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