Licensed builders banned for disreputable behaviour

Licensed building practitioners banned for disreputable behaviour

Two licensed building practitioners (LBPs) have had their licences cancelled and have been prevented from reapplying for an LBP licence for up to five years, after their prison sentences brought the LBP scheme into disrepute.

The Building Practitioners Board has handed down sanctions against Hamilton-based Zi Xiang Lin (alias Jiew Chong) and Steven Morrow.

Mr Chong was found to have used a false name and identity, and made a false declaration in order to obtain his LBP licence. He had been convicted of a serious criminal offence involving deliberate deceit and this continued when he sought an LBP licence.

The Board cancelled Mr Chong’s license, with a stand-down period of five years before he can reapply for licensing. He has also been made to pay costs towards his inquiry.

In another case Mr Morrow had his licence cancelled after being imprisoned for two years for offences under the Tax Administration Act.

“The Board determined that carrying out or supervising building work often requires trust with a customer’s funds or credit arrangements and, therefore relates to an LBP’s fitness to be licensed,” says Paul Hobbs, Registrar, Building Practitioner Licensing.

The Board also determined that Mr Morrow’s offending was serious, prolonged and designed to benefit him.

Mr Morrow has been given a three-year stand-down period before he can reapply for an LBP licence.

“These are significant sanctions brought against LBPs. Being truthful in your licence application and business decisions is important not only for your reputation and the reputation of your business it is also important for maintaining your licence.

“New Zealanders can have confidence that where necessary, LBPs are held to account by the Board, who ensure building practitioners meet the high standards expected of them,” says Mr Hobbs.

A guide to making a complaint about a licensed building practitioner is available on the LBP website.

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