Innovating For NZ Water Conditions

Jon Doherty founded Voda Plumbingware nine years ago when he identified a gap in the market for a company that did things differently. “We knew we needed products that catered to the needs of Kiwi plumbers and worked for New Zealand’s unique water conditions,” says Jon, who has over three decades of industry experience. “Moreover,
it was important that we ticked the boxes for style, durability, environmental responsibility and performance.”

With this vision in mind, Voda Plumbingware’s business model offers trade and retail products that give plumbers and plumbing merchant customers the chance to benefit from better margins with their limited distribution model. One of the key challenges the brand addresses is New Zealand’s varied water pressures. Unlike many imported products designed solely for use with mains pressure, many of Voda’s tapware and showers are engineered to work under mains, unequal, and equal low water pressure systems. This ensures Voda’s products are compatible with most New Zealand homes and perform optimally in these situations.

“Many of our products are designed to improve water flow on low and unequal water pressures,” Jon explains. “From our shower mixers to our basin and sink taps, our products are optimised to perform effectively in New Zealand’s unique water pressure environments.”

On-trend style

Voda Plumbingware is also a leader in on-trend style and has one of the widest colour options in the ‘all pressure’ tapware market, with eight colours including chrome, stainless steel, brushed nickel, brushed brass, brushed gunmetal, matte black, brushed copper, and the recently released brushed PVD black.

Voda’s tapware uses Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) – a process in which a solid material is vaporised in a vacuum and deposited onto the surface of the tap. These coatings are notsimply metal layers. Instead, compound materials are depositedatom by atom, forming a thin, bonded, metal surface layer thatgreatly improves the appearance and the durability of the tap.“PVD is considered one of the best surface finishes in theindustry,” says Jon. “It’s what’s often used on aeroplane and carparts for its durability. It’s much stronger, lasts longer, and is farless likely to tarnish.”

Quality control is paramount at Voda Plumbingware and Jon says the company is proud to use European ceramic cartridges, which serve as the ‘engine’ of their taps. “They are more expensive, but in our opinion, they are more reliable, which allows us to offer a full 10-year warranty on all of our products.”

Lead-free ready

In addition, Voda’s products adhere to WaterMark standards, whichensures the tapware meets stringent quality guidelines, includingthe use of low-lead brass. With lead-free or extra-low-lead tapwareto become mandatory in New Zealand by May 2026, Voda is well ahead of the curve.

“We’re already using DR Brass and stainless-steel construction, and by 2026 we’ll be completely lead-free.”Assembly and quality control take place in New Zealand andevery product leaving Voda Plumbingware’s Whangarei factory undergoes rigorous air and water tests. “Air testing is more sensitivethan water,” Jon explains. “So, we can ensure there are absolutely noleaks before our products are sent out.” What’s more, each productbox is stamped with the initials of the person who assembled it,along with a batch code for traceability. This meticulous processensures peace of mind for plumbers and consumers.

Environmental recognition

Moving with the times, Voda Plumbingware takes environmental responsibility seriously and the company recently received an environmental award for their initiatives in reducing plastic waste. They are well underway with phasing out plastic packaging, opting instead for recyclable cardboard and cloth bags. They have also upgraded the factory’s lighting to energy-efficient LEDs and are continuouslylooking for ways to minimise their environmental footprint.Kerry Lord, partner and GM for Voda says, “We’ve made greatstrides in reducing plastic, and we’re ahead of many companies interms of sustainability. We have a way to go, but we’re committedto improving every day.”

Since its inception, Voda Plumbingware has seen steady growth, and at the Whangarei-based facility, 18 of the company’s 24 staff members work hard to meet increasing demand. “We’re in a huge growth period,” says Jon. “In fact, we aren’t far off outgrowing our factory.”

With quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility at its core, Voda Plumbingware is well-positioned to reach new heightsand, as the company expands its offerings and operations, Jon remains committed to ensuring their products meet the evolving needs of New Zealand plumbers and homeowners. “We’re not just selling products; we’re offering solutions tailored for market trends and our country’s unique conditions,” he says.“And with upcoming regulations and increased demand for durable,sustainable products, I’m confident we’re on the right path.”