Media Release

12 May 2006

Plugging Of Leaky Loopholes Well Overdue

New Zealand First is pleased that the Government is finally addressing the problems faced by owners of leaky homes who seek redress through the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service.

“This initiative, along with the new building practitioner licensing scheme, will go some way towards providing speedier claim resolution for those affected by leaky homes, and will hopefully prevent this disaster befalling future homebuyers,” said Housing spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“The important thing is to settle the claims in a timely fashion so that people can get on with their lives, and to hold those responsible to account for this fiasco, which would never have occurred in the first place had proper building and inspection standards been in place.

“This whole episode is a reminder of what can go wrong when there is insufficient protection for unsuspecting homeowners from unscrupulous building industry players. It is imperative that the quality of buildings, payment of sub-contractors and completion of work be guaranteed, and that those already affected by substandard building be compensated forthwith.

“New Zealand First will be watching closely to make sure that the leaky loopholes disaster does not recur in New Zealand,” said Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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