Tradies working illegally will get caught

Media release
23 October 2015

Board warns Christchurch tradies working illegally that they will get caught

The recent conviction of Christchurch man, Grant Longman, has served as a timely reminder to homeowners to ensure that they only use authorised tradespeople for restricted plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work.

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

Mr Longman was sighted conducting restricted gasfitting work unlawfully by a registered and certifying gasfitter working on the same building site; where Longman removed the gas caps from a live LPG gas system; and installed gas flares by fixing them to a gas installation and connecting them to a live gas supply.

The certifying gasfitter took immediate steps to make the system safe and reported the matter.

The Board’s Chief Executive, Martin Sawyers says; “It’s vital that regions experiencing increases in new dwelling building consents such as Christchurch, can rely on competent tradespeople. The reason the provision of these services are restricted is because of the serious effects that this type of substandard work can have on public health and safety.

“The Board does conduct regular licence checks in this area, and enforcement officers are checking those providing plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying services are competent and hold a current authorisation. Those working illegally in this area will get caught.”

“It is also important to know that work undertaken by unlicensed people not only risks your family’s health and safety—but may also invalidate insurance.”
“Homeowners should take every precaution when engaging with service providers by asking to see an authorisation card—tradespeople are required to produce it”, said Mr Sawyers.

After pleading guilty to carrying out unauthorised gasfitting, His Honour Judge Kellar, sentenced Grant Longman to a fine of $2,500, court costs of $130, and a solicitor’s fee of $113, in the Christchurch District Court.

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