Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is delivering on its commitment to cut red tape and make building more affordable, with over 60 plumbers and drainlayers approved to self-certify their work in the first week of the scheme, Building and Construction Minister Simon Watts says.
Since applications opened last Monday 7 September, more than 60 plumbers and drainlayers have been approved to self-certify on a wide range of work without waiting for a council inspection.
“Trusted tradespeople want to get on with the job, but too often lengthy inspection processes can hold up building work and add unnecessary costs,” says Mr Watts.
“Self certification is estimated to save up to four days and $1,600 per build. That means less time waiting, costs saved for households and businesses and projects getting finished sooner.
“As around 40,000 new homes were consented last year, that means the scheme has the potential to deliver estimated savings of up to $64 million per year.
“Plumbing and drain laying work is part of almost every residential build, this scheme has the potential to reduce delays right across the housing sector while helping New Zealanders build faster and more affordably.
“Construction is an important part of New Zealand’s economy, and the latest quarterly GDP data shows it was the largest upward contributor to overall economic growth, increasing 2.7 per cent – its largest increase since June 2023.
“The scheme also extends beyond housing, covering a range of commercial plumbing and drainlaying work and some onsite wastewater systems commonly used in rural areas.
“I’d like to thank Master Plumbers for working constructively with the Government to help shape the scheme. Their practical insights helped broaden the scope of eligible work, meaning more of the work plumbers and drainlayers carry out every day can be self-certified from day one. As a result, the benefits of self-certification will extend beyond residential building projects to businesses, developers and rural property owners as well.
“Only experienced practitioners who meet strict eligibility requirements will be approved to participate in the scheme. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will assess applications, oversee the scheme, and have powers to audit participants and act where standards are not met.
“This practical reform backs skilled professionals, cuts unnecessary delays while keeping strong protections in place, so homeowners can get essential work done faster and with confidence.”
Notes to the editor:
- Applications for the plumber and drainlayer self-certification scheme opened with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board on Monday 7 September 2026, more information can be found here.
- The scheme is voluntary, and only plumbers and drainlayers who meet strict eligibility requirements will be able to self-certify specified work.
- Eligibility requirements include demonstrated technical competence and experience, appropriate arrangements to manage liability, and robust business quality assurance processes.
- The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will administer and oversee the scheme, including monitoring performance, auditing practitioners and their work, and taking disciplinary action where standards are not met.
- The scope of the scheme was expanded following sector feedback and covers self-certification of most residential plumbing and drainlaying work, alongside a range of commercial work and some onsite wastewater systems commonly used in rural areas.
- Further detail, including what types of work can be self-certified and what must be included in certificates of compliance, is set out in regulations – Plumbers and drainlayers self-certification scheme | Building Performance.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/17/self-certification-scheme-unblocks-pipeline-for-plumbers-and-drainlayers/