Former Auckland Council building inspector admits bribery and corruption charges

A former Auckland Council building inspector has pleaded guilty to bribery and corruption charges in the form of cash and renovations on his home address.

Nicholas Bright admitted to 21 charges of corruption and bribery of an officer in the Manukau District Court, with sentencing scheduled for 20 November.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) filed charges against Bright and a director of a construction company in March, who still faced 23 charges of corruption and bribery of an official.

The director of the construction company, who has name suppression, has entered not guilty pleas, with a court hearing set down for October 25.

SFO director Karen Chang said bribery and corruption involving public officials was an area of ​​focus, 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,” she said.

The offending took place between 2018 and 2020.