a toilet and a gas hob/cooker during the renovation project – and his work was defective. Approximately one month after the installation a strong smell of gas, sooty flames and carbon build up on one of the gas nozzles was noticed. Prolonged low-level exposure, to carbon monoxide can cause illness, loss of normal cognitive function and drowsiness. At high levels of exposure, it can be fatal, which is why the fines associated with illegal work of this type are high. “Dealing with gas is dangerous. Never install a gas appliance yourself. The law requires you to use a licensed tradesperson and our new campaign ‘sort the pros from the cons’, shows consumers how to choose the right people”, said Martin Sawyers, Chief Executive for the Board. “It highlights the importance of qualified tradespeople, and the need to eliminate any risk by asking to sight a New Zealand Practising Licence before any work begins.” “A qualified tradesperson will make sure gas appliances are connected correctly, flued and vented properly, working properly and most importantly, that it is safe to use,” he continued. The Board and The NZ Insurance Council NZ warn mistakes are costly, and you could void your insurance. Consumers can find out what’s legal and what’s not at www.pgdb.co.nz. Where there is any concern that work may have been done by someone who is not authorised, or there is concern about the competency of a tradesperson, consumers should notify the Board. To make a complaint phone 0800 743 262, or use the R.A.C app (report-a-cowboy). It is available free and is a direct link to the Board’s investigations team. Go to www.pgdb.co.nz. Commission confirms charges filed against Bunnings for misleading advertising The Commerce Commission has filed 45 charges in Auckland District Court against Bunnings (NZ) Limited alleging it misled consumers by advertising the prices of its goods as being the lowest in the market. Bunnings is a duly incorporated company with its registered head office in Auckland. Its ultimate parent company is the Australian company Wesfarmers Limited, which also owns Coles, Target, K-Mart and Officeworks. Bunnings is one of New Zealand’s largest retailers, selling home improvement, outdoor living and general merchandise products. It has 46 retail stores nationwide, all of which it owns and operates. It employs 3,700 staff and stores stock on average 46,000 product lines. The Commission alleges that Bunnings’ advertising at its stores nationwide along with advertising campaigns on television, radio, online, and in newspapers and catalogues gave an overall impression that it offered the lowest prices for its products, when this was not true. The Commission’s investigation focused on the period 1 July 2014 to 28 February 2016.