Plumbers tapped for new fees

Waikato plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers will hear details of new licensing and registration fees next month. They have been invited to attend a meeting on October 2 covering a proposal for their fees.

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board has reviewed its fees and levy and has now launched public consultation on the proposal. The board, the industry regulator responsible for administering the registration and licensing systems, will outline the proposals and answer any questions.

Chief executive, Max Pedersen says although the board is consulting on a particular proposal, there are options and alternatives that could be considered.

"We are encouraging plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers to have their say. All authorised plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers are required to carry a current authorisation card and consumers should ask tradespeople for this card before any work commences so they can be assured the work is being done by an authorised and competent tradesperson," he says. "If a homeowner or building inspector believes 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."