A stupid rule

The Herald reports:

Jacinda Ardern’s foray into DIY has been a flash in the pan after an Auckland resident complained that Labour’s deputy leader installed her own new toilet.

Justin Will complained to the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board in February after reading a media report that Ardern replaced her own toilet at the home she shares with television personality Clarke Gayford in Point Chevalier.

The board investigated and chief executive Martin Sawyers this week told Will that Ardern had apologised for her error and the case was closed.

In some parts of Auckland, including where Ardern lives, it is illegal to install a toilet unless the work is carried out by an authorised plumber.

Ardern told the Herald she did not realise when she bought and installed with Gayford the new toilet, to replace a broken down existing one, that they were breaking the law.

“Interestingly enough you can replace your own toilet in Wellington, but you can’t replace your own toilet in parts of Auckland and I fall outside the area that you’re allowed to replace your own toilet, I’m told, by about a kilometre.”

The real story here is why do we have such a stupid rule or law. Either it is safe everywhere to install your own toilet or it isn’t safe. People own their own properties. Unless there is a significant safety issue (such as major electrical or structural work), they should be able to DIY.