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Media Release – for immediate release

12 July 2011

Invoices concern a reminder of the importance of employing competent and qualified contractors

Cantabrians should ensure they use only qualified and competent tradesmen to carry out repairs on their properties says Jeremy Sole, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation, the national body representing civil contractors .

Mr Sole said the best way to source tradesmen was via the EarthquakeFix web portal (www.earthquakefix.co.nz) a collaborative initiative by 21 such national membership organisations covering the full spectrum of services required to get properties fixed

“Reports that the EQC has contacted police over the authenticity of some builders’ invoices is a timely reminder that, no matter how urgent the situation, it’s important to ensure the people you employ are affiliated to a national representative body with specified entry criteria and a strong set of rules and code of ethics,” said Mr Sole.

“EQC Chief Executive Ian Simpson has stated that the majority of contractors are doing a great job helping to rebuild Canterbury but there is a question mark over a fairly small number of invoices.

“Given the extraordinary circumstances and the vast amount of repairs that have already been carried out, it’s a tribute to the common sense of Cantabrians and the high calibre of New Zealand contractors of all types that there have been few stories about cowboy builders.

“However, this does serve as a timely reminder that it is essential to employ qualified and competent contractors to carry out work and EarthquakeFix is a good one-stop-shop to find one.”

ENDS

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