Former Auckland Council building inspector sentenced

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) says a former Auckland Council building inspector has been sentenced to 11 months’ home detention in the Manukau District Court after pleading guilty to 21 charges of corruptly accepting bribes as a public official.

Nicholas Bright admitted to the charges in August, 2024, for offending that occurred between 2018 and 2020.

Bright received discounts for pleading guilty early, remorse and cooperating with the SFO’s investigation.

Bright accepted bribes, including cash payments and home renovations, in connection with his role as a building inspector.

As well as over $35,000 paid in cash payments, the renovation work included gasfitting work, installation of a heat pump, double-glazed windows, and a new carport.

SFO director Karen Chang says tackling bribery and corruption involving public officials remains a key strategic focus for the SFO, particularly where health and safety may be compromised.

“When public officials engage in corruption, it weakens New Zealand’s reputation as an attractive place to invest.

“As this case highlights, it can also have real consequences for everyday Kiwis, undermining confidence and trust in the safety and compliance of our buildings.”

Change says the case underscores the importance of vigilance in identifying fraud risk factors, such as conflicts of interest between staff and vendors or suppliers.

“It also highlights a common fraudster profile of ‘the enabler’, with Bright actively enabling the corrupt activities that continued for over two years.

“The SFO would like to again thank Auckland Council for referring the matter following its internal investigation, which identified irregularities in Bright’s inspections.”

Chang encourages public sector professionals in key roles, such as procurement and finance, to engage with the SFO’s Counter Fraud Centre.

“The SFO is committed to strengthening counter-fraud capabilities across the public sector.

“I encourage agencies to connect with our Counter Fraud team to enhance their systems and processes for identifying fraud risks and red flags.”

A company director linked to the case, whose name is suppressed, has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court on March 6.