MBIE opens WaterMark consultation

Have your say on the use of WaterMark-certified plumbing and drainage products, which would form part of the news Approved Products Certified Overseas pathway 

WaterMark is Australia’s mandatory certification for plumbing and drainage products. It ensures they are fit for purpose through rigorous testing and five-year surveillance cycles. If recognised in New Zealand, these products would be deemed to comply with the Building Code and must be accepted by Building Consent Authorities (BCAs).

Examples of the types of products that would be recognised include but are not limited to: 

• Ductile iron pipes and fittings. 

• PVC pipes and fittings for pressure applications. 

• Drinking water treatment units. 

• Tapware. 

• Polyethylene (PE) pipes for pressure applications. 

The MBIE consultation document stated that WaterMark certified products are the first to be evaluated for possible recognition. 

“This is because WaterMark is referred to in New Zealand Building Code compliance documents for plumbing and drainage products, and many products and their materials are tested to joint Australian and New Zealand Standards,” it reported. 

MBIE is asking for feedback on three questions: 

1. Do you think the WaterMark certified products shown in the consultation document are suitable for use in New Zealand? 
2. Do the standards cited show how WaterMark certified products link to the Building Code? 
3. Does the WaterMark Schedule of Products explain how each WaterMark certified product should be used? 

The consultation closes on 8 September at 5pm. Give feedback here. 

Reform in motion 

These changes form part of broader amendments ushered in by the Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards and Certification Schemes) Amendment Act 2025. The law allows MBIE to recognise groups of standards issued by overseas standard organisations or standards certification schemes issued by a standards certification organisation. 

What this means for WaterMark products 

If WaterMark-certified products meet the new regulatory criteria, MBIE will issue a recognition notice. BCAs must then accept WaterMark-certified products as meeting Building Code standards, if every relevant limitation and condition of the recognition is complied with.