Meet the Team
NICK RAY
DIRECTOR / GAS APPLIANCE TECHNICIAN
After qualifying and working as a gasfitter in England, Nick made his way to New Zealand in 1995. Saying “I figured that if it didn’t work out here it was as far from the UK as you can get, so I’ll work my way back until I find the place I wanted to be.” And he’s never left! From 1995 through to 2005 Nick worked with the Rinnai and Brivis products including as Technical Manager for Rinnai, gaining extensive knowledge on the brand and its many appliances, before starting Gas Appliance Specialists 2005 in, you guessed it… 2005.
Having been in the industry for over 40 years, Nick knows a thing or two about gasfitting and is now successfully growing Gas Appliance Specialists with his partner Sarah. He is incredibly proud of the great team they have grown over the years, especially having their daughter Brooke as the lead technician. He firmly believes Gas Appliance Specialists are second to none in the industry, providing the most specialised and cost-effective services for Rinnai and Brivis appliances.
Nick always looks forward to the “laughs I have with the team and the really cool houses and people we get to work with.” Outside of work, Nick has a passion for restoring cars and enjoys spending time with Sarah and their many kids.
BROOKE SCHMALKUCHEN
GAS APPLIANCE TECHNICIAN
When she was younger, Brooke never would have dreamed that she would one day become a tradie and develop a passion for gasfitting. But, we guess you could say it runs in the family! Originally joining the team as Office Assistant, Brooke was keen to experience the technical aspect of the job. She quickly took a liking to the job and progressed through her apprenticeship to become a Certifying Gasfitter and Tradesman Plumber.
As our Lead Technician, Brooke provides an excellent customer service experience. She really enjoys the satisfaction of solving difficult technical problems, and the gratitude we receive from all our lovely customers.
She says another highlight of the job is “meeting all the family dogs we come across when visiting people’s homes!” In her spare time, Brooke likes building Lego, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends.
SAGE FERNANDES
GAS APPLIANCE TECHNICIAN
Sage completed his Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying apprenticeship through Unitec and, after completing all his PGDB examinations, became a Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer. He brings nearly eight years of industry experience to the Gas Appliance Specialists team.
Since joining the team, Sage has enjoyed expanding his knowledge of gas appliances, particularly learning the ins and outs of fault finding and repair. He enjoys the challenge of finding the cause of a problem and, wherever possible, repairing an appliance rather than simply replacing it. He also enjoys the variety the role brings and meeting new people every day.
Outside of work, Sage enjoys getting out for a round of golf with his mates whenever he gets the chance. He’s also a keen traveller, having visited Japan, Fiji, Thailand and the Philippines last year. Japan was the clear favourite, and he’d love to make a return trip!
TRENT DAVIS
GAS APPLIANCE TECHNICIAN
Trent joined the team in 2024 while completing his Plumbing, Gasfitting, and Drainlaying apprenticeship. Working as one of our Gas Appliance Technicians, Trent takes great pride in knowing his work is keeping families warm and healthy all year round.
He also enjoys meeting and interacting with old and new Gas Appliance Specialist customers. In his spare time, you can find Trent working on his car and trying out new food spots with mates! Trent is one of our more courageous team members, having gone cage diving with great white sharks while travelling!
SAJJAN KUMAR
GAS APPLIANCE TECHNICIAN
Sajjan studied Plumbing and Gasfitting at MIT and brings more than seven years of industry experience across both residential and commercial work. During this time, he has developed extensive experience in installation, servicing, maintenance and fault finding across a wide range of plumbing and gas appliances.
Sajjan particularly enjoys the problem-solving side of his role. He likes diagnosing faults, getting to the bottom of problems that aren’t always straightforward, and finding the right solution to get customers’ appliances working safely and efficiently. He also enjoys meeting different customers each day, working as part of a great team and continuing to build his knowledge as new technology and appliances evolve.
Outside of work, Sajjan enjoys spending time with his family, reading and travelling whenever he gets the opportunity. Naturally curious and always keen to learn, his interest in figuring out how things work extends well beyond the job.
ROGER VISTRO
DUCTING TECHNICIAN
Having worked in the HVAC industry for over 25 years, Roger is our second ducting installer. Roger’s vast knowledge and experience in all things ducting is a huge asset to our growing ducting division.
Roger is a great team player, always happy to lend a helping hand to the rest of the team and takes great pride in going above and beyond for our amazing clients. In his spare time, Roger likes playing video games.
NICO ABRAU
DUCTING TECHNICIAN
After working as a machine operator for many years, Nico joined Gas Appliance Specialists at the end of 2022, as a ducting installer. Nico brings great energy and enthusiasm to the job every day and is dedicated to delivering a great customer experience. He promises to put in 100% to ensure the customer is happy with the end result.
As a ducting specialist Nico has to work in some pretty tight underfloor spaces, when we interviewed him we asked if he would be comfortable doing so. His response… “Yes, I’m like a rat!” From that point on, he’s been known as Nico the Rat! Nico is a passionate gardener, and enjoys looking after different flowers and succulents in his spare time.
LYNDA BAYER
SALES COORDINATOR
Lynda is one of our Sales Coordinators, she came to us with years of customer service and administration experience, as well as owning her own business! With this experience, Lynda recognises the importance of good communication and customer retention, these tasks she undertakes with the utmost care. Her philosophy being, “if it needs to be done, I’ll do it.”
Lynda’s bright and bubbly personality makes her a great fit as our sales coordinator, and it is no surprise her favourite part of the role “is talking with customers and technicians, and trying to get the best outcome for everyone.” In her spare time, Lynda’s hobbies include reading and going out with good company.
HELEN HARWOOD
SALES COORDINATOR
Having worked in customer service and hospitality for nearly 30 years, Helen is proud to bring a high level of service to our clients. As one of our Sales Coordinators, Helen is a great communicator and ensures everything runs smoothly between clients and our technicians.
Helen enjoys working with our great team and says her favourite part of the job is working alongside positive and professional people! When she’s not at work, Helen enjoys cooking with a glass of wine, watching old movies, bush walks, and visiting the beach. She also adds, “I mostly enjoy looking after and loving my fur children!”
SARAH KNEEBONE
DIRECTOR / OFFICE MANAGER
Coming from a background of sales and customer service Sarah understands the importance of providing an exceptional customer experience. After joining the team in 2015, she has been instrumental in her role as Co-Director and Office Manager, keeping our team on the ball and always looking for ways to best serve our customers.
Sarah is especially proud of the family business she has grown alongside Nick, with an amazing team to boot and a reputation for quality service and excellent customer satisfaction, something she has put a big emphasis on over the years. And it sure has paid off!
Sarah enjoys spending time with family, and their much loved pets – who make a regular feature in our photos! She also enjoys listening to music, practising yoga, line dancing, and at the end of the day – a nice glass of red wine!