Steady Hot Strong

STEADY, HOT & STRONG

When Rheem heard families were going without hot water this winter as a result of COVID-19’s economic impact, they acted quickly. Their idea was to donate water heaters to Kiwis in need, but the first hurdle they faced was installation – something which can only be done by registered plumbers and gasfitters.

They approached Master Plumbers hesitantly, knowing their members lost a significant amount of their regular workload during lockdown. Master Plumbers, however, were 100% behind the initiative and put the word out to their membership. Amazingly, a whopping 72 plumbing and gas companies from all over NZ offered to install the water heaters free of charge!

“We think that’s remarkable considering there was almost a complete loss of income in the lockdown period, and we asked them to help out by volunteering to donate their time,” says Brian McFarlane from Rheem.

The ‘Steady, Hot and Strong’ initiative was launched, and Rheem & Master Plumbers asked the public to nominate households which are in desperate need of a water heater.

The response was overwhelming. They received around 30 entries a week, and all were deserving nominations.

“It’s been quite tough for everyone doing the selection,” says Brian. “You’re looking at someone who has lost their job or both partners have lost their jobs… it’s just not something we’ve seen in NZ.

“One guy who had written in about his family had lost his job at the beginning of lockdown. Their old water heater had failed and they didn’t have the money to fix it, so they would boil the jug to bathe or wait in line at the local swimming pool to wash with their young son.”

With this just being one of many heartbreaking stories, Brian’s glad to report they’ve already donated more than their allocated water heaters – including one to the family noted above – and are hoping to have enough to make a real difference to many families nationwide.

After seeing the struggles of so many Kiwis throughout the country, Rheem and Master Plumbers are now considering how they can continue to assist local communities.

Thanks to the Rheem and Master Plumbers ‘Steady, Hot and Strong’ campaign, one more family can enjoy hot showers again.

TAMING THE TIGER TROUT

Josiah Atkinson has spent considerable time searching for the rare tiger trout, and not without success. He shares some of his hard-earned lessons on how to tame the tiger…

HAMISH WARD

Brewing beer is one of the oldest and most noble of trades. From the deeply spiritual processes mastered in European monasteries, through to the bloke in his garage just desperate to make something drinkable, the desire to create beer is a not so secret passion of most males on this planet. Hamish Ward is another on the list of legends who take brewing seriously, and it didn’t take long for him to become one of NZ’s best.

Kiwi

Teams from Kiwis for kiwi and Rheem have been “on the tools” recently, partnering with Kaipara Kiwi to plant 1900 trees. Their efforts were part of the Mataia Restoration project, which is seeking to create a 1300-hectare kiwi safe-haven in the Kaipara region.

Gemma O'Brien

Architect, freediver and tiny house builder, Gemma O’Brien is what you might call a super-achiever, writes Helen Horrocks. In between her architectural work, various home projects and daily breath-hold exercises, Gemma took the time to chat to Helen over the phone during lockdown.

BOAT BUYING

Here is a checklist of common potential issues that should be checked before buying a second-hand boat

Salty Summer Fishing

Special Publications · Nov 16, 2020

The Great Tradie Fish Off 2023

Special Publications · Nov 16, 2020

Welcome To Issue 34 Of Rheem Offsite

Special Publications · Nov 16, 2020

Offsite.fishing Comp

Special Publications · Nov 16, 2020

TAMING THE TIGER TROUT

HAMISH WARD

Kiwi

Gemma O'Brien

BOAT BUYING

Salty Summer Fishing

The Great Tradie Fish Off 2023

Welcome To Issue 34 Of Rheem Offsite

Offsite.fishing Comp

New Zealand Fishing News

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