The Government is to expand a scheme which, when passed into law, will allow some tradespeople to sign off on some of their own work, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced.
The self-certification scheme, announced last year, progressed through select committee in November and is now set to have its second reading.
When it was initially proposed, the Bill allowed for approved building firms, plumbers, and drainlayers to check their own work on a "simple residential dwelling".
However now, Penk said the scheme will be expanded to cover more residential work and some commercial activity.
"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.
"The Government is progressing the Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers Bill to put responsibility into trusted tradies’ hands. It will speed up building by allowing approved plumbers and drainlayers with a proven track record to certify their work is consistent with the building consent."
Penk said the building sector's response to the proposed scheme had been "strongly positive", but through the select committee process the Government has heard "directly from tradies and businesses about ways to bolster the benefits and acted on that feedback".
"Where the scheme originally focused on straightforward residential plumbing and drainage, such as installing a basic bathroom, it will now 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."
It would also allow better support to rural communities, Penk said, by covering common onsite systems including septic tanks, and stormwater retention tanks, which are used in both rural and urban areas.
"Master Plumbers has advocated for years for plumbers and drainlayers to be able to self-certify, just like electricians and gasfitters, and has welcomed today’s changes as a significant milestone for the industry that will enhance efficiency and productivity."
Penk said the scheme is about making the building consent system simpler and more practical, but keeps responsibility firmly with qualified practitioners, which ensures consumers are protected.
"Only plumbers and drainlayers who are licensed and in good standing with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will be eligible for an endorsement to self-certify.
"The Board will oversee standards, compliance, and enforcement to protect public health and safety, while Building Consent Authorities will continue to review more novel and higher-risk work."
Penk added while it would take time to "get the settings right", the scheme is expected to be in place before Parliament before the election.
"These changes will support strong uptake of the voluntary scheme from the outset, cutting unnecessary delays while maintaining robust protections so homeowners can get essential work done faster and with confidence."
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Master Plumbers back plans
Trade membership association Master Plumbers said self-certification is already used by electricians and gasfitters, the latter of which are often also plumbers.
Chief executive Greg Wallace said it had strongly advocated for self-certification for years, and added more complex work would still require consents and local council inspection.
Wallace said Master Plumbers had worked closely with Penk to ensure the scheme would deliver the cost and time-saving benefits intendd.
"The scheme strikes a sensible balance between maintaining standards and enabling efficiency and will be well received by plumbers, drainlayers, and consumers alike."
"We anticipate most certified plumbers and drainlayers will sign up to the scheme. I’ve always said that if your plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer isn’t prepared to back their work, why would you employ them to do the job?"
Work that would be covered includes pumped systems, septic tanks, water tanks, as well as solar hot water and greywater collection systems.
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