The construction company behind faulty work on Queenstown’s Kmart building has been fined $39,000.
The fine relates to work done on the building on 2018 which could have led to the building collapsing in an earthquake or fire. It was reported to the Queenstown Lakes District Council by a subcontractor.
Dominion Constructors was sentenced yesterday on one charge of carrying out building work except in accordance with a building consent.
Judge John Brandts-Giesen released his reserved decision following the court case last year.
Council regulatory manager Anthony Hall said the sentencing was a successful outcome for the community.
"We hope this serves as an appropriate deterrent to all of those involved in the construction industry who are considering undertaking unlawful building works."
The charge relates to work done in August 2018 when steel reinforcing known as starter bars, embedded in the building’s concrete floor, were cut when it was found they did not align with junctions in a precast concrete wall. They were cut when workers realised they were not in the right place to connect to the precast walls.
New bars were drilled and secured in the concrete to connect properly to the wall, the court heard.
The work was not supervised by an engineer and was not flagged with the council.
It was also not immediately notified to the company’s directors.
The project manager overseeing the build, Jason Buehler, was also prosecuted for his role in the incident and fined $24,000.
