Former building inspector pleads guilty to bribery and corruption

A former Auckland Council building inspector has pleaded guilty to bribery and corruption charges.

Appearing in the Manukau District Court, Nicholas Bright admitted to 21 charges of corruption and bribery of an officer.

His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 20.

In March, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) filed charges against Bright and one other person, a director of a construction company, who also faces 23 charges of corruption and bribery of an official.

The offending took place between 2018 and 2020, the SFO says.

Bright received bribes in the form of cash and renovations on his home address in connection with his work as a building inspector.

SFO director Karen Chang says: “Tackling bribery and corruption involving public officials is a key strategic area of ​​focus for the Serious Fraud Office, particularly where health and safety may be compromised.

“When public officials engage in corrupt practices, it not only erodes public confidence, it also undermines New Zealand’s reputation for transparency, integrity, and low levels of fraud and corruption.”

The company director, who’s been granted interim name suppression, has entered not guilty pleas and a case review hearing is scheduled for October 25 in the Manukau District Court.

The SFO says it would like to again acknowledge Auckland Council for referring this matter following its own investigations.