Registration class name changes

Registration class name changes

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board is pleased to announce the outcome of the 2023 registration class names review. One of the big drivers behind the name change is the status quo does not make it clear to consumers what work practitioners are allowed to do, and under what level of supervision. 

Feedback from the consultation process showed strong support for the proposed name change. While we understand that not everyone felt a change was necessary, many shared that now is the right time to take this step. We heard it was a good opportunity to move to gender inclusive names for registration, which reflects a modern workforce. The Board would like to thank those that took the time to respond to the consultation, a summary of which can be read here.

After considering the feedback from consultation, the Board wrote to the Minister for Building and Construction recommending the names be changed. The Minister gave his approval and now the following changes will take place from 1 April 2025: 

·        Journeyman Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers will become Restricted Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers

·        Tradesman Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers will become Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers.

There is no change for Certifying Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers.

Information for practitioners

The name changes will automatically appear in your Trade Login. When you log in to renew your licence for 2025/2026, you will see the name change.

These names change will not apply to licences you have held before 1 April 2025.

Information for industry

Please update your systems and records with the new registration class names from 1 April 2025.

The Board has notified training providers and building consent authorities about the changes.

Information for consumers

While the registration class names are changing from 1 April 2025, it doesn’t change what work the person holding that licence type can and can’t do.

Three levels of qualification for plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers

Certifying: The highest level of qualification is “Certifying”. Certifying Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers can do all plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying work, supervise others doing this work, and certify or verify plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying. Before 1 April 2010, Certifiers were called Craftsmen.

Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers: The second level of qualification is “Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers”. Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers can do all plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying under the supervision of a certifying practitioner but are not required to work in the direct presence of their supervisor. They cannot certify or verify plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying. From 7 December 2016 until 1 April 2025, Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers were called Tradesmen Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers. Before 6 December 2016, they were called Licensed Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers. 

Restricted: The third level of qualification is “Restricted”. Restricted Plumbers and Drainlayers can do all plumbing and drainlaying work under the supervision of a certifying practitioner but are not required to work in the direct presence of their supervisor. Restricted Gasfitters can do all gasfitting work but cannot connect a gas appliance to the supply. They are not required to work in the direct presence of their supervisor. Restricted Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers cannot certify or verify plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying. Before 1 April 2025, Restricted Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers were called Journeymen Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers.

Trainees: Trainee Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers can do all plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying work under the supervision of a certifying practitioner. In their first 12 months, they can only work in the direct presence of their supervisor. They cannot verify or certify plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying.

Check out understanding registration and licence classes to find out more about licence types.

To check what type of licence a practitioner holds, search their details on the public register.

If you have any questions or concerns about the registration name class changes, please contact registration@pgdb.co.nz