A former Auckland Council building inspector, Nicholas Bright, has been sentenced to 11 months of home detention after admitting to accepting bribes, including cash and home renovation services.
Bright pleaded guilty to 21 charges of corruption at the Manukau District Court following a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation, which was initiated after Auckland Council’s internal inquiry flagged concerns.
The bribes included over $35,000 in cash along with extensive home improvements such as gas fitting, a heat pump installation, double-glazed windows, and a brand-new carport.
Karen Chang, director of the SFO, emphasized how serious this kind of corruption is, especially when it involves public officials responsible for safety and compliance. “When corruption happens at this level, it doesn’t just hurt our reputation as a safe and fair place to do business—it can directly affect the safety of buildings everyday Kiwis live and work in,” Chang said.
She urged organizations to stay vigilant, especially when it comes to identifying potential conflicts of interest between staff and suppliers. “Cases like this are a stark reminder of why strong checks and balances are crucial.”
