CONSULTATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY 11.59pm on Thursday 08 January 2026 for two “Building and Construction Sector” amendment bills before the Transport and Infrastructure Committee.
These bills appear to making some far-reaching changes to how tradies are regulated. More powers are being given to boards and board registrars to determine which complaints are investigated and in enforcing new codes of ethics.
Links to the two bills and where to give feedback are detailed below:
Building and Construction Sector (Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers) Amendment Bill
The bill is intended to introduce an opt-in scheme to allow qualified plumbers and drainlayers to self-certify that their work complies with the terms of a building consent. This is intended to remove the need for a building consent authority inspection. The bill is an omnibus bill that would amend the Building Act 2004 and the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006.
Link to feedback page:
Link to bill text:
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0221/9.0/LMS1543137.html
Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill
“The bill is intended to strengthen occupational licensing regimes in the building and construction sector. It is an omnibus bill that would amend the Building Act 2004, the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, and the Electricity Act 1992.
It would achieve its objectives by:
- clarifying the functions of regulatory boards and registrars, and expanding registrars’ powers to deal with complaints
- enabling the making and enforcement of codes of ethics for licensed plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers
- allowing the Building Practitioners Board to enforce training orders
- improving the licence renewal process for licensed building practitioners
- increasing the membership of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board
Link to feedback page:
Link to bill text:
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0224/6.0/LMS556533.html
