18 April 2006

Doing it right in the home and garden to avoid prosecution

Thinking about knocking up a little shed in the backyard? Perhaps a small swimming pool for the kids or little retaining wall at the back of the garden?

If you are planning any home or garden improvement you had better do it right otherwise you could end up in court as three Manukau residents have recently.

Their cases were heard in the Manukau District Court last week in relation to breaches of the Building Act. One was fined $12,350 a second $6050 and the third $4000.

The fines imposed underscore the importance of making sure people comply with the rules when they do home or garden improvement projects, says Kevin Jackson, Manukau City’s Manager of Environmental Health and Enforcement.

“We don’t have these rules and regulations for the fun of it,” says Mr Jackson, “if people are deliberately going to flout the laws we will prosecute.”

Manukau residents will be able to find out how to “Do It Right’ at the Home and Garden Show at the TelstraClear Events Centre this weekend (April 21-23).

Manukau City’s Environmental Services department will have a display covering all aspects of home and garden projects and maintenance, including swimming pools, retaining walls, building small structures such as sheds or conservatories, subdivision requirements, home renovations and house relocations.

The inter-active stand at the entrance to the centre has an impressive range of displays, including some revealing photographs of illegal building and renovations.

Mr Jackson says the swimming pool display, in particular what is required for an above-ground pool, will be of interest to many people who may not be aware of the requirements.

ENDS

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