Richmond plumber Thomas Harrison has cemented his reputation as one of New Zealand's top young tradespeople after finishing second in the 2026 Young Plumber of the Year national finals.
Thomas, 31, from Richmond-based Clyne & Bennie 1998 Limited, competed against the country's leading regional qualifiers in Hamilton, where contestants faced a demanding mix of practical and theoretical challenges designed to test technical skill, accuracy and efficiency under pressure.
The competition was won by Liam Locke, from I Plumb 4 U Northland Ltd in Whangārei, while Seth Hall, from Hallrite Plumbing & Gasfitting Ltd in Gisborne, placed third.
For Thomas, the result marks the latest milestone in a plumbing career that began when he entered the trade as a 17-year-old apprentice.
Since then, he has progressed from learning the fundamentals of the industry to managing teams and overseeing major commercial projects.
In August, Thomas became the first person in New Zealand to win the Wellington/Marlborough Regional Young Plumber of the Year title in consecutive years, claiming victories in both 2025 and 2026, and sending him to the national finals.
Contestants at the national finals were tested across a range of disciplines, including complex pipework installation, gas fitting, water-heating systems and code compliance, all under strict time limits.
The event also included supplier visits and a theory examination before the practical challenges.
Thomas credits his family and the experienced tradespeople of the Nelson Tasman region who helped him develop his skills in the early years of his career.
The national competition comes as New Zealand's construction sector prepares for significant growth.
According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's latest National Construction Pipeline Report, construction activity is projected to reach $65.4 billion by 2030, driven by more than 200,000 new home builds across the country.
NZPM Co-Operative chief executive Brett Cruickshank says this year's finalists demonstrated the strength of New Zealand's next generation of tradespeople.
“The talent on show was incredible to see and we are lucky to have so many highly capable tradies coming up through the ranks,” Brett says.
“Many of our young Kiwis are heading offshore, so keeping top-tier talent in New Zealand relies on showcasing clear and rewarding career pathways. We’re proud to foster that talent and show them rewarding careers are available right here in New Zealand.”
