the best ways to do this is via the
media – whether in print, online, radio, or
through our Facebook page and other social
media avenues.
In March we implemented a social media
strategy to maximise our engagement with
the industry and our membership, attract
new members, and educate the public.
So far, the Master Electricians Facebook
audience has increased from 55 to over 3800
likes, or ‘active followers’ and our Facebook
posts are reaching over 60,000 people per
week and over 320,000 people per month.
We have also been increasing our media
presence, with media releases and
commentary going out regularly to discuss
the major issues we face as an industry.
Through social media campaigns, conventional
media releases and an editorial piece in the
Dominion Post, we have had a great level of
coverage on a variety of issues including career
advice in schools, sub-standard products and
the skills shortage facing New Zealand.
This coverage has been propelled by the
combined activity of lead industry organisations
with new campaigns and initiatives such as the
‘Got a Trade, Got it Made’ campaign.
This year, our Mediaworks radio and digital
display campaign messaging covered
certification, the workmanship guarantee,
and the benefits of using a Master Electrician.
Over the year we saw 11,272 radio ads play on
Mediaworks stations and a further 4,401,119
digital display ads feature on Mediaworks
websites, including The Rock, Newshub,
Radio Live, More FM and The Sound.
Website Redevelopment
The Master Electricians website is under
development and we hope to have it
completed by the end of the year. This
redevelopment will consolidate the existing
Master Electricians and ECANZ websites into
one user-friendly, interactive site.
ME Hub App
In January we released the ME Hub app for
Master Electricians members and their workers.
It has been specifically designed for the New
Zealand electrical contracting industry.
The app lets you record job details, keep track
of health and safety issues, record testing
results and email CoCs and ESCs straight to
your customers from your phone. Apprentices
can do ESCs and share them with a supervisor
to sign off. Other features include viewing
videos and testing guides, creating custom
tests and sending messages to your workers
via the app.
We have had lots of
uptake on the ME Hub app
and hope that you are finding this new
tool very useful.
So far, the Master Electricians
Facebook audience has increased from
55 to 3800 likes.
17. 31 32
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of the Performance Report
18. 33 34
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of the Performance Report The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of the Performance Report
19. 35 36
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of the Performance Report
24. 45 46
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of the Performance Report The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of the Performance Report
25. 47 48
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of the Performance Report
26. 50
etco is a wholly owned subsidiary of Master Electricians established to
provide employment and training for the electrical industry in New Zealand.
etco are major sponsors of our annual Conference and the biennial
Master Electricians Excellence Awards.
HPM Legrand is one of New Zealand’s largest suppliers to the electrical
industry, offering a wide product range and access to global research data and
intellectual property.
HPM sponsors our annual Conference and the Master Electricians Challenge
(since its inception).
Ideal has an extensive nationwide branch network servicing the electrical
supply needs of the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
Ideal sponsors our annual Conference and the biennial Master Electricians
Excellence Awards.
J. A. Russell Ltd is the biggest New Zealand-owned electrical wholesaler,
trading as J.A. Russell Ltd, Stewarts Electrical Supplies and Radcliffe Electrical.
J. A. Russell Ltd sponsors our annual Conference, Master Electricians Challenge,
and the biennial Master Electricians Excellence Awards.
Marley New Zealand is a leading supplier for cable management solutions and
offers a wide range of protection for electrical and data cables.
Marley sponsors our annual Conference and the Master Electricians Challenge.
Marsh is a global leader in insurance broking and risk management, working
in 130 countries.
In New Zealand, Marsh partners with Master Electricians to provide insurance
packages for members. Marsh also supports our annual Conference through
sponsorship of our event app, ShowGizmo.
NHP Electrical Engineering Products specialises in motor control, power
distribution and automation systems.
NHP sponsor our annual Conference and the Master Electricians Challenge.
Philips pioneered the development of high-quality, energy-efficient LED lighting
and offers a range of solutions, including software, controls, luminaires, light
sources and modules.
Philips sponsors our annual Conference, Master Electricians Challenge, and the
biennial Master Electricians Excellence Awards.
Rockwell Automation is the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial
automation and information. Its range of products and technologies includes circuit
and load protection, lighting control and sensors and switches.
Rockwell Automation sponsors the Master Electricians Challenge (since its inception).
Schneider Electric is a global specialist in energy management with operations in
more than 100 countries. Its product line up includes market-leading local brands
in wiring accessories, such as PDL, as well as Clipsal.
Schneider Electric sponsors our annual Conference and the biennial
Master Electricians Excellence Awards.
The Skills Organisation works with industries to help people gain the skills needed
for development and success in their workplace. It develops national standards
and qualifications across a range of industries, including the electrical trades.
Skills are major sponsors of our annual Conference, Master Electricians Challenge,
and the biennial Master Electricians Excellence Awards.
Vynco distributes electrical components, and designs, engineers and
manufactures electrical products nationally. Its range includes wiring products,
enclosures and switchboards and industrial plugs and sockets.
Vynco sponsors our annual Conference and the Master Electricians Challenge.
Z Energy supplies fuel to retail customers and large commercial customers
including airlines, mines and vehicle fleet operators.
Z Energy is our partner in the Z Energy Fuel Card scheme, providing fuel discounts
and other benefits to Master Electricians members. Z Energy sponsors our annual
Conference and the biennial Master Electricians Excellence Awards.
Our Accredited Partners
With special thanks, we gratefully acknowledge the support
and contribution of our Accredited Partners.
49
27. MASTER ELECTRICIANS
Metro Thorndon Building
220A Thorndon Quay
Wellington 6011
0800 506 688
masterelectricians.org.nz
facebook.com/masterelectriciansnz
