Man fined for unauthorised plumbing work

Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying were regulated industries in New Zealand and it was illegal to do work unless authorised by the board.

A Christchurch man is the second person in Canterbury to be convicted for carrying out plumbing work without authorisation within the last two weeks.

Scott Double was one of a number of people uncovered for working illegally in the region during an authorisation audit of about 80 building construction sites, said Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers board chairman Peter Jackson.

He said plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying were regulated industries in New Zealand and it was illegal to do work unless authorised by the board.

Provision of services was restricted because of the serious effects substandard sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying could have on public health and safety.

Justice Neave ordered Double to pay a $2700 fine, a $226 solicitor's fee, and $130 in court costs in the Christchurch District Court.

The board was following up on all remaining cases of unauthorised illegal operators identified during the Canterbury enforcement project, said Mr Jackson.

He said the board was very conscious of the substantial number of tradespeople in Canterbury working hard to get the region back on its feet, and recognised their frustration in the few undermining their efforts.

"As the Christchurch rebuild progresses, Cantabrians can expect the board's licence audits to ramp-up. Those who cheat the system and put public health and safety at risk will be caught", said Mr Jackson.