Adding a gas point to your garage workshop is absolutely possible in New Zealand — but the installation itself is restricted work that must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter. You cannot legally do this yourself, no matter how handy you are. Here's what you need to know before you start planning.
Why Gas Work Is Restricted in NZ
Under the Gas Act 1992 and associated regulations, all gas fitting work — including installing, altering, or connecting any gas pipework or appliances — is classified as restricted work. Only a person registered and licensed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) is legally permitted to carry out this work.
This isn't just red tape. Gas leaks and improper installations can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The consequences of getting it wrong are severe, which is why the law is strict.
What a homeowner CAN do
As a homeowner, you are generally permitted to:
- Connect or disconnect a gas appliance that uses a plug-in bayonet fitting (the quick-connect fittings common on BBQs and some heaters), provided no pipework is altered
- Move a portable LPG appliance from one location to another
That's essentially it. Any work involving pipework, new gas points, regulators, or fixed appliances must be done by a licensed professional.
Do You Need a Building Consent?
Installing a new gas point in a garage workshop may also trigger a building consent requirement, depending on the scope of work. Under the NZ Building Code, gas installations must comply with relevant standards, and your local council may require consent for new gas infrastructure.
Some minor work falls under Schedule 1 exemptions of the Building Act 2004, but gas work exemptions are narrow. Always check with your local council before starting — don't assume your project is exempt. Your licensed gasfitter will also be familiar with consent requirements and can advise you.
The installation must comply with NZS 5261 (Gas Installation), which covers everything from pipe sizing and materials to ventilation and appliance clearances.
Garage-Specific Considerations
Garages present some unique challenges for gas installations that a qualified gasfitter will assess:
Ventilation
Garages are often poorly ventilated. Any gas appliance — whether a workshop heater, forge, or gas-powered tool — produces combustion gases. Adequate ventilation is not optional; it's a safety and code requirement. Carbon monoxide is odourless and can be fatal.
LPG vs Natural Gas
In many NZ locations, natural gas (reticulated) is only available in certain urban areas. If you're outside those zones, you'll be looking at LPG (bottled gas). LPG is heavier than air and can pool at floor level in an enclosed garage — a serious explosion risk if there's a leak. Your gasfitter will size and position everything appropriately.
Proximity to Hazards
Workshops often contain flammable materials — solvents, timber, oils. Your gasfitter will assess clearances and help you choose the safest location for the gas point and any appliances.
Earthquake Considerations
New Zealand's seismic environment means gas installations must be robust. Flexible connectors and proper pipe support are essential, particularly in higher seismic zones.
What the Installation Process Looks Like
Here's a general overview of what to expect when you engage a licensed gasfitter:
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Site assessment | Gasfitter inspects your garage, existing supply, and intended use |
| Design & quoting | Pipework route, gas point location, and appliance requirements are planned |
| Consent (if required) | Application lodged with council if needed |
| Installation | Licensed gasfitter installs pipework, fittings, and gas point |
| Testing & certification | System is pressure-tested and a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is issued |
| Inspection | Council inspection if a building consent was required |
The Certificate of Compliance is an important document — keep it safe. It confirms the work was done to the required standard and may be needed if you sell your home.
Rough Cost Guide
As a very rough guide only, adding a single gas point in a garage might cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars (if close to an existing supply) to well over a thousand dollars if significant pipework is needed. Get at least two or three quotes from licensed gasfitters, as pricing varies considerably depending on your location, the complexity of the job, and whether consent is required.
Safety Note
⚠️ Never attempt to modify, extend, or connect gas pipework yourself. If you ever smell gas, leave the area immediately, avoid operating any switches or flames, and call your gas supplier's emergency line. WorkSafe NZ has guidance on gas safety in workplaces, which is also relevant for home workshops.
When to Call a Professional
For any gas work beyond connecting a plug-in bayonet fitting, you must call a licensed gasfitter — it's the law. A qualified gasfitter will ensure your installation is safe, compliant with NZS 5261 and the NZ Building Code, and properly certified. You can find licensed gasfitters in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always confirm your tradesperson is registered with the PGDB before work begins — you can search their register online.
Certifying Plumber
