New Zealand moves to expand self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers

A planned expansion of self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers signals a shift in how routine construction work is approved – placing greater responsibility on qualified tradespeople while aiming to reduce delays across the sector

The Government is advancing reforms that will allow plumbers and drainlayers to certify more of their own work, in a move designed to streamline building processes and ease pressure on inspection systems.

The scheme originally focused on straightforward residential plumbing and drainage, such as installing a basic bathroom. Moving forward, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said it will cover the majority of plumbing and drainlaying work in a home, along with some commercial jobs, including installing a kitchenette in a small office staff room.

Under the proposed regulation, expected to take effect in 2026, plumbers and drainlayers with a self-certifying endorsement will be able to sign off routine low-risk and non-complex work without requiring an inspection from a building consent authority.

The initiative forms part of a broader legislative programme intended to accelerate housing delivery by reducing bottlenecks in the consenting process. The associated amendment bill aims to “speed up the consenting process for, and building of, houses in New Zealand by reducing the number of inspections” required for this type of work.

Designed to address inefficiencies

Penk said the changes respond to long-standing inefficiencies in the system.

“Trusted tradespeople want to get on with delivering the homes and infrastructure New Zealanders need, but too often they are slowed down by lengthy inspection delays that hold back productivity, pushing up the cost of building,” he said.

The scheme will be voluntary and limited to plumbers and drainlayers who meet strict eligibility criteria. Practitioners must demonstrate technical competence, maintain appropriate insurance, and operate under defined business standards.  Eligibility criteria will be set by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board through a Gazette notice. Further information on the scheme can be found here.

Those approved will be listed on a public register and required to renew their endorsement every three years. They will also be responsible for issuing a Certificate of Compliance confirming that completed work meets building consent requirements. It must also include evidence such as testing results, photos and as-built designs. Building consent authorities must accept the Certificate of Compliance as evidence the work complies with the building consent.

Board oversight

Oversight will remain with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, which will retain powers to audit work and take disciplinary action where necessary.

The expansion also includes common rural systems, including septic tanks and stormwater infrastructure, reflecting an effort to address regional construction challenges, and covers work on buildings up to three storeys, excluding apartments, provided it uses standard building designs and does not affect fire-rated or shared walls.

Rebalancing responsibilities

Penk said the intent is to rebalance responsibilities within the sector while maintaining safeguards.

“Self-certification is about making the building consent system simpler and more practical, while keeping responsibility firmly with qualified practitioners and ensuring consumers are protected,” he said.

The Bill passed its Second Reading on 23 April 2026 and is now with the Committee of Whole House. Once it passes that stage, it will progress to its Third Reading before being granted Royal Assent.