Bills on self-certification and stronger licensing pass first readings

Self-certification by plumbers and drainlayers

Legislation to establish a self-certification scheme for plumbers and drainlayers has passed its first reading in Parliament. The Building and Construction Sector (Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers) Amendment Bill is part of the Government’s broader programme to improve the efficiency of New Zealand’s building regulatory system.

The proposed self-certification scheme would:

• allow eligible plumbers and drainlayers to self-certify straightforward work – only approved plumbers and drainlayers who meet specific eligibility criteria will be able to self-certify their work.
• reduce delays associated with inspections and ease pressure on building consent authorities (BCAs), particularly for straightforward plumbing and drainage work.
• allow BCAs to focus more on complex and higher-risk projects.

The self-certification scheme will be voluntary and limited to professionals who meet defined competency and compliance criteria set out by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers (PGD) Board. The PGD Board will also be responsible for enforcing the scheme and exercising disciplinary powers.

Strengthening occupational licensing

A second piece of legislation, the Building and Construction (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill, has also been introduced.

This Bill aims to support self-certification by:

• making it easier for consumers to hold plumbers and drainlayers accountable and improve licensing and disciplinary systems
• strengthening the disciplinary process for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), giving the Registrar more powers to manage complaints and increase transparency around suspensions and cancellations.
• streamlining (for licensed electrical workers and plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers), complaint handling, and enabling the creation of Codes of Ethics to promote professional standards.

These changes are part of wider reforms to make the building system more responsive and affordable, while maintaining safety and quality. This work will also support work aligned with granny flats.

Read the Minister’s announcement:

Bills backing skilled tradies pass first reading(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz