30 June 2004

“Bully Boy" Tactics Not The Way To Go

The whole mediation process set up by the Government to address the leaky homes issue will be undermined by the “bully boy” tactics of the Building Industry Authority, says New Zealand First housing spokesperson Brent Catchpole.

Mr Catchpole was responding to reports that the parties involved in the landmark leaky buildings case in Auckland have settled out of court because of the prospect of a $2 million legal bill to see their case through.

“It is unacceptable that the BIA would use the threat of ongoing appeals to the courts as a means of intimidating those who are taking legitimate cases against it.

“These people have suffered enough at the hands of shoddy builders and the BIA’s slack standards, and the BIA is now acting completely against the spirit of mediation in this case.

“The Minister of Economic Development must act quickly to reign in the BIA and give these people and the other victims of leaky homes a fair go,” says Mr Catchpole.

ENDS

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