Final show down for legitimate tradespeople

12 February 2016

Partnership delivers final show down for legitimate tradespeople

Now more than ever, tradespeople need to make sure they hold a current licence. The new licensing year begins on 1 April 2016 – and those who lapse will get caught.

The recent partnership between construction sector regulator, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, and web-based company Builderscrack.co.nz, is just one initiative set in place this year by the Board to eradicate illegal operators from the system.

“This new partnership is all about protecting the property owner”, the Board’s Chief Executive, Martin Sawyers said.

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

“If restricted plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying work is carried out by someone without authorisation from the Board, you are not only risking your family’s health and safety – you are more than likely invalidating your insurance policy.”

Web service Builderscrack.co.nz connects tradespeople to homeowners, landlords and commercial property owners throughout New Zealand, and they’re stepping up in support of legitimate tradespeople to help protect property owners.

Illegal operators beware; The team at Builderscrack are checking credentials and notifying the Board of unauthorised people who put their clientele at risk, and attempt to undercut legitimate tradespeople.

They are educating property owners. They now produce consumer guidelines alongside plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work advertised on their website.

All tradespeople using Builderscrack.co.nz site to engage plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying work should produce their licence number – or risk legal action.

There are big fines associated with this work carried out unlawfully. A maximum fine of $50,000 for gasfitting, and a maximum fine of $10,000 for sanitary plumbing and drainlaying work.

Martin reminds consumers; “Tradespeople need to carry a current authorisation card – and consumers should protect themselves by asking to sight it. And, if you are working in the trades, avoid prosecution and get licensed on time this year”.

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers can uplift their new licence from the Board as of Monday, 15 February 2016.

Consumers can check to see if a person is authorised by searching our online public register at www.pgdb.co.nz or by phoning 0800 743 262. 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.

Notify the Board. Download the R.A.C app (Report-A-Cowboy) through the App Store and Google Play (put PGDB in the search), or go to the Board’s website www.pgdb.co.nz/app.

Ends

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