A two-person team from Nelson-based water operations contractor Nelmac proved the best live tapping crew in the country, taking out top honours at the 2025 National Live Tapping Competition.
The 2025 National Live Tapping Competition, sponsored by Hynds Water, was held in front of a lively crowd at the Water Industry Operations Group (WIOG) conference on 29 May in Nelson. In this high-stakes challenge, teams of two race against the clock to connect a household‑sized water service to a live water main – without shutting off the supply. Known as water main tapping, this process allows connections to be made under pressure, avoiding costly shutdowns and ensuring customers continue to receive water without interruption. It’s a hands-on challenge that demands skill, speed and teamwork, simulating the real‑world pressures that water network operators face every day to keep communities supplied.
The competition tests both speed and precision, and sponsor Hynds Water also serves as the official timekeeper. Penalties were applied for leaks, poor technique and any deviation from best practice. This year’s event was one of the most competitive yet, with many crews using the practice session to test different techniques and shave down their time.
After each live tap is completed, judges inspect every detail for leaks, faults and technical accuracy. The smallest mistake can cost teams valuable seconds, while major errors could mean disqualification. The fastest team – after any penalties – claims the national title and bragging rights for the next 12 months.
Raewyn Philbey and Damien Howe completed the technically challenging task in a blistering three minutes and 44 seconds, beating out strong competition from Citycare Water and other teams from around the country.
‘There was real intensity this year. It was a good‑natured rivalry, but everyone was going hard because they really wanted that title,’ says Joshua McIndoe, Chair of WIOG. ‘The field crews that do this day in, day out were the ones competing – and it showed. The professionalism was a level up from previous years.’
The event drew growing crowds, with music, live commentary and plenty of support from the sidelines adding to the atmosphere. ‘People got wet – some accidentally, some maybe not so accidentally – but it was all part of the fun,’ McIndoe says.
While the competition had a serious side – demonstrating the critical skills of the operational teams that help ensure essential water services reach their communities reliably and efficiently – it also played a key role in attracting new faces to the wider WIOG conference.
‘A number of people here said the competition was the reason they came. We had civil contractors attend their first WIOG conference because they’d heard about the live tapping event. That’s a big win for us because it’s introducing more people to the professional development and networking opportunities the conference provides.’
This year’s conference was the biggest yet, with more than 340 delegates and 51 suppliers represented in the trade exhibition. Alongside competitions, the event included 16 technical papers from operations staff and suppliers, plus industry awards such as Operator of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Best Operators’ Paper, Best Suppliers’ Paper and the Te Oranga Wai Prize for Innovation.
‘This conference is about celebrating the people on the ground – the ones fixing leaks at 2 am, delivering safe, high-quality drinking water, and making sure wastewater is managed properly. They do essential work, and they deserve recognition.’
McIndoe also acknowledged the importance of industry support: ‘Competitions like this wouldn’t be possible without the backing of knowledgeable and trusted partners like Hynds Water. Their support helps us champion the professionalism of our sector and foster pride in our industry.’
Brent Merritt, Hynds Water’s Business Development Manager, says the company is proud to support the National Live Tapping Competition and the skilled teams who take part: ‘There’s no room for error in a live pipe connection. This competition showcases the incredible skill and dedication of the professionals who keep our water networks flowing.’
Looking ahead, WIOG is exploring the idea of regional live tapping heats feeding into the national final. ‘That’s how it works in Australia, and it’s something we’re keen to adopt. It’ll help raise the bar even further and make the national title even more meaningful.’
As the conference continues to grow, so, too, does its ability to foster learning, spark innovation and build pride in the water operations profession.