Yes, a single tradesperson in New Zealand can be both a licensed plumber and a licensed gasfitter — and many are. However, plumbing and gasfitting are legally separate trades, each requiring its own registration and licence under New Zealand law. Understanding the difference helps you hire the right person for the job and stay on the right side of the Building Code.
How Licensing Works in New Zealand
All plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers in New Zealand are regulated by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). The PGDB issues separate licences for each of the three trades:
- Plumbing — covers water supply, sanitary plumbing, and drainage inside buildings
- Gasfitting — covers the installation, alteration, and maintenance of gas appliances and pipework
- Drainlaying — covers underground drainage and sewerage connections
A tradesperson must complete separate training and assessment for each licence they hold. Many experienced tradespeople do hold two or even all three licences, making them a very convenient one-stop shop for homeowners.
What Is Restricted Work?
Both plumbing and gasfitting involve restricted work — tasks that are legally required to be carried out (or supervised) by a licensed practitioner. This is set out in the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006.
Restricted plumbing work includes:
- Installing or altering sanitary fixtures (toilets, basins, showers)
- Connecting to the water supply or drainage system
- Any work on hot water cylinders or pipework
Restricted gasfitting work includes:
- Installing, altering, or repairing gas appliances (hobs, heaters, hot water systems)
- Running new gas pipework
- Commissioning or decommissioning gas installations
As a homeowner, you cannot legally carry out restricted work yourself, regardless of your DIY skills. Doing so can void your home insurance, create serious safety hazards, and cause issues when you sell your property. Always check with the PGDB if you are unsure whether a specific task is restricted.
Why One Person Holding Both Licences Is Handy
Many common home projects involve both trades at once. A kitchen renovation, for example, might require new water connections for the sink and a gas connection for a new cooktop. If your tradesperson holds both a plumbing and gasfitting licence, they can complete the entire job without you needing to coordinate two separate contractors.
Similarly, installing a gas hot water system involves both gasfitting (connecting the gas supply) and plumbing (connecting the water pipework). A dual-licensed tradesperson can handle both sides legally and efficiently.
How to Check Your Tradesperson's Licence
Before any work begins, it is good practice to verify that your tradesperson holds the correct licence for the specific work being done. You can search the public register on the PGDB website to confirm a tradesperson's current licence status and which trades they are licensed in. A legitimate tradesperson will be happy for you to check.
Always ask for a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) once restricted work is completed. This is a legal document your tradesperson must provide, confirming the work meets the requirements of the NZ Building Code and relevant standards. Keep it safe — you will need it if you sell your home or make an insurance claim.
Building Consents and Gasfitting
Some gasfitting and plumbing work may require a building consent from your local council before work starts. Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, certain minor work is exempt, but the rules can be complex and vary by council. Always check with your local council or visit MBIE Building Performance to confirm whether consent is needed for your project before work begins.
For rental properties, landlords also need to be aware of Healthy Homes Standards, which include requirements around heating — some of which may involve gas appliances.
Safety First
Gas is a hazardous substance. Poorly installed or maintained gas appliances can cause fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Never attempt to connect, alter, or repair gas appliances yourself. If you smell gas, leave the building immediately, avoid operating any switches, and call your gas network operator or 111. WorkSafe NZ provides guidance on gas safety at worksafe.govt.nz.
When to Call a Professional
You should always call a licensed tradesperson for:
- Any new gas appliance installation or alteration
- Connecting or altering water supply or drainage
- Hot water cylinder replacement or repair
- Any work that requires a Certificate of Compliance
If your job involves both plumbing and gasfitting, look for a tradesperson who holds both licences — it will save you time and coordination. You can find qualified local plumbers and gasfitters in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) — licence register and consumer information
- MBIE Building Performance — NZ Building Code and consent guidance
- WorkSafe NZ — gas and workplace safety
- Tenancy Services — Healthy Homes — rental property heating and compliance
- BRANZ — building research and best practice guidance
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