No authorisation leads to $3000 fine for Auckland gasfitter

Media release

24 September 2014

No authorisation leads to $3000 fine for Auckland gasfitter

An Auckland gasfitter has been fined $3,000 and ordered to pay court costs and solicitor’s fees at the Waitakere District Court, following illegal gasfitting work carried out in Henderson.

In a judgment released today by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) it was revealed Dharmesh Patel had been convicted and fined $3,000, after knowingly carrying out gasfitting work when not holding a current practising licence from the Board.

Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are regulated trades in New Zealand and it is illegal for anyone to do this work unless they are authorised to do so by the Board. All tradespeople in this industry must ensure they are licensed, or they are unable to legally undertake work in New Zealand.

Unauthorised gasfitting work places consumer health and safety at risk. Even if no defects are found, it can still raise issues with insurance or building consents.

The Board’s Chief Executive, Max Pedersen, warns homeowners not to risk their family’s health and safety or their insurance by hiring unauthorised people to undertake plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying work.

“Authorised tradespeople need to carry their current authorisation card and we urge consumers to ask for this card before any work commences so that they can be assured that the work is being done by a competent tradesperson.”

“Tradespeople are required to undertake ongoing training to ensure they are competent when relicensing each year,” said Mr Pedersen.

Mr Patel is a registered gasfitter, however had failed to carry out the training required to hold a current practising licence at the time he carried out the work in Henderson.

If a homeowner believes that 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 Board.

You can also check to see if a person is authorised by searching our online public register at www.pgdb.co.nz or phone us on 0800 743 262.

Ends

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