The evolution and impact of the National Live Tapping Competition in New Zealand’s water industry.
At the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s essential services lies the water industry – a silent guardian ensuring that clean, reliable water reaches every home, business and community without interruption. At the forefront of this vital sector are the network operators, whose expertise keeps the taps running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their work, often unseen yet indispensable, involves intricate skills like mains live tapping – a technique that allows connections to water mains without causing outages. This process exemplifies the precision and commitment required to maintain and expand our nation’s water infrastructure, adapting to pipes of varying sizes and materials, such as PVC, ductile iron, asbestos and cast iron.
Recognising the critical role of these professionals, the Water Industry Operations Group NZ (WIOG) has championed initiatives to highlight and hone their abilities. In 2018, at the annual conference in Palmerston North, WIOG introduced a live tapping demonstration, spotlighting the technical mastery needed for this key operation. The late Nigel Hesford, a devoted WIOG committee member, life member, and Connexis trainer/assessor, played a pivotal role in its development. His passion for network training propelled the event forward, transforming it into a formal competition by 2019. Hesford’s vision emphasised upskilling operators, fostering best practices, and inspiring the next generation – principles that continue to define the industry’s commitment to excellence.
That year, at the Christchurch conference, the event was officially launched as the National Live Tapping Competition, with Hynds Water stepping in as the primary sponsor. This partnership marked a turning point – elevating the competition into a prestigious platform that celebrates the skills, precision and dedication of water network professionals. Hynds Water’s unwavering support has fuelled its growth, turning it into an annual highlight that not only showcases talent, but also builds camaraderie and drives professional development across the sector.
Live tapping itself is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of water operators. Performed on active mains, it involves carefully drilling into pipes under pressure to connect supplies of varied diameters – all while avoiding any disruption to customers. This requires a deep understanding of hydraulics, materials science and safety protocols.
Operators must navigate challenges like varying pipe conditions, water pressure fluctuations and the need for flawless teamwork. In a competition setting, these skills are put to the test in timed challenges, where participants demonstrate their ability to execute perfect connections with speed and accuracy. It’s a high-stakes arena that mirrors real‑world demands, where a single misstep could lead to leaks or outages, but success ensures seamless service delivery.
The competition’s intent goes beyond mere spectacle; it’s a powerful tool for raising awareness about the water industry’s unsung heroes. Network operators and contractors work tirelessly to install, maintain and repair infrastructure, often in adverse conditions – be it late-night emergencies or harsh weather. Their efforts underpin public health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability – preventing water loss and ensuring efficient distribution. By acknowledging this 24/7 commitment, the event promotes the broader operations sector, encouraging investment in training and technology to meet growing demands from urbanisation and climate change.
Participation has surged over the years, reflecting the competition’s broad appeal and the industry’s collaborative spirit. Local councils increasingly join in, recognising live tapping’s importance in upgrading aging networks and minimising disruptions to communities. For them, the event is a chance to refine techniques that directly impact infrastructure resilience, ensuring water flows reliably even during expansions or repairs. Civil contractors, too, see it as an ideal venue to showcase their fieldwork capabilities, honing skills that translate to high-quality installations across the country.
This diverse involvement fosters a culture of shared learning, where professionals exchange insights on innovative tools, sustainable materials and efficient practices. Competitors emerge not just as winners, but as ambassadors for the industry, inspiring young talents to pursue careers in water operations. In a field facing workforce shortages, such initiatives are crucial for attracting and retaining skilled individuals that are passionate about safeguarding our most precious resource.
As the National Live Tapping Competition continues to gain prestige, it underscores the water industry’s evolution towards greater professionalism and innovation. Each year, teams gather with enthusiasm, driven by a dedication to service that keeps New Zealand’s water systems robust and responsive. The event highlights how operator skills – rooted in precision, adaptability, and teamwork – prevent outages, reduce waste and support sustainable growth.
In celebrating these operators, we honour the backbone of our communities: those who ensure that, no matter the hour or circumstance, the water keeps flowing. Their expertise isn’t just a skill; it’s the lifeblood of a thriving nation.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 National Live Tapping Competition, set to unfold on 13 and 14 May 2026 at the iconic Energy Events Centre in Rotorua, as part of the broader WIOG annual conference running from 13 to 15 May.
Whether you’re a seasoned operator, an aspiring professional, or an industry stakeholder, the 2026 event offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate the skills that keep New Zealand’s water flowing. Register early via the WIOG website (www.wiog.org.nz/wiog-conference-nz) and join us in Rotorua for an unforgettable showcase of excellence.