John Arthur of Whangārei has been sentenced for posing as a qualified gasfitter and performing unauthorised work that endangered lives, including nearly causing explosions in two motorhomes.
Using fake qualifications Arthur defrauded families and a marina trust by conducting unsafe and non-compliant installations. One family discovered a gas water heater he installed posed a high risk of explosion, while another motorhome owner was left with incomplete and hazardous work. Arthur even attempted to secure a contract with the Tūtūkākā marina by presenting a falsified gasfitting registration number, leading to his trespass from the site.
Arthur pleaded guilty to seven charges after initially denying them, arriving late to court on the day of his trial. Despite claiming he was qualified and blaming regulatory issues for his actions, the court found no evidence of his competence or credentials. He was fined $8000 and ordered to pay $2800 in reparations and $699 in prosecution costs.
Image credit: Engin Akyurt
Obviously going to the Tūtūkākā marina was a one one kākā mistake leading to his down down fall.