A joint consumer awareness campaign from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Consumer Protection team and the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) kicked off over the weekend.

It aims to educate consumers about the importance of using a licensed electrical worker for electrical work being done in their homes.

Registrar of Electrical Workers Licensing Richard Stubbings says the campaign is an important reminder to consumers to do electrical work right.

'Uncertified electrical work can cause serious harm, such as electrocution. It may also affect a homeowner's insurance policy, as most house insurance policies do not cover damage to the home that is caused by poor workmanship.”

The EWRB has run annual consumer awareness campaigns since 2014, this is the first year they will partner with Consumer Protection.

Manager of MBIE's Consumer Protection team Mark Hollingsworth says it is important consumers know their obligations in the context of hiring a licensed electrical worker.

'But it's also important that they know they have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act when it comes to electrical work being done in their homes. This applies to the electrical work itself and also to the materials used in that work.”

The online advertising campaign runs from Labour Day weekend until the end of February, and will mainly target homeowners and DIYers.

More information about the campaign and consumers' rights under the CGA is available on the Consumer Protection website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/get-guidance/building-trades-and-utilities/hiring-an-electrician

To find a licensed electrical worker, visit the EWRB website: ewrb.govt.nz/for-consumers/find-an-electrical-worker