Legislation related to Plumbing, Drainlaying and Gas fitting

Schedule 1 of the New Zealand Building Code

This schedule is relevant as it identifies building work (including plumbing work) for which a building consent is not required. Even when a Building Consent is not required, plumbing work must be undertaken by a suitably qualified tradesman, and a certifying plumber is required to supervise work carried out by licensed plumbers and limited certificate holders (apprentices). The NZ Building Act 2004 requires that work that is exempt from the need to obtain a Building Consent must still be carried out as if a consent had been obtained.

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006 is designed to give the public assurance that the person who is carrying out the plumbing or gasfitting work at their building is well-trained and competent. The status of that person is held on a register by the Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Licensed plumbers and gasfitters must work under the supervision of a Certifying plumber or gasfitter unless of course they are Certified themselves.

It is an offence for a homeowner or member of the public to undertake sanitary plumbing or gasfitting with or without the supervision of a certifying plumber or gasfitter.