http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/298938/inquiry-launched-over-shonky-building-products

Sorry, it was Mr Smith. Not quite sure how we are supposed to identify every piece of crap thats imported.

It is a simple equation for trades people. If the regulation of the products falls back on tradespeople in the manner the Minister says then it is very important that the tradespeople cover themselves.  It is very likely public liability won't cover it as it will be too higher risk so that only leaves one thing to do and that is double the charge out rates so sufficient can be made to save for the inevitable.

If the manufactures know we have been given the hospital pass and quality isn't their responsibility they will maximise their profits by skimping on quality and products will get even worse than they are now.

I feel the Government is creating generations of stupid people by laying the responsibility for their protection on those who are smart enough to apply common sense.   

I have lost quite a few jobs doing just that. People think you are trying to rip them off even when you tell them to buy the products themselves. Often it is be ause they are doing a quick reno to sell so zero interest in long term issues.

I hear that, but the bigger picture is that a child might get lead poisoning a few years down the track. Surely the government has a responsibility to ensure that these poor products are legislated against. I'm sure that it is illegal to put lead into paint, is this not the same?

Simply not installing a cheap product is not always easy but the right thing to do. I have spoken to several plumbers that dont want to lose existing clients by refusing to install client supplied tap ware or fixtures. Clients seems to think that the plumber only wants to sell their "recommended" product to make a "margin" and refuse to see the whole picture and acknowledge it's for their own protection. I have to agree with wombles, the issue needs to be dealt with at the source and that is to legally stop import or sale of such products without an approved minimum standard. So first things first... What is that minimum standard in New Zealand?

Who will they hold responsible? The manufacturer, thensupplier, The specifier, the plumbing firm who won the contract, or the subbie who actually installed it? Mr Smith would have the subbie in the gun, after all he installed it!

I understand that the chlorination (super dose) process may be a contributing factor in the failure of the copper pipework, it will be interesting to see. As it has not been in service for any great length of time, other factors will have to be involved. I wonder what the brand of copper was?
 I have seen first hand the effects of this particularly in the hot 82 degree lines where i work but as the plant  is 40 plus years old the time frame that sections have been in service is not clear.
I believe that it was an Australian  parent company that is now defunct with a NZ subsidiary still in business did the plumbing i cant recall the name.
I imagine that they are having a good look at there liability cover!