How Do I Check Whether a Plasterer Holds Public Liability Insurance in NZ?

Hiring a plasterer without checking their public liability insurance is a risk most NZ homeowners don't realise they're taking. If something goes wrong — a cracked wall, a water leak caused by poor workmanship, or an injury on your property — you could be left footing the bill. The good news is that checking a plasterer's insurance is straightforward once you know what to ask.

Why Public Liability Insurance Matters

Public liability insurance protects you (and the tradesperson) if their work causes property damage or personal injury to a third party. For example, if a plasterer accidentally damages your flooring, breaks a window, or their scaffolding injures a visitor, their public liability policy should cover the costs of repair or compensation.

Without this cover, you may need to pursue the tradesperson personally for damages — which can be slow, stressful, and sometimes fruitless if they don't have the funds to pay. Consumer NZ recommends always confirming insurance before signing any contract with a tradesperson.

What to Ask the Plasterer Directly

The simplest first step is to ask the plasterer directly before they start work. A reputable tradesperson will have no hesitation providing this information. Ask for:

• The name of their insurer
• Their policy number
• The level of cover (most residential plasterers carry at least $1 million, though $2 million or more is common for larger jobs)
• The policy expiry date — make sure it covers the full duration of your project

Request a copy of their Certificate of Currency (sometimes called a Certificate of Insurance). This is a one-page document issued by the insurer that confirms the policy is active. Any legitimate insurer will provide this on request.

How to Verify the Certificate Is Genuine

Once you have the certificate, take these steps to confirm it's real:

1. Contact the insurer directly — use the phone number or website you find independently (not one printed on the certificate) and quote the policy number to confirm it's current.
2. Check the policy holder's name matches the business or individual you're hiring.
3. Check the trade or activity covered — some policies exclude certain types of plastering work (e.g. exterior stucco systems or multi-storey work), so read the description carefully.
4. Note the expiry date — a policy that lapses mid-project leaves you unprotected for the remainder of the work.

Does NZ Law Require Plasterers to Hold Insurance?

In New Zealand, public liability insurance is not legally mandatory for plasterers. Unlike electricians (regulated by the Electrical Workers Registration Board) or plumbers and gasfitters (regulated by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board), plastering is not a licensed trade under NZ law. This means there is no central register you can check for insurance status.

However, if your plasterer is a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), you can look them up on the Licensed Building Practitioners register. While the LBP scheme doesn't mandate insurance either, LBPs are bound by a code of ethics and professional standards, which adds a layer of accountability.

For work that falls under the NZ Building Code — such as plastering that forms part of an exterior cladding system (relevant to clause E2 around weathertightness and external moisture) — a building consent may be required. Check with your local council before work begins, as consented work carries additional obligations for both you and the tradesperson.

Red Flags to Watch For

• The plasterer refuses to provide a Certificate of Currency or becomes evasive when asked
• The certificate looks unprofessional or the insurer's name is unfamiliar — verify independently
• The policy expired or the cover amount seems very low for the scope of work
• They ask you to pay the full amount upfront before providing any documentation

Protecting Yourself Further

Beyond insurance, consider these additional steps:

• Get everything in writing — a written contract should include the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and confirmation that the tradesperson holds current insurance.
• Check references — ask for two or three recent jobs you can follow up on.
• Use a reputable directory — finding a plasterer through a trusted source like tradedirectory.co.nz means you're starting with tradespeople who have been listed for their professionalism.
• Understand your own home insurance — check with your insurer whether your policy covers damage caused by contractors. Some policies do; others require the contractor's own liability cover to respond first.

For guidance on building work standards and what's required under the NZ Building Code, MBIE Building Performance is the authoritative source.

When to Call a Professional

Plastering itself is not restricted work in NZ, but certain associated tasks are. Any electrical work (e.g. relocating light fittings or switches during a renovation) must be done by a registered electrician under the EWRB. Any plumbing or drainage work must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson registered with the PGDB. Never allow an unqualified person to carry out these tasks, regardless of what the plasterer offers.

For the plastering itself, while a competent DIYer can patch small areas, larger jobs — particularly exterior plastering, texture coating, or work forming part of a weathertight cladding system — are best left to an experienced professional. You can find qualified local plasterers on tradedirectory.co.nz.

Sources & Further Reading

• Consumer NZ – Hiring a Tradesperson
• Licensed Building Practitioners – LBP Register
• MBIE Building Performance – NZ Building Code
• BRANZ – Building Research
• WorkSafe NZ – Health & Safety on Worksites