Consents

Q: Do I need a building consent to get plumbing, drainlaying or gasfitting work done in my home?

A: First, it's important to note that all building work, regardless of whether a building consent is required, must comply with the NZ Building Code and other relevant legislation. Plumbing, drainage and gasfitting must be carried out or supervised by a suitably licensed person under the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Act 2006.

Some plumbing and drainlaying work does not require a building consent under section 41 of the Building Act 2004. This section of the Act includes exemptions for certain minor and low-risk building work listed in Schedule 1.

Gasfitting is a self-certifying trade. Certifying gasfitters issue an Energy Works Certificate (gas certificate) on the completion of work. This must satisfy the requirements of the Building Code, and no other consent is required. 

A useful guide to plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting that does not require a building consent was published by the Department of Building and Housing in March 2011.