Yes, a renderer can provide a producer statement for consent-required work in New Zealand — but only if they hold the appropriate Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence. Without that licence, a renderer cannot legally sign off restricted building work or supply a producer statement that a building consent authority (your local council) will accept.
What Is a Producer Statement?
A producer statement is a written declaration from a suitably qualified tradesperson confirming that the work they carried out (or designed) complies with the NZ Building Code and the relevant consent documents. It is not a substitute for a building consent, but it is a key piece of documentation that councils often require before issuing a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
Producer statements come in several types:
- PS1 – Design statement (from the designer)
- PS2 – Design review (peer review)
- PS3 – Construction statement (from the tradesperson doing the work)
- PS4 – Construction review (inspection by a third party)
For a renderer on a consent-required job, the relevant type is typically a PS3, confirming that the plastering or rendering work was carried out in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, and the Building Code.
When Is Rendering Consent-Required?
Not all rendering work requires a building consent. However, consent is commonly required when rendering is part of:
- New external wall cladding systems on a new build or significant alteration
- Recladding work (especially on leaky building remediation projects)
- Structural or weathertightness-critical assemblies governed by Building Code clause E2 (External Moisture)
- Work on multi-unit or commercial buildings
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists certain exemptions for minor work, but these are narrow. Always confirm with your local council whether your specific project needs consent before starting. Do not assume work is exempt.
Does a Renderer Need an LBP Licence to Provide a Producer Statement?
Yes. Under the Licensed Building Practitioners scheme, rendering that forms part of the weathertight envelope of a building is classified as restricted building work (RBW). Only an LBP with the correct licence class can carry out or supervise RBW — and only they can provide a producer statement for that work.
The relevant LBP licence class for renderers is typically Exterior Plastering. You can check whether a tradesperson holds a current LBP licence on the Licensed Building Practitioners register.
If a renderer does not hold an LBP licence:
- They cannot legally carry out restricted building work on their own
- They cannot sign a producer statement
- The building owner may face difficulties obtaining a CCC
- The building owner themselves may need to take on the role of owner-builder (with specific limitations)
What the Producer Statement Process Looks Like
Here is a simplified overview of how the process typically works on a consent-required rendering job:
| Step | Who Is Responsible |
|---|---|
| Building consent application lodged | Building owner / designer |
| Consent granted by council (BCA) | Council |
| LBP renderer carries out the work | Licensed renderer |
| PS3 producer statement prepared | LBP renderer |
| PS3 submitted to council with inspection request | Building owner / renderer |
| Council reviews and issues CCC | Council |
The renderer should keep detailed records of the products used, the substrate preparation, the number of coats applied, and any manufacturer specifications followed. BRANZ publishes good practice guides for plastering and rendering that are widely referenced in producer statements and consent documentation.
What Products and Standards Are Typically Referenced?
A producer statement for rendering work will often reference:
- NZS 3604 (Timber-framed buildings) where applicable
- Building Code clause E2 for external moisture management
- Manufacturer's specifications for the render system used (e.g., Sika or Ardex system documents)
- BRANZ appraisals for proprietary render systems
Using a render system that holds a current BRANZ Appraisal makes the producer statement process more straightforward, as the system's compliance pathway is already established.
When to Call a Professional
If your project involves consent-required rendering work, you should engage a licensed LBP renderer from the outset — not after the work is done. Trying to retrospectively obtain a producer statement for work carried out by an unlicensed person is very difficult and may result in the council requiring the work to be opened up for inspection or even redone.
A qualified LBP renderer will:
- Understand the consent conditions and what compliance looks like
- Keep the records needed to support a PS3
- Liaise with the council inspector on your behalf
- Help avoid costly delays to your CCC
You can find licensed renderers and plasterers in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always ask to see their LBP licence number and verify it on the LBP register before engaging them for consent-required work.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
