A former Auckland Council building inspector is facing corruption and bribery charges.

The Serious Fraud Office filed bribery and corruption charges against the former council building inspector and a director of an Auckland building company, with both appearing in Manukau District Court today.

Nicholas Bright faces 21 charges of corruption and bribery of an official, the SFO said in a media release.

The building company director, who has interim name suppression, faces 23 charges of corruption and bribery of an official.

Bright received bribes in the form of cash and other benefits in connection with his work as a building inspector between 2018 and 2020, the SFO alleged.

He was remanded without plea when he appeared in court today, and was next scheduled to appear on May 7.

The building company director entered not guilty pleas and would next appear at a case review hearing on August 9.

Investigating potential corruption of public officials, particularly where health and safety may be compromised, was a focus for the SFO, the office’s director Karen Chang said.

“The SFO would like to acknowledge Auckland Council for referring this matter following their own investigations.”

The council has been asked for comment.

More soon.

This article was originally posted on the NZ Herald here.