bill26 May 2026 Non-partisan · AI-drafted, editor-reviewed

Building and Construction Sector (Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers) Amendment Bill

Member in charge: Chris Penk
In short: Arapono’s summary

This bill changes the Building Act 2004 and the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. It creates a new system where certain qualified plumbers and drainlayers can 'self-certify' their own work, meaning they can confirm it meets building standards without needing a separate check from a council. This applies only to specific types of plumbing and drainlaying work that are considered routine and low-risk. These plumbers and drainlayers will need a special endorsement on their licence and will be subject to audits.

What this affects

Tap a topic to see how this bill touches it, and the parts of the text that show it.

The bill changes how some plumbing and drainlaying work in buildings is approved, which could affect how homes are built or renovated.

From the bill

Section 45 amended (How to apply for building consent) (bd) if the building work includes self-certifiable plumbing or self-certifiable drainlaying work...

Section 94 amended (Matters for consideration by building consent authority in deciding issue of code compliance certificate) (aa) must accept a certificate of compliance issued by a self-certification endorsed plumber or drainlayer in relation to self-certifiable plumbing or self-certifiable drainlaying work as establishing that the work to which the certificate applies complies with the building consent;

Progress through Parliament

Introduced
First Reading
Select committee
Second Reading
Whole House
Third Reading
Royal Assent
Current stage: Royal Assent

Have your say

This bill is open for public submissions to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee. Anyone can tell the committee what they think, and you don’t need to be an expert. Submissions close 7 January 2026.

View the official bill on legislation.govt.nz

Bill text sourced from legislation.govt.nz (Parliamentary Counsel Office). Arapono’s summary and breakdown are drafted with AI grounded in that official text and reviewed by an Arapono editor for accuracy and neutrality before publishing. Arapono is non-partisan and takes no position on this bill.