A recent partnership between construction sector regulator, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, and web-based company Builderscrack.co.nz, is one initiative set in place this year by the Board to eradicate illegal operators from the system.

“This new partnership is all about protecting the property owner”, the Board’s Chief Executive, Martin Sawyers said. Sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are regulated industries in New Zealand, and it is illegal to do this restricted work unless authorised by the Board.

Web service Builderscrack.co.nz connects tradespeople to homeowners, landlords and commercial property owners throughout New Zealand, and they’re stepping up in support of legitimate tradespeople to help protect property owners. All tradespeople using Builderscrack.co.nz site to engage plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying work should produce their licence number – or risk legal action.

Consumers can check to see if a person is authorised by searching our online public register at www.pgdb.co.nz or by phoning 0800 743 262.

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.

A Report A Cowboy app for Android or iPhones can be downloaded from their site www.pgdb.co.nz/app