Tradespeople need licences

Northland's plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers have to ensure they re-license by April 1 or risk carrying out work illegally.

Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are regulated industries in New Zealand and it is illegal for anyone to do this work unless they are authorised to do so by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.

All plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers must ensure they are licensed or they will be unable to legally undertake work in New Zealand.

Board chief executive Max Pedersen warns homeowners not to risk their family's health or their insurance by hiring unauthorised tradespeople.

Licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers will have an official card and people can check to see if a person is authorised by searching the online public register at www.pgdb.co.nz or phoning 0800 743 262.

"The new licensing year is fast approaching and we're encouraging plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers to make sure they have a licence," Mr Pedersen said.

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

Tradespeople also need to ensure they have enough continuing professional development points in order to re-license, he said.

In January the board launched a campaign warning homeowners not to use unlicensed tradespeople for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work over the summer break.

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.