It’s not child’s play NZ – and not for D.I.Y

07 February 2019

Homeowners are being warned not to endanger the health and safety of family members - or risk invalidating insurance.

The plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry has launched a new look public awareness campaign. The new campaign is a clever effort from the PGDB that adds personality to regulation for effective engagement with consumer audiences.

The campaign is set to be a hit, and ensure homeowners are well informed before partaking in the kiwi spirit of DIY - and especially – be aware when buying a home.

Martin Sawyers, PGDB Chief Executive says; “Homeowners need to know the key messages of the campaign to keep themselves safe, mitigate risk and be aware that unauthorised work also affects their insurance policy.”

On the D.I.Y front, it’s no secret that Kiwis like to roll up their sleeves, use their ingenuity and get creative. When buying, for most, the icing on the cake is the upgraded bathroom and newly installed kitchen, complete with a gas hob and water filtration system.

But there’s a red flag – who installed them? Who plumbed in the water filter, new shower and toilet? Failing to check the licence of who did the work and discovering later that it was carried out illegally, leaves you viable.

As the new homeowner, you will be responsible for all problems on your property when it comes to eventually selling it.

Martin says; “Almost all aspects of plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work are restricted and illegal to D.I.Y. Those carrying out this work must hold a NZ Practising Licence. And, for good reasons.”

“Work carried out by unauthorised people can cause injury, illness, disease, damage to property and in the worse case scenarios loss of life.”

“There are big fines associated with illegal work. For example, unauthorised sanitary plumbing work carries a maximum fine of $10,000, and unauthorised gasfitting carries a maximum fine of $50,000.”

The PGDB’s campaign will do well in informing homeowners, businesses and DIY’ers about the simple steps they need take to reduce any risk. To act safely and responsibly around plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work. It’s not child’s play.

The NZ Practising Licence is the unique identifier for every Kiwi to look out for when hiring a tradesperson. The number on the licence links to information on the public register (www.pgdb.co.nz). Consumers can quickly and easily look up details and be confident they’re hiring a qualified tradesperson.

The new campaign videos have been released on Youtube and can be viewed at:

It’s not Child’s Play NZ

https://youtu.be/VYj0rtYR8qw

What’s that smell? [the cooking show for homeowners]

https://youtu.be/z_z4FbNWreQ

If a homeowner believes work has been done by someone who is not authorised, or has concerns about the competency of a tradesperson, they can make a complaint to the Board. Download the R.A.C app (report-a-cowboy) to report illegal activity and check the public register at www.pgdb.co.nz/app.

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