Former Tauranga MP Bob Clarkson is claiming project managers are racking up thousands of dollars in unnecessary costs at taxpayer expense on leaky building rebuilds.
Bob points to Papamoa's Tahatai Coast School as an example.

Bob Clarkson.

"I have kept an eye on the rebuild and reclad of the school and have been horrified at what I've seen," says Bob, a builder and landlord.
"Timber is being replaced that is in good condition, and work is being done that is unjustified."
He says samples from a 25-metre long wall were tested at a laboratory and the results found the timber did not have any toxic mould.
"I nearly fell out of my chair - not only was there no mould, I found out the timber was treated. It did not have to be replaced.
"It infuriates me," says Bob. "Some lawyers and builders are cashing in on the tragedy of leaky homes.
"Controls need to be put in place to ensure the repair work is justified."

The Tahatai Coast School project mangers say they are unable to comment or reply to Bob's accusations without clearance from the Ministry of Education, the client. The Ministry has not yet replied.

Bob says he also knows of cases where timber is being taken out of leaky homes, is being treated and put back into other new houses.
Bob worked on the leaky building problem during his three years as an MP, and backs the new government policy, which he initiated.
But he says repairs need to be properly monitored "or else the rip-offs in the system will continue, the price to reclad or rebuild will exceed all expectation, and the government policy will fail."
Bob is also concerned at $12 million in repairs and legal fees he says it will cost to reclad 40 units at the Cutterscove Resort Apartments at Mount Maunganui. It should have cost about $3 million, says Bob.
Under the leaky building policy, the government and local councils will each pay 25 per cent of the repairs and homeowners will handle the other 50 per cent in costs. They can also take out a bank loan, under normal terms, with support from the government.
To avoid rip offs, Bob says the government should appoint independent consultants on a set fee to control the leaky building repairs.
The consultant would determine the extent of the problem, price the job and oversee the repair.
"The problem is a financial time bomb for the government and local councils. We have to break the leaky building food chain and keep the costs under control," says Bob.