Cabinet makers are skilled craftspeople who design, build, and install cabinetry — but when it comes to plumbing and electrical connections, the law in New Zealand is clear: those tasks must be carried out by licensed professionals. Understanding who does what will help your renovation run smoothly and keep you on the right side of the NZ Building Code.
What a Cabinet Maker Actually Does
A cabinet maker's core role is to measure, construct, and install fitted cabinetry. In a kitchen or bathroom renovation, that typically includes:
- Designing and building custom or flat-pack cabinetry to suit your space
- Installing wall and base units, pantries, vanities, and wardrobes
- Fitting benchtops (laminate, stone, timber, or solid surface)
- Installing doors, drawers, hinges, handles, and soft-close mechanisms
- Scribing cabinets to fit against walls, floors, and ceilings
- Coordinating cut-outs for sinks, cooktops, and rangehoods
A good cabinet maker will work closely with your other tradespeople to make sure everything lines up — but they stop short of making live connections to water or electricity.
Plumbing: What Is Restricted Work?
In New Zealand, plumbing work is regulated under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. Connecting or disconnecting water supply lines, waste pipes, and drainage is restricted work that must be carried out (or supervised) by a licensed plumber registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board.
For a kitchen or bathroom fit-out, a licensed plumber will typically:
- Connect the sink or basin to the water supply and waste
- Install or relocate tapware and waste traps
- Connect dishwashers and washing machines to water and waste lines
- Commission any new or moved drainage
Your cabinet maker will cut the sink hole in the benchtop and position the cabinet, but the plumber makes the final connections. These two trades need to coordinate their timing carefully — benchtops usually go in before the plumber returns to connect the sink.
Electrical: What Is Restricted Work?
Electrical work in New Zealand is governed by the Electricity Act 1992 and associated regulations. Connecting or disconnecting wiring, installing power points, hardwiring appliances, and any work on your switchboard is restricted work that must be done by a registered electrician — check the Electrical Workers Registration Board to verify a sparky's registration.
For cabinetry projects, a registered electrician will handle:
- Installing or relocating power points and USB outlets inside or near cabinetry
- Hardwiring rangehoods, ovens, and cooktops
- Wiring under-cabinet LED lighting and connecting it to the mains
- Installing and connecting extractor fans in bathrooms
A cabinet maker can fit the physical housing for under-cabinet lights or a rangehood, but the electrical connection must be made by a registered electrician.
Do You Need a Building Consent?
Many kitchen and bathroom renovations fall under Schedule 1 exemptions to the Building Act 2004, meaning a building consent may not be required — but this depends on the scope of work, particularly if walls are being moved or new wet areas created. MBIE Building Performance has guidance on what's exempt, but always confirm with your local council before starting work. Your cabinet maker or project manager can help you work out what's needed.
How the Trades Work Together
A well-run renovation typically follows a logical sequence:
| Stage | Who Does It |
|---|---|
| Design and measure | Cabinet maker |
| Rough-in plumbing and electrical | Plumber and electrician |
| Cabinet and benchtop installation | Cabinet maker |
| Final plumbing connections | Plumber |
| Final electrical connections | Electrician |
| Splashback and finishing | Tiler / cabinet maker |
Communication between trades is key. A good cabinet maker will often help coordinate this sequence, especially on a full kitchen renovation.
What About Flat-Pack Kitchens?
If you're installing a flat-pack kitchen from a retailer like Bunnings or Mitre 10, a homeowner can legally assemble and position the cabinets themselves. However, the same rules apply: you still need a licensed plumber and registered electrician to make the water and electrical connections. Attempting restricted work yourself is illegal, can void your home insurance, and creates serious safety risks.
Safety note: Never attempt to connect or disconnect plumbing or electrical services yourself unless you are licensed to do so. Unlicensed electrical work is a fire and electrocution hazard, and unlicensed plumbing work can cause flooding, contamination, and structural damage.
When to Call a Professional
For any kitchen, bathroom, laundry, or joinery project involving cabinetry:
- Hire a qualified cabinet maker for design, construction, and installation of all cabinetry and benchtops
- Hire a licensed plumber (PGDB registered) for all water supply, waste, and drainage connections
- Hire a registered electrician (EWRB registered) for all wiring, power points, and appliance connections
- Check with your local council if you're unsure whether your project needs a building consent
For peace of mind, look for tradespeople who are Licensed Building Practitioners where applicable, and always ask to see their current registration. You can find qualified local cabinet makers, plumbers, and electricians on tradedirectory.co.nz.
