Plumbers, Gasfitters
and Drainlayers Board
Self-certification
Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying
In April 2025, the Minister for Building and Construction announced that Government will be introducing a self-certification scheme for plumbing and drainlaying. The scheme will allow eligible practitioners to certify their own straightforward plumbing and drainlaying work, removing the need for this work to be inspected by the Council as part of the building consent process.
Watch the 17 November 2025 Webinar
Important dates
11 November 2025 - Bill to amend PGD Act and Building Act introduced to Parliament.
18 November - Bill passed first reading and was referred to Transport and Infrastructure Committee
March 2026 - Select Committee reports back on the Bill, Second Reading, Third Reading, Royal Assent. New regulations lodged for approval. Board notice drafted and approved for consultation.
April 2026 - Regulations commence. Consultation on Board notice.
May 2026 - Board notice finalised, approved by Board, approved by Minister. Board notice published.
June 2026 - Board notice comes into effect.
July 2026 - Self-certification scheme commences.
Submissions are now open
The Building and Construction Sector (Self-certification by Plumber and Drainlayers) Amendment Bill passed its First Reading on 18 November 2025.
The Bill has been referred to Select Committee and is now open for submissions.
Submissions close on 8 January 2026.
Stay up to date
Subscribe to Info Brief, the Board's monthly newsletter, to stay up to date.
If you have any questions about the self-certification scheme contact the Board at comms@pgdb.co.nz
Webinars
Webinar: Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying - 17 November 2025
Questions and answers from webinar
Granny flats vs Self-certification: Overview for Plumbers and Drainlayers
The Board is aware of confusion around the difference between the Granny Flats exemption and the proposed self-certification scheme. While both aim to reduce delays and improve efficiency, they apply to different types of work and have different rules.
- Granny Flats: No consent or inspections required for plumbing/drainlaying in small standalone dwellings. Any authorised person can do the work.
- Self-Certification: Consent still required. Endorsed certifying plumbers and drainlayers can self-certify their own work instead of BCA inspections.
These are two separate schemes, with different legal pathways and responsibilities on the plumber/drainlayer. The Board will provide further guidance as each scheme is finalised.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I self-certify plumbing or drainlaying work in a Granny Flat?
No. Granny Flats fall under a separate scheme that does not require a building consent or inspections. You do not need to self-certify this work — but you must still be authorised to carry it out.
Q: Why is a Granny Flat treated differently from other residential work?
Granny Flats are considered low-risk, small standalone dwellings. The Government has chosen to exempt them from the building consent process entirely. Other residential work still requires a consent — which is where self-certification applies.
Q: Will the two schemes eventually be merged?
No - that is not the intention. They are designed to work in parallel, but they serve different purposes. The Board will continue to work with MBIE to ensure they are aligned where appropriate, especially around scope and eligibility.
Q: What if a Granny Flat is part of a larger consented build?
If the Granny Flat is included in a consented project, the self-certification scheme may apply to the plumbing/drainlaying work — but only if the work meets the “certifiable” definition that will be set in regulations and the plumber/drainlayer is endorsed.
Q: Are stormwater or wastewater pumps included in either scheme?
These are generally excluded from both schemes due to their complexity and risk. Final scope will be confirmed in regulations and technical guidance.
Q: Who is responsible for oversight of Granny Flats plumbing work?
The Board will continue to regulate who can carry out plumbing and drainlaying work. MBIE sets the policy and legal framework. There are no BCA inspections for Granny Flats, but plumbers/drainlayers must still meet the Board's licensing requirements.
Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying
31 Oct 2025
News: Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying
29 Oct 2025
Results from Board survey on self-certification
30 Sep 2025