Kawakawa plumbers at premium

A shortage of drainlayers is posing problems in Kawakawa where 70 properties need to be repaired for the sake of the town's troubled sewerage system.

Far North District Council (FNDC) has issued about 100 notices telling Kawakawa property owners that if they fail to repair their stormwater drainage systems within 42 days the council will do it on their behalf - and send them the bill.

The repairs are necessary to reduce stormwater flows into the town's sewerage system, a problem that has led to major sewage leaks, forcing local oyster farms to close.

The council said 30 properties had so far complied with the notices, but many approaching their 42-day deadline had told the council they were having trouble getting a registered drainlayer to do the repair work.

Ross Cooper, chairman of the Northland branch of the Master Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Drainlayers Association, said there were "major problems" with not enough tradesmen.