Builder fined for unlicensed work and using another’s licence
Auckland builder, Angelo Madut, has been fined $8,000 after carrying out restricted building work without the required licence or supervision and using another Licensed Building Practitioner's (LBP) licence without their knowledge or consent.
The sentence was handed down in the Manukau District Court following a prosecution by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Judge Forrest imposed a total fine of $8,000 plus court costs after finding Mr Madut guilty of carrying out restricted building work while unlicensed and unsupervised, and knowingly making a false or misleading statement under the Building Act 2004.
Mr Madut carried out foundation construction work at an Auckland residential development before he had obtained an LBP licence. Foundation work is restricted building work and must be carried out or supervised by an LBP.
During a building inspection, Mr Madut told an inspector that another licensed practitioner had supervised the work and provided a copy of that practitioner's licence. MBIE's investigation established that the practitioner was not involved in the project and had not authorised the use of their licence.
"Restricted building work must be carried out or supervised by appropriately licensed practitioners. It is an offence to use another practitioner’s licence without their consent," says Bevan Yee, Acting National Manager, Occupational Regulation at MBIE.
“Licensed Building Practitioners and the LBP scheme play an important role in giving homeowners and councils confidence that restricted building work is being carried out by appropriately qualified people."
Homeowners and industry participants can verify a practitioner's licence status by checking the LBP Public Register before engaging them to undertake restricted building work.
Practitioners who believe their licence may have been used without their consent should contact MBIE.