Man posed as a plumber and drainlayer, illegally worked on elderly neighbours’ home

• George West sentenced in the Invercargill District Court this month for illegally working as a plumber and drainlayer
• Sentenced under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006
• Mr West was convicted, discharged and fined $3,000 reparation

George West pleaded guilty in the Invercargill District Court on 10 June 2025 for completing illegal plumbing and drainlaying work on his elderly neighbour’s property in August 2024, after falsely leading them to believe he was licensed to do the work. 

Mr West was engaged by his neighbours to install a hot and cold water feed and foul water pipework for a washing machine, and drainage pipework for a caravan. 

Mr West last held an exemption authorisation for drainlaying in 2011, which was valid for less than one month. He also held exemption authorisations for plumbing and drainlaying for less than a year from 2004-2005. The exemption authorisations required Mr West to work under supervision.

When a Southland District Council inspector attended the property for an unrelated matter, they identified the work as being restricted. The homeowner advised the inspector that Mr West had carried out the work. 

Board Chief Executive Aleyna Hall said the leaking waste pipe had the potential to compromise both the health of the homeowners and the integrity of their property.

“This was a stressful and upsetting situation for the couple, who trusted someone they believed to be qualified,” said Ms Hall. “Unlicensed and unsupervised work puts people at risk, plain and simple.”

Ms Hall encourages homeowners to search the public register for a licenced practitioner in their area, or to check on someone’s qualifications before work is done.

“The Board’s register is the source of truth for who is registered and licensed to carry out restricted plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work in New Zealand. A quick search can prevent a costly mistake.”

Stuff article

Otago Daily Times