Welcome to the Diary of a Start-Up, where we follow the real-life journey of one of The Association Specialists’ newest clients — the Australian & New Zealand Water Heating Association (ANZWHA) — as they build a brand-new industry body from the ground up.
We spoke to Ben Teeger, ANZWHA President, about the need for a new association and how it got started.
From Necessity to Vision
Like many associations, ANZWHA was born out of necessity. It originated as a forum and whilst it achieved considerable recognition and success, it became clear that the increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape of water heating — spanning evolving legislation, sustainability targets, and a fragmented regulatory landscape — required a more targeted approach. The industry needed more intensive support, up-to-date guidance, and a unified voice. The solution? Forming their own association.
Why Water Heating?
It’s a surprisingly underappreciated space. Water heating represents a significant household expense, yet it's rarely viewed as a long-term investment or a household appliance of interest. As governments and consumers shift toward more sustainable solutions, this essential yet often-overlooked part of home infrastructure is ripe for innovation and leadership.
Who's Behind ANZWHA?
ANZWHA isn’t backed by passive stakeholders. It’s powered by active, engaged members who live and breathe the industry. Their aim isn’t to push an agenda, but to remain impartial — focusing on best practices rather than politics. For example, the association didn’t enter the partisan debate on the recent proposal by the Victorian Government to ban gas water heaters in existing homes. Rather, it provided expert, constructive analysis on the real-world impact of the proposed regulations in order to raise awareness of any unintended consequences, and improve outcomes for consumers and industry alike.
Walking the Tightrope: Challenges and Considerations
One of the biggest challenges? Navigating the disconnect between government incentives and on-the-ground realities. Quick-fix sellers often jump into the market to capitalise on rebates, leaving behind a trail of poor installations and disappointed customers. This damages trust across the board — something ANZWHA members are very conscious of.
With a membership that spans a broad cross-section of the industry, ANZWHA is working hard to stay informed and up-to-date.
The Humble Beginnings
So how does one start an association?
“In all honesty, we Googled it,” Ben explained. “That’s how we found The Association Specialists (TAS). We got quotes from a few providers and decided TAS was the right fit.”
From there, it was a deep dive — domain name registrations, logo designs, website creation, insurance policies, drafting a constitution, legal structures, director appointments, opening bank accounts, tax compliance, budget setting, IT support — the team at TAS helped lay every brick of the foundation.
And according to Ben, “We couldn’t have done it without them. The support they provided saved us countless hours and sleepless nights.”
What’s Next for ANZWHA?
After nearly six months of intensive set-up, the groundwork is done. Now, ANZWHA is ready to shift focus — from operations to impact. That means:
- Building brand awareness
- Positioning itself as a trusted voice in the market
- Shaping the future of the water heating sector in Australia and New Zealand
With growing interest in sustainable heating solutions, the timing couldn’t be better. The goal? To do good—for the industry, for consumers, for the energy grid and for the planet.
Looking Ahead
ANZWHA is already thinking about the future. This is just the beginning — and we're thrilled to be along for the ride.
Stay tuned for future updates as part of our Diary of A Start-Up series.