Auckland consumers should be on the lookout for illegal operators

An Auckland man has been convicted and fined $1500 plus court costs and solicitors fees for providing information that was intended to cause, or may reasonably have caused, a homeowner to think he was a registered or licensed tradesperson.

Wuming Luo of Bright Baths & Showers, misled a homeowner in Albany with information on his business card and quotation that created the impression that he was registered or licensed to undertake sanitary plumbing work.

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 Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.

The Board’s Chief Executive, Max Pedersen said: “The growth in building consent applications is positively impacting the construction sector nationwide, but this is particularly evident in Auckland.”

“As a result consumers should be on the lookout for illegal operators. History tells us that with the increase in jobs, there is always an increase in the number of illegal operators appearing.

“The health and safety risks associated with plumbing carried out by an unauthorised person are serious. Any defective work has the potential to cause disease and serious damage to the property.”

A recent industry working group calculated that 8000 more carpenters and joiners, electricians, plumbers, painters, bricklayers, drainlayers, gasfitters, insulation installers and motor mechanics will be required in Auckland by 2018.

“The Board will continue to keep a watchful eye in relation to unlicensed workers in the Auckland region,” Mr Pedersen added.

All authorised tradespeople are required to carry their current authorisation card. Consumers should ask tradespeople for this card before any work commences. This way they can be assured that the work is being done by an authorised and competent tradesperson.

If a homeowner 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.

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