Just read on the pgdb's web site about the proposed increase in registration fees
If they didn't already take enough money off us for doing jack s##h they then come out with this nonsense.
And they wonder why there's not enough young guys coming into the industry.
All these increased costs just create more unlicened guys working for cash, and who can blame them.

hi guys, i have passed this onto the minister of building for his comments, don`t hold your breath,cheers.

Hi guys, wonders will never cease, got a reply from the office of M.Williamson. Here it is:-

Hi me again, i seem to own this topic,  the minister notes in his reply that my letter is the second one that he has received in relation to this matter,Wow! come on guys don`t let the  board get everthing that they want by saying nothing, when you say nothing they will think that you agree with them, of course if you agree,say nothing.  As a matter of interest does anyone know if our ex C.E.O. P.Routham is still on the payroll?

hi guys this was the report on ONE news last night.
ONE News Item 29.5.10
The cost of a plumbing job is about to go up, with plumbers saying new, tighter industry rules will add massive costs to their businesses. It’s because of leaky buildings that construction rules are now lot stricter. But plumber Wal Gordon says the latest regulations have gone too far and they will cost customers."I'd say within the next six to 12 months, that'll be when the prices will increase," he says. The new rules require plumbers, gasfitters and drain layers to retrain for up to a week every year to keep their licences. Gordon has worked out what it will cost his eight staff to attend the required courses."For this business, we're in the vicinity of $33,000 a year," he says. He says customers should prepare to pay another $3 an hour for a plumber. But the organisation that has made the rules, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drain layers Board says hourly rates will only increase by 18 cents."There may be some transference of costs to the consumer but the costs are very, very low and it may be those practitioners absorb them into their organisations," says Kern U'ren of the board. The board says to keep competent, trades people have to upskill. But many of the courses are run by the product manufacturers. So are they worthwhile? or just a product promotion?"It may be around a product but it is technical information to ensure that they are able to carry out the installation adequately and safely," says U'ren. Pieter Burghout of BRANZ says sometimes plumbers would have gone to that training regardless beforehand and not get any recognition for it."All they done now is attach some points to that training."Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson declined to be interviewed but he did release a statement to ONE News saying it's important that trades people remain competent throughout their careers and that he has no control over what they charge their customers. Nineteen months ago the government asked the Auditor-General to investigate whether plumbers are appropriately licensed. That report is due out soon, but already rules have been tightened.