Media release

6 January, 2014

Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board continue campaign against unauthorised tradespeople

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Homeowners are being warned today not to use unlicensed tradespeople for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work over the summer break.

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB), which regulates the industry, is calling on homeowners to ask plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers for their licence cards to ensure they are authorised to carry out the work.

PGDB Chief Executive, Max Pedersen said it is illegal for anyone to do plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying unless they are authorised to do so by the Board. From 1 April each year, plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers must relicense with the Board in order to work legally in New Zealand.

“We’re reminding homeowners not to risk their family’s health and safety or their insurance over the holiday season by hiring unauthorised tradespeople to undertake work.”

“Unlicensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers potentially place consumers in harm’s way with their poor skills. New Zealanders have the right to have confidence that any plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying service provided to them is safe and compliant.”  He added:  “Anyone carrying out plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying must be able to produce their licence card if asked. This provides consumers with an assurance that the work is being legally carried out by an authorised and competent tradesperson, who is currently licensed by the PGDB.”

Consumers can also check to see if a plumber, gasfitter or tradesperson is authorised to carry out the work by logging onto the PGDB’s website at www.pgdb.co.nz, he said.  “If a homeowner believes work has been done by someone who is not authorised, or has concerns about the competency of tradespeople, they can make a complaint to the PGDB.”

ENDS

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