*ARCHIVE* - BIA Update 45 - Receivership of Nationwide Building Certifiers Group Ltd 24 Nov 2004

The Building Industry Authority is in discussion with the Receivers of Nationwide Building Certifiers Group Ltd about the implications of the receivership for Nationwide’s customers.

Chief executive John Ryan said the BIA’s main aim was to minimise disruption to Nationwide’s customers, and to ensure inspection and certification work is completed in a timely manner.

'We have had constructive discussions with the Receivers and they indicate they are keen to support this aim, within their statutory responsibilities,' Mr Ryan said.

The Receivers - David Hercus and Mark Stevens, accountants of Wellington - have advised that Nationwide has ceased carrying out building inspections.

The BIA recommends that Nationwide customers with any queries should contact the Receivers at Nationwide’s head office in Auckland - 09 296 6099, or at the Receivers Wellington office 04 473 5155.

The BIA is discussing plans with the Receivers to transfer customer files to territorial authorities so that inspection and certification processes can be completed. This includes an offer by the BIA to provide assistance to speed up the transfer process.

Nationwide has around 1500 current files or clients across all its operations for which it is providing building inspection and certification services.

However, it is expected only a proportion of these are active – that is, files relating to building projects currently underway.

Nationwide advised the BIA in September that it would close its business as a private building certifier at the end of this year. At that stage it ceased taking on new business and began a process of completing work or transferring customer files to territorial authorities. Since then around 1500 files have been closed or transferred.

Contact: Mike Noon 04 470 1037 or 027 249 6759.