Hawkes Bay Council clamps down on illegal tradies

Media release

7 October, 2015

Hawkes Bay Council clamps down on illegal tradies

Two Havelock North men have been convicted and fined for carrying out sanitary plumbing and drainlaying work without authorisation. The combined fine imposed on the men by Judge Courtney in the Hastings District Court was $1100 plus a further $452 in solicitors costs.

Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are regulated industries in New Zealand and it is illegal to do this work unless authorised by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.

Both Timothy Barley and Roderick Mackenzie where identified as working unlawfully by a building compliance officer of the Hastings District Council.

The reason the provision of these services is restricted is because of the serious adverse effects that substandard sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying can have on public health and safety.

The Board’s Chief Executive, Martin Sawyers says; "While the vast majority of tradespeople in Hawkes Bay do the right thing by the consumer and ensure they hold a current authorisation, there remain a few who are undermining their efforts. But thanks to the diligent work of local building consent authorities such as the Hastings District Council, those working illegally in the industry are being uncovered.”

The Board also conducts regular enforcement projects throughout New Zealand. Enforcement officers check those providing plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying services are competent and hold a current authorisation.

Mr Sawyers warns; “Those who choose to cheat the system and put public health and safety at risk will be caught.”

The Board advises all consumers to take every precaution when engaging with plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying service providers, and recommends asking to see an authorisation card before any work commences. This way they can be assured the work is being done lawfully and by a competent tradesperson.

“Don’t risk your family’s health and safety or your insurance by hiring unauthorised people. There are serious health and safety risks associated with plumbing carried out by an unauthorised person. Any defective work has the potential to cause disease and serious damage to the property”, said Mr Sawyers.

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.

Sentenced yesterday in the Hastings District Court; Timothy Barley was convicted and fined $500, and ordered to pay $226 solicitors fee for doing sanitary plumbing, or assisting in doing sanitary plumbing, when he was not authorised. Mr Roderick MacKenzie was convicted and fined $600, and ordered to pay $226 solicitors fee for doing drainlaying, or assisting in doing drainlaying, when he was not authorised.

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