Prosecution against Wanganui electrician

Electrical Workers Registration Board brings prosecution against Wanganui man

A Wanganui man has had his electrician’s registration suspended and received two significant fines, following an investigation late last year by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

EWRB Registrar John Sickels says the Board investigated two separate complaints received against Christopher David Gainford of Aramoho, Wanganui, relating to prescribed electrical work carried out at two separate addresses.

“The Board found Mr Gainford guilty of disciplinary offences under various sections of the Electricity Act 1992, in relation to both complaints.”

In the first complaint, relating to prescribed electrical work carried out at a Palmerston North address in February/March 2013, Mr Gainford was found guilty of negligently creating a risk of serious harm to any person or a risk of significant property damage, through having carried out prescribed electrical work and for failing to comply with a term or condition of his registration or licence.

He had his registration suspended until such time as he passes the Electrician’s Regulations examination and was ordered to pay a fine of $6,000 and costs of $250 paid to the EWRB.

In the second complaint, relating to prescribed electrical work carried out at a Wanganui address in February 2012, Mr Gainford was found guilty under three sections of the Electricity Act:
- Negligently created a risk of serious harm to any person or a risk of significant property damage, through having carried out or caused to be carried out prescribed electrical work.

- Failed to comply with a term or condition of his registration or licence.

- Provided a false or misleading return.

He had his registration suspended for two years and any re-instatement is subject to him satisfying the EWRB that the examination (mentioned above) has been passed. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $7,000 and costs of $250 to the EWRB.

The EWRB was established in 1992 and is responsible for the ongoing competency of over 30,000 registered electrical and electronic workers in New Zealand. Part of the functions of the Board is to exercise disciplinary powers and bring prosecutions where necessary under the Electricity Act 1992.

John Sickels says, “All consumers should be aware that registered and licensed electricians must do prescribed electrical work. The role of the EWRB is to help keep New Zealand consumers safe and make sure we have high quality electrical work being carried out in all parts of the country.”

Mr Sickels says, “The EWRB continues to be vigilant in relation to unregistered and unlicensed workers and will prosecute wherever necessary, in order to keep New Zealanders safe.”

For more information about the EWRB, go to their website:
www.ewrb.govt.nz

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