The short answer is: not for most of it. Installing a heat pump in New Zealand involves electrical and refrigerant work that is legally restricted to licensed professionals. Ventilation systems sit in a grey area — some basic work is fine for a handyman, but anything touching electrical wiring or refrigerant lines is off-limits. Here's what you need to know before hiring anyone for this kind of job.
Why Heat Pump Installation Is Restricted Work
A standard heat pump (also called a reverse-cycle air conditioner or mini-split system) has two main units — an indoor head unit and an outdoor compressor — connected by refrigerant lines and electrical cables. Installing one involves:
- Electrical wiring — connecting the unit to your home's electrical supply
- Refrigerant handling — joining and pressure-testing the refrigerant circuit
- Structural penetrations — drilling through walls for pipes and cables
The electrical work is restricted electrical work under the Electricity Act 1992. It must be carried out or supervised by a registered electrician and certified with an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC). You can check whether an electrician is registered at the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
Refrigerant handling is also regulated. Technicians working with refrigerants must hold the appropriate refrigerant handling licence under the Ozone Layer Protection Act. Most qualified heat pump installers (typically refrigeration and air conditioning technicians) hold both the necessary refrigerant and electrical certifications.
A general handyman — no matter how skilled — cannot legally perform these tasks unless they hold the relevant licences.
What About Ventilation Systems?
Ventilation systems vary widely, from simple bathroom exhaust fans to whole-home positive pressure ventilation (PPV) systems like HRV or DVS-style units.
Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
Replacing an existing exhaust fan on a like-for-like basis (same location, same wiring) may be considered low-risk electrical work in some situations, but this is a nuanced area. In practice, any work involving your home's fixed wiring should be done by a registered electrician. Check with the EWRB if you're unsure.
Whole-home ventilation systems (HRV, DVS-style)
These systems draw air from the roof space and distribute it through ducting. The duct installation and mounting of the unit may be within a handyman's scope, but the electrical connection must still be done by a registered electrician. Some suppliers require their own certified installers to maintain warranties — always check with the manufacturer.
Heat recovery ventilation (HRV/MHRV)
More complex systems with heat exchangers involve both ducting and electrical work. Again, electrical connections are restricted work.
What Can a Handyman Legally Do?
A handyman can legitimately help with supporting tasks around heat pump or ventilation installation, such as:
- Patching and making good around wall penetrations after a licensed installer has completed the job
- Mounting brackets or preparing surfaces (where no electrical or refrigerant work is involved)
- Installing ducting for ventilation systems (non-electrical portions)
- General carpentry to tidy up after installation
Think of the handyman as a great support trade — not the lead installer for this type of work.
Healthy Homes Standards and Why This Matters
If you're a landlord, the Healthy Homes Standards require rental properties to have adequate heating and ventilation. Getting this work done properly — by licensed professionals — means you'll have the paperwork (CoC, manufacturer warranty) to demonstrate compliance. Work done by an unlicensed person won't come with a CoC, which could expose you to liability.
Building Consent Considerations
Most standard heat pump installations don't require a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, but there are exceptions — for example, if significant structural work is involved or if the property is a heritage building. Always check with your local council before starting work. You can find general guidance at MBIE Building Performance.
When to Call a Professional
For heat pump installation, you need a qualified heat pump installer — typically a refrigeration and air conditioning technician who is also a registered electrician, or a team covering both trades. For ventilation systems, involve a registered electrician for any wiring. You can find qualified local tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Safety note: Unlicensed electrical work is illegal in New Zealand and can result in fines, voided insurance, and serious risk of fire or electrocution. Never let an unlicensed person connect a heat pump or ventilation unit to your home's wiring.
For peace of mind, look for installers who are members of recognised industry bodies and always ask to see their licence and the Certificate of Compliance once the job is done.
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