At a Glance
- Engineering technologist Jonathan (Jon) Beau Hall accused of forging engineers’ signatures
- Over 1000 buildings across New Zealand potentially affected
- More than 40 councils, including Whanganui, Rangitīkei, and Auckland, investigating the impact
- Auckland Council reviewing 42 building projects linked to Hall
- Police investigation underway, matter referred to the MBIE
- Property owners face uncertainty about their properties’ future
- Councils and Engineering New Zealand working to mitigate impact
In a startling revelation, the actions of one man have sent shockwaves through New Zealand’s building industry. Jonathan (Jon) Beau Hall, a Taupō-based engineering technologist and director of Kodiak Consulting Ltd, stands accused of forging the signatures of qualified engineers to sign off on more than 1000 buildings across the country. This alleged misconduct has left more than 40 councils, including Whanganui, Rangitīkei, and Auckland, scrambling to assess the potential impact on their regions.
The alleged forgeries, a stark reminder of the trust placed in the building consent process, have raised questions about the integrity of the system. Building consents, a critical part of the construction process, ensure that structures meet the Building Code and consenting requirements. They are a testament to the safety and legality of a building, and their authenticity is paramount.
Hall’s alleged actions have not only violated this trust but also potentially put numerous buildings at risk. The Auckland Council, for instance, is urgently reviewing 42 building projects linked to Hall. The council’s general manager of regulatory engineering, Daniel Sansbury, stated that the review would prioritize 13 projects where Hall was the sole contributor to the structural design and specifications.
This incident brings to mind the 2013 case in South Korea where a businessman was arrested for forging safety certificates for hundreds of parts used in nuclear reactors. While the circumstances are different, both cases underscore the importance of stringent checks and balances in industries that directly impact public safety.
The alleged forgeries have also triggered a police investigation, and the matter has been referred to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). This is a significant development, given the potential legal implications of the case. The MBIE, a government agency that works to grow New Zealand’s economy to provide a better standard of living for all Kiwis, will likely play a crucial role in the investigation and any subsequent regulatory changes.
Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson expressed concern for the property owners who now face uncertainty about their properties’ future. The potential fallout from this situation could be significant, especially for those who have built properties or industrial sites that may not comply with safety standards or could be at risk.
In the face of this crisis, the councils are working diligently to mitigate the impact. The Auckland Council, for instance, is in the process of advising all property owners on its list about the results of its investigation. Meanwhile, Engineering New Zealand is working with councils to develop guidance to classify the likelihood and types of risk to potentially impacted properties.