Full Breakdown
Rotorua Technician Fined for Deliberate Release of High-Impact Refrigerant
6/29/2026, 6:18:40 AM
Deliberate Release of R407C Refrigerant in Rotorua
On 20 Dec 2024, technician Wicks of G.B Teat vented 500 g–2.5 kg of R407C from a rooftop chiller at Watchdog Security, Rotorua, for about 8 minutes. A 31-second video captured the hissing discharge, which EPA equated to 3 700–18 500 km of car travel.
Background & Regulatory Context
The Climate Change Response Act 2002 mandates recovery of high-GWP gases with a reclaim unit. G.B Teat says staff are trained on proper disposal.
Key Figures
The case involved technician Wicks, G.B Teat director Benjamin Teat, EPA acting GM Brian Ruiterman, Judge Bidois, and the Ministry of Primary Industries.
Timeline of the Case
The release occurred on 20 Dec 2024; a video prompted an EPA probe in Jan 2025; the court hearing in Feb 2025 led to fines in Mar 2025.
Quantitative Impact
The vent released 0.5–2.5 kg of R407C, equating to 3 700–18 500 km of car travel. The court fined G.B Teat $10 000 and Wicks $5 000 after a 33 % discount for mitigating factors.
Why the Case Matters
The incident shows that a brief vent of a high-GWP refrigerant can generate emissions comparable to thousands of kilometres of car travel, underscoring climate risk and legal duties. The case underscores the potential for enforcement against similar violations in the HVAC sector.
Official Statements & Responses
EPA acting GM Brian Ruiterman said the prosecution underscores firms’ obligations under the Climate Change Response Act. The Ministry reported that Wicks acknowledged his method was inappropriate. Judge Bidois described the discharge as intentional and unnecessary, while noting mitigating circumstances such as guilty pleas.
Criticism & Opposition
A 2023 internal email warned of gas venting, but G.B Teat took no action. Critics argue that stronger internal reporting mechanisms could have prevented the breach.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the gas amount (500 g vs 2.5 kg) and emission range (3 700 km vs 18 500 km). The EPA’s choice to issue only a letter of advice, rather than a prosecution, is not explained in public records.
Verbatim Quotes
- “not the right way to go about it” — Wicks, Technician
- “deliberate and avoidable” — Judge Bidois
- “It was a deliberate discharge by an experienced technician. I understand the pressures he was working under at this time ... it was just before Christmas. But he had an obligation to do his job properly and not to breach the standards he should have been maintaining and what was expected of him.” — Judge Bidois
- “should have been put on notice” — Judge Bidois
Outlook
The EPA’s statement underscores that the HVAC industry must ensure compliance with the Climate Change Response Act, and the authority has already contacted G.B Teat about a possible additional harmful-gas release in 2024.
