Yes — a licensed gasfitter in New Zealand can absolutely refuse to certify gas work carried out by an unlicensed person, and in many cases it is the right and responsible thing for them to do. Understanding why this happens, and what it means for you as a homeowner, can save you significant time, money, and risk.
Why Certification Matters for Gas Work
In New Zealand, gas installation and commissioning work is restricted work under the Gas Act 1992 and the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. This means it must be carried out — and certified — by a person who holds the appropriate licence issued by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
Certification is not just a formality. When a licensed gasfitter signs off on work, they are legally declaring that the installation complies with the relevant standards — primarily NZS 5261 (Gas Installation) — and that it is safe to operate. This is a serious professional and legal responsibility.
Can a Gasfitter Legally Refuse?
Yes. A licensed gasfitter is not obligated to certify work they did not carry out themselves, especially if that work was done by an unlicensed person. Here's why:
- Professional liability: By certifying work, the gasfitter takes on legal responsibility for its safety and compliance. If something goes wrong — a gas leak, a fire, or worse — the certifier can be held liable.
- Ethical duty: A gasfitter's licence is their livelihood. Certifying substandard or non-compliant work puts their registration at risk.
- Unknown quality: If the gasfitter did not witness the work being done, they cannot verify what materials were used, how joints were made, or whether the installation meets code.
The PGDB takes a dim view of licensed practitioners who certify work they have not inspected or cannot vouch for. In practice, most reputable gasfitters will decline to certify work they did not personally carry out or supervise.
What If a Gasfitter Agrees to Inspect and Certify?
Some licensed gasfitters may agree to inspect unlicensed work and certify it if they are satisfied it meets the required standard after a thorough inspection and any necessary remediation. However:
- They are entitled to charge for their time and any testing required.
- They may require portions of the work to be opened up, pressure-tested, or redone before they will sign off.
- They can still refuse at any point if they are not confident the work is compliant.
This is entirely at the gasfitter's discretion. There is no rule that compels them to certify another person's work.
The Real Risk of Unlicensed Gas Work
Gas is one of the most hazardous services in any home. Poorly installed gas fittings can cause:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning (a silent, odourless killer)
- Gas leaks leading to fire or explosion
- Appliance malfunction and property damage
Beyond the physical danger, unlicensed gas work can:
- Void your home insurance — insurers routinely decline claims where non-compliant work is found to be a contributing factor.
- Create issues when selling your home — uncertified work will likely be flagged during a pre-sale inspection.
- Result in fines — carrying out restricted gas work without a licence is an offence under NZ law. Check the MBIE Building Performance website for more on compliance obligations.
Safety note: If you suspect gas work in your home has been done by an unlicensed person and has not been certified, do not use the appliance or installation. Contact a licensed gasfitter immediately, or call your gas retailer if you smell gas.
What Homeowners Can and Cannot Do
Under NZ law, homeowners cannot carry out their own gas work, even on their own property. This is different from some electrical rules where owner-occupiers have limited DIY rights. Gas work is fully restricted — full stop.
What you can do as a homeowner:
- Connect and disconnect a bayonet-style LPG fitting on a portable appliance (such as a BBQ) — this is a simple push-and-click connection, not an installation.
- Report concerns about unlicensed work to the PGDB.
Everything else — running gas pipe, connecting appliances, commissioning systems — must be done by a licensed gasfitter. Always check that your tradesperson holds a current licence on the PGDB register before work begins.
When to Call a Professional
You should contact a licensed gasfitter if:
- Any gas work has been done in your home without certification.
- You are buying or selling a property and cannot locate gas compliance certificates.
- You want to add, move, or alter any gas appliance or pipework.
- You smell gas or suspect a leak (in this case, evacuate and call your gas supplier first).
You can find qualified, licensed gasfitters in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always ask to see their PGDB licence number before work starts.
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