Yes, a single tradesperson in New Zealand can absolutely hold both a plumbing licence and a gasfitting licence — and many do. These licences are issued separately by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB), but there is nothing stopping a qualified individual from earning and holding more than one. In fact, it is quite common for experienced tradespeople to be licensed across two or even all three of the trades the PGDB regulates: plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying.
How Licensing Works in New Zealand
All three trades — plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying — are restricted trades under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. This means that certain work can only be carried out (or supervised) by someone who holds the appropriate current licence or is a certifying practitioner. The PGDB is the statutory body responsible for registering and licensing practitioners in all three areas.
Each licence is earned separately through its own training pathway, assessment, and registration process. A tradesperson who wants to hold both a plumbing and a gasfitting licence must meet the competency requirements for each discipline individually. There is no shortcut — but the pathways can be completed concurrently or sequentially during an apprenticeship.
The Three Licence Classes
The PGDB issues licences at different levels for each trade:
| Licence Type | What It Allows |
|---|---|
| Licensed (Plumbing, Gasfitting, or Drainlaying) | Carry out restricted work in that trade |
| Certifying | Carry out and certify completed restricted work (highest level) |
A tradesperson can hold, for example, a Certifying Plumber licence and a Certifying Gasfitter licence simultaneously — check the PGDB website for the exact current licence class names. When you hire someone with dual certification, they can legally complete and sign off on both the plumbing and gasfitting aspects of a job — which is very convenient for projects like installing a gas hot water system or fitting out a kitchen with both gas cooking and new water connections.
Why Dual Licensing Is Common
Plumbing and gasfitting work overlaps frequently in residential settings. Think about:
- Installing or replacing a gas hot water cylinder or heat pump hot water system
- Connecting a gas cooktop where new water lines are also needed
- Fitting out a new bathroom that includes a gas instantaneous water heater
- Relocating gas and water lines during a renovation
Because these tasks often happen together, many tradespeople choose to qualify in both areas so they can offer a complete service without needing to bring in a second contractor. This can save homeowners time and money.
What Is Restricted Work?
Under NZ law, restricted work in gasfitting includes anything involving the installation, alteration, repair, or maintenance of gas installations — from the meter to the appliance. For plumbing, restricted work covers sanitary plumbing, water supply, and related systems inside a building.
Homeowners cannot legally carry out restricted gasfitting or plumbing work themselves, even on their own property. This is a firm legal requirement, not just a recommendation. Unlicensed gas work in particular carries serious safety risks — including fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning — and could also void your home insurance. Always check that anyone doing this work holds a current licence; you can verify a practitioner's licence status on the PGDB website.
Checking Your Tradesperson's Credentials
Before work begins, it is good practice to:
- Ask to see their licence or look them up on the PGDB's online register
- Confirm they hold the correct licence class for the work being done (certifying, not just journeyman, if they need to sign off the work)
- Ensure they will provide a Certificate of Compliance on completion — this is a legal requirement for restricted work and important for insurance and future property sales
For larger projects that also involve structural work, check whether a building consent is required through your local council. Some plumbing and gasfitting work is exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, but always confirm with your council rather than assuming.
Does Dual Licensing Affect Cost?
Hiring a tradesperson with both licences does not necessarily cost more than hiring two separate contractors — in fact, it can be more economical because you are paying for one call-out, one set of travel time, and one project manager. As a rough guide, licensed gasfitters and plumbers in NZ charge varying hourly rates depending on region and complexity, though rates vary by region and complexity. Always get at least two or three quotes.
When to Call a Professional
Any time gas pipework, gas appliances, sanitary plumbing, or water supply connections are involved, you must use a licensed tradesperson. This is not optional — it is the law under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. If your project involves both plumbing and gasfitting, look for a tradesperson (or company) that holds both licences. You can find qualified local professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
For guidance on healthy homes standards that relate to heating and hot water, Tenancy Services is a useful resource for landlords and tenants alike.
Certifying Plumber
