Have your say on next proposed WaterMark product recognitions

MBIE is consulting on a second batch of WaterMark-certified plumbing and drainage products that, if approved, must be accepted as Building Code-compliant – have your say before 28 November 

If formally recognised, these products would be deemed to comply with the New Zealand Building Code under the new Approved Products Certified Overseas pathway.  

MBIE has already approved around 92,500 WaterMark-certified products under the new overseas products pathway. These products are now accepted for use in New Zealand if used as specified in their recognition notices.  

This next round could add another 60,000 products to the approved list. The products are all certified under the Australian WaterMark scheme, which checks plumbing and drainage products meet strict safety and performance standards. 

MBIE is now asking for industry feedback on the second set of products being considered. Builders, plumbers, suppliers and specifiers are encouraged to review the draft recognition documents and have their say before the 28 November deadline. 

What MBIE wants feedback on 

MBIE is asking the sector three main questions: 

• Are the listed products suitable for use in New Zealand? 

• Do the standards and WaterMark Technical Specifications cited show how products comply with the Building Code? 

• Does the WaterMark Schedule of Products explain clearly how each product should be used? 

The consultation closes on 28th of November at 5pm. Give feedback here.  

What this means for Watermark products 

If these WaterMark-certified products meet regulatory requirements, MBIE will issue a recognition notice. 

This notice confirms that the product complies with specific clauses of the New Zealand Building Code – but only when used as outlined in the notice. Once a recognition notice is in place, BCAs must accept the product.  

The first set of recognition notices came into force on 1 October 2025. This second batch could follow soon after – depending on the outcome of the current consultation. 

Part of broader building product reform 

These changes sit under broader reforms introduced by the Building Amendment Act 2025. The law created a new way for MBIE to approve building products that are already certified under trusted overseas schemes, such as Australia’s WaterMark. 

The aim is to reduce red tape, give builders and specifiers more choice, and speed up the consenting process without compromising safety or compliance.