In New Zealand, not all plumbers are legally allowed to do gas work — and the distinction matters for your safety and your home's compliance. Gas work is classified as restricted work under NZ law, meaning it can only be carried out by someone who holds the correct licence. Some tradespeople hold dual licences covering both plumbing and gasfitting, but you should always check before assuming your plumber can touch your gas system.
How Licensing Works in New Zealand
Trade licensing for plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers is governed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). The PGDB issues separate licences for each of these three trades, and a tradesperson must hold the relevant licence for each type of work they perform.
There are two key licence types to understand:
- Certifying Practitioner – can carry out and certify restricted work independently.
- Tradesperson – can carry out restricted work but must have it certified by a Certifying Practitioner.
Some tradespeople hold licences in more than one area — for example, a Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter is fully qualified to do both plumbing and gas work. However, a plumber who holds only a plumbing licence cannot legally perform gasfitting work, even if they feel confident doing so.
What Counts as Restricted Gas Work?
Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, gasfitting covers the installation, alteration, repair, or maintenance of any pipe, fitting, or appliance that uses natural gas or LPG. This includes:
- Installing or relocating a gas meter or regulator
- Running new gas pipework inside or outside your home
- Connecting a gas hob, oven, or cooktop to the gas supply
- Installing a gas hot water heater or gas fireplace
- Servicing or repairing a gas appliance
- Commissioning a new gas system
Homeowners are not permitted to carry out any of this work themselves. Even seemingly minor tasks — like swapping a gas hose on a cooktop — must be done by a licensed gasfitter. This is a firm legal requirement, not just a recommendation.
What Can a Homeowner Do?
As a homeowner, you can legally:
- Connect a portable LPG appliance (such as a BBQ) using a standard bayonet fitting or flexible hose that is already installed and certified
- Replace a bayonet-style gas fitting on a portable appliance in some circumstances — but if in doubt, check with a licensed gasfitter
For anything beyond this, you must engage a licensed professional. Attempting restricted gas work yourself can void your home insurance, create serious safety hazards, and result in legal liability.
How to Check If Your Tradesperson Is Licensed
Before any gas work begins, ask your tradesperson for their PGDB licence number and check it on the PGDB licence register. This takes only a minute and confirms they hold a current, valid licence for gasfitting. A reputable tradesperson will have no hesitation providing this information.
Once the work is complete, your gasfitter must issue you a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). Keep this document — you may need it when selling your home or making an insurance claim.
Does Gas Work Require a Building Consent?
Many gas installations are Schedule 1 exempt work under the Building Act and do not require a building consent — for example, replacing a like-for-like gas appliance. However, some work (such as installing a new gas fireplace or making significant changes to a gas system) may require consent. Always check with your local council before starting work, as requirements can vary. The MBIE Building Performance website has useful guidance on what requires consent.
NZ Climate and Gas Considerations
New Zealand homes use both natural gas (mainly in the North Island, where reticulated networks exist) and LPG (bottled gas, used throughout NZ including rural areas). The type of gas affects appliance settings and regulator requirements, so your gasfitter needs to know which supply you have. In colder South Island regions, gas heating is popular — making correctly installed and certified systems especially important for winter safety.
Safety Note
Gas leaks can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas:
- Do not operate any switches or appliances
- Open windows and doors
- Turn off the gas at the meter or cylinder if it is safe to do so
- Leave the building
- Call your gas supplier or WorkSafe NZ emergency line
Never ignore a suspected gas leak or attempt to find or fix it yourself.
When to Call a Professional
You should always hire a licensed gasfitter for any work involving your gas system. If you also need plumbing work done at the same time (such as fitting a new gas hot water system), look for a tradesperson who holds both a plumbing and gasfitting licence — this can save time and cost. You can find qualified, local gasfitters and plumbers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Certifying Plumber
