For too long, the trades have been seen as a “man’s world.” Plumbing, gasfitting, construction — industries built on hard work, long hours, and skill. But the story is changing.

Today, women are not only stepping into this world — they’re walking in it well.
They’re running businesses, managing projects, leading teams, and yes — rolling up their sleeves, putting on the steel caps, and getting on the tools.

At Bop Plumbing & Gas, we’re proud to see women breaking barriers every day — proving that skill, strength, and courage aren’t defined by gender.

Women on the tools

There’s something powerful about seeing women in hi-vis, on site, making it happen. From apprentices just starting their careers to experienced tradeswomen running jobs, they’re proving that plumbing and gasfitting aren’t “men’s jobs” — they’re people’s jobs.

Women bring attention to detail, empathy, and innovation to the worksite — qualities that make teams stronger and businesses better. They’re out there solving problems, building futures, and inspiring others just by doing what they love.

When young girls see a woman holding a wrench, wearing a tool belt, or leading a crew, they see possibility — and that’s where real change begins.

The Women behind the work

Many of the women in trade-based businesses didn’t start here chasing their own dreams — they came to support someone else’s.
They stood beside their partners, helping to grow something from the ground up, often putting their own goals on hold to do so. Then came families, children, and the many seasons of life that followed.

But those same women have since built incredible careers of their own — running offices, managing operations, leading teams, and creating space for others to thrive.
They’re the heartbeat of businesses like ours — balancing it all with grace, grit, and determination.

Te Ara Wāhine — The Path of Women

In October 2025, we proudly hosted Te Ara Wāhine in Rotorua — an event founded by our own Sarah Jamieson, CFO of BoP Plumbing & Gas.
“Te Ara Wāhine” means The Path of Women, and it was built around three powerful themes: courage, confidence, and connection.

Sarah’s vision was to create a space where women in trades — and those supporting the trade industry — could come together, share stories, and lift one another up.

It wasn’t about titles or tools; it was about people. About courage in showing up, connection through shared experiences, and conversation that builds community and confidence.

The event was filled with laughter, honesty, and inspiration. Women from all walks of life came together to celebrate the power of wāhine — those who work hard, dream big, and lead with heart.

The journey continues — Te Ara Wāhine 2026

The response to Te Ara Wāhine was so strong that we’re thrilled to announce it will return in October 2026. 

We can’t wait to once again bring together women from across Aotearoa — those on the tools, in leadership, and behind the scenes — to celebrate what it means to walk courageously in the trades.

Te Ara Wāhine isn’t just an event. It’s a movement — a reminder that every woman’s story, skill, and voice matters.

Walking forward together

At BoP Plumbing & Gas, we believe in walking the talk. We’re proud to employ, encourage, and stand beside women in every part of our business — because the future of the trades is inclusive, skilled, and full of opportunity.

To the women holding the tools, answering the phones, managing the books, and leading with courage — we see you.
You’re not just part of the trade — you’re shaping its future.

Here’s to courage.
Here’s to confidence.
Here’s to connection.
And here’s to the women walking boldly — and beautifully — in what was once a man’s world.

By Laura Gaveika | November 5th 2025 |