Repeat offender in Auckland receives $2,500 fine for illegal advertising

An Auckland man has been convicted for a third time and fined $2,500 for illegally advertising his services as a plumber and has been ordered to pay solicitor’s costs of $113.00 and court costs of $130.

Bruce Hume advertised his services as a plumber in the North Shore Times when he was not authorised by the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board to carry out sanitary plumbing work.

Mr Hume was previously convicted for two similar offences in July of last year that resulted in a total fine of $2000. Less than three months later Mr Hume continued to advertise his services.

Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are regulated industries in New Zealand and it is illegal for anyone to do this work unless they are authorised to do so by the Board.

Advertising may suggest a tradesperson is legitimate, when in fact they are not. The public should always protect themselves against misleading information and its consequences by asking to see a plumber’s authorisation card.

Mr Hume falsely represented his trade status for a second time when he advertised his services as a plumber in the local newspaper. He has never been registered, licensed or otherwise authorised by the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board to carry out sanitary plumbing work.
The Board’s Chief Executive, Max Pedersen said: “There are serious health and safety risks associated with sanitary plumbing carried out by an unauthorised person. Any defective plumbing work has the potential to cause disease and serious damage to the home.

“All authorised tradespeople are required to carry their current authorisation card. We urge consumers to ask tradespeople for this card before any work commences so that they can be assured that the work is being done by an authorised and competent tradesperson.”

If a homeowner or building inspector believes that work has been done by someone who is not authorised, or has concerns about the competency of tradespeople, they can make a complaint to the Board.

Mr Hume pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to the charges and was sentenced in the North Shore District Court on 15 October 2014.

Meanwhile, another Auckland man has been convicted and fined $2,000 for illegally carrying out sanitary plumbing work. He was also ordered to pay solicitor’s costs of $113 and court costs of $130.

Graham Mills was not authorised when he carried out sanitary plumbing work at a home in Mairangi Bay, and has never been registered, licensed or otherwise authorised by the Board to carry out this type of work.

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