Plumbers, Gasfitters
and Drainlayers Board
Building Consent Authority
Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) play a key role in ensuring plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work is safe and compliant.
This page explains how the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (the Board) works with BCAs under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006, and how we support information sharing where there are concerns about licensing, supervision, or unsafe work.
The Board and BCAs have different statutory responsibilities, but a shared objective to protect public health and safety.
How the Board works with Building Consent Authorities
The Boards role
Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006, the Board is responsible for:
- Licensing and registration of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers
- Setting competence and supervision requirements
- Investigating concerns about licensed and unlicensed work
- Taking regulatory or disciplinary action where required
The BCAs role
BCAs are responsible for building consent processing, inspections, and code compliance under the Building Act 2004.
How we support BCAs
The Board supports BCAs by:
- Confirming licence status and registration details
- Providing guidance on licence classes, scope of work, and supervision
- Receiving notifications about unsafe or concerning work
- Assessing whether regulatory action is required
Raising concerns or making a complaint
Councils and Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) can contact the Board in two ways, depending on the issue.
Notify the Board of a concern
Use this option to share information without making a formal complaint.
This may be suitable where:
- Work appears unsafe or non‑compliant
- There are concerns about licensing, supervision, or scope of work
- You are unsure whether the matter meets the threshold for a complaint
Notifying the Board:
- Does not require you to be a complainant
- Does not automatically start an investigation
- Helps the Board assess risk and decide next steps
Make a formal complaint
Use this option where you believe regulatory or disciplinary action may be required, for example where concerns are serious, repeated, or systemic.
A formal complaint:
- Requires the complainant to be identified
- May lead to an investigation under the Act
Not sure which to use?
If you are unsure, you can start by notifying a concern.
The Board can discuss next steps if further action is required
Checking licences and understanding registration classes
What to look for when checking a licence
Registration numbers
Registration numbers are unique identifiers issued by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. These numbers are classed as private information, used for internal purposes only, and must not be shared. To prevent misuse, such as someone using another person's number to sign off official documents, the Board does not publish these numbers. This approach follows the Privacy Act 2020, which requires organisations to minimise the risk of misuse of unique identifiers.
Photos
The Board does not have legal authority to compel provision of a photo for an authorisation under the Act or Regulations.
Check the register
Consent issues
The Board can only get involved in consent matters when they point to a wider issue. If the concern is purely about the consent itself, that sits with the BCA. But if the consent issue suggests there may be problems with a practitioner's competence or compliance, then it can become part of our investigation.
See MBIE's Building Performance website for more information:
Producer statements | Building Performance
Guides for building officials | Building Performance
What to do if you find unsafe gasfitting work
Unsafe gasfitting work can present serious risks to life and property. Early identification and information sharing helps manage those risks.
If there is an immediate risk to life or property, BCAs should take appropriate action under their own processes and contact WorkSafe New Zealand where required, including for notifiable events.
Please also contact compliance@pgdb.co.nz within 5 working days with details of the incident.
Search for a disciplinary decision
As-built templates
Self-certification of plumbing and drainlaying work
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 BCAs as part of the building consent process.
We will engage with Councils on the Board's role in the scheme and publish information as details are finalised.
FAQs
Do BCAs enforce licensing or discipline practitioners?
No. Licensing and disciplinary action sit with the Board under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006. BCAs should notify the Board where licensing, supervision, or competence concerns are identified.
When should we contact the Board instead of WorkSafe?
Contact the Board where concerns relate to licensing, supervision, competence, or ongoing unsafe practices. WorkSafe should be contacted for immediate safety risks or notifiable events. In some cases, both agencies should be informed.
Can the Board confirm whether someone is licensed?
Yes. The Board can confirm licence status, classes, and conditions, and provide guidance on scope of work.
What happens after we notify the Board?
The Board will assess the information and decide the appropriate regulatory response. This may include education, competency review, investigation, or disciplinary action, depending on the risk and circumstances.
Should we wait until work is completed before notifying the Board?
No. Early notification is encouraged where there are safety concerns or repeated issues, so risks can be addressed sooner.
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