John Hands: Offer is an insult to competent tradesmen

Peter Butler

FOLLOWING the reports in Hawke's Bay Today, and my own observations, it appears that the CHB District Council Building Consents Authority is in crisis.

Although I am now involved in the building industry in a minor capacity only, for more than 40 years my former company, Waipukurau Construction Company Limited, was a major player in the CHB building industry.

My company always had a good working relationship with the BCA - consents were approved in an appropriate time, inspections carried out when requested and issues resolved amicably, unlike the reports I am constantly hearing over the past few years.

Like "Casual observer" (report HB Today, December 3) I, too, have had many discussions with local builders, all who tell the same story of bureaucracy and nit-picking delays in getting consents, inspections and jobs signed off.

I also talk with builders who are working in other regions, who have nowhere near the hassles with their respective BCA departments. Any issues are discussed and rectified immediately, unlike CHB where minor issues involve copious amounts of paperwork and numerous delays.

This problem is destroying the industry and the potential growth of CHB.

I read in the same article that Mayor Butler has invited all builders to contact him personally if they have issues with the department. This is a step in the right direction. However, I also know that most are unwilling to do so for fear of reprisals, which could potentially slow down their jobs even further.

Mayor Butler also stated that the BCA manager had invited local builders and designers on a bus trip to Napier (with a beer thrown in) to further their knowledge and upskill at a combined training course - the report did not mention what aspect of the industry they were to upskill in. I consider this offer an insult to the competent tradesmen of CHB. Most of these builders have many years experience, excellent reputations, and belong to national organisations such as Master Builders and Certified Builders. They are constantly upskilling.

Councillor Andrew Watts raised the issue at Thursday's meeting of CHB District Council, after having had many conversations with local tradesmen about their dissatisfaction and concerns, and was in effect shut down. Is this democracy? Councillor Watts was elected by the citizens of CHB to represent them and should be respectively heard.

It is my understanding that there are approximately 700 historic consents not signed off in CHB for various reasons. This figure is appalling, There are five building inspectors employed by the district council.

What is the reason for this staggering figure, Mayor Butler?

If Central Hawke's Bay is to prosper, this needs to be sorted now.

I publicly urge all builders to respond to Mayor Butler's call and make yourselves heard. It's up to you, not the other guy.

A united front can bring about change and stop all this dissension, leaving you to get on with the work you are well qualified to do.

John Hands is an ex-Central Hawke's Bay District councillor (3 terms) and formerly had a construction company, Waipukurau Construction Co Ltd.