The difference between the number of people passing the registration exams and the number picking up authorisations is interesting and I can't help but wonder if the reason for this is the cost of actually getting registered and licensed for the first time.  It is a huge barrier to entry to our industries.  It is or should be of concern to our regulator and to government given that there is a projected shortage of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.  Times are changing and our regulator needs to move with them.  We need to have a facility whereby young ones can "pay off" their fist time registration, perhaps our regulator needs to look at a facility where by people can spread their licence payments over time.

That, or else we need to have a hard look at the actual costs which are out of step with other trades like electricians and builders.  The proposed consultation on fees will give the Board another 12 months to fill the coffers when they are already carrying surpluses in excess of what even the Minister has said is good practice. 

It suits them with the monopoly...it is blatant.

Or robbo mass protest  if we follow what the truckies did a few years ago over the rise in road users and cause mass commuter problems morning and night with slow moving protests at peak times the harm to the gross domestic product in lost work time and wages will force them to take notice and engage with us. It would only take 15/20 plumbers vans in Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch to achieve this and at a guess 1 day to get a response from the government once it actually happened ( I think we would have to do one just to prove to the politicians we actually mean it)

Worth a thought

( also read joke in joke thread about "Post Turtles" )