29 July 2016

$1200 fine for Timaru Man’s guilty plea

Homeowners are being warned today not to fall into the trap of using anyone who does not hold a current authorisation to conduct plumbing work for renovation projects.

Yesterday at the Timaru District Court, Kelvin Greaves, after submitting a guilty plea, was sentenced by Judge Turner to a $1200 fine for carrying out restricted plumbing work without authorisation.

Sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are regulated industries in New Zealand, and it is illegal to do this restricted work unless authorised by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).

Mr Greaves pleaded guilty to a single charge of unauthorised plumbing work. The work was extensive, involving renovation of a bathroom and kitchen. The matter was reported to the Board by local council inspectors.

Martin Sawyers, Chief Executive for the PGDB said: “It is important for homeowners to know that plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work undertaken by unauthorised tradespeople, not only risks their family’s health and safety–but may also invalidate their insurance policy.”

“To stay safe and avoid the risk it takes one simple action – ask to sight a licence card. It states the tradespersons credentials and the type of work they are authorised to carry out.”

Those working on home renovation projects - should know that the risks are high. There are big fines associated with this type of restricted work being carried out unlawfully.

Unauthorised restricted plumbing and drainlaying work carries a maximum fine of $10,000, and gasfitting carries a maximum fine of $50,000.

Consumers can request the guidance information pamphlet “the right steps to take” from the Boards website at www.pgdb.co.nz/consumer or by giving them a call on 0800 743 262.

You can check to see if a person is authorised by searching the online public register at www.pgdb.co.nz or by phoning the Board. If a homeowner believes that work has been done by someone who is not authorised, or has concerns about the competency of a tradesperson, they should notify the Board.

Ends

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