End of the Rhode for retiring Master Plumber's Brian

It's the end of an era for Brian Rhodes after 44 years working with Whanganui plumbers.

Rhodes has been secretary and treasurer of Wanganui Master Plumbers since 1974, when he took over from his father-in-law Kinnon Rabone. In 2016 he was made a life member of Master Plumbers.

"It has been a very enjoyable time and has kept me connected to the local business world, acting as a chartered accountant to a large number of plumbing firms over this period," Rhodes said.

He was involved in running two national conferences organised by Wanganui Master Plumbers, as well as organising an overseas conference held at Jupiter's Casino on Australia's Gold Coast in the late 1980s.

During his time with Master Plumbers, he developed connections with many long-time local plumbing identities.

They included John Buchanan and Des Wink, of Wanganui Plumbing; John Wadey, his father Maurie and uncle Des, of Wadey Bros; Ron King; and Neville and Malcolm Palmer, and their father Nelson, of Palmers Plumbing and Heating.