Finding a reputable concreter in New Zealand takes a little homework, but it's well worth the effort before you commit to a driveway, slab, or retaining wall project. A trustworthy concreter will be transparent about their experience, happy to provide references, and clear about what's included in their quote. Here's what to look for.
Check Whether a Building Consent Is Required
Before you even start calling concreters, it's worth understanding whether your project needs a building consent. Many concrete jobs — such as a standard residential driveway or a small garden path — fall under Schedule 1 exemptions and don't require consent. However, concrete retaining walls over a certain height (check with your local council for the applicable threshold), or any structural concrete work, typically do require consent under the NZ Building Code.
Always confirm with your local council before work begins. You can find guidance on consent requirements from MBIE Building Performance.
Look for a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
For restricted building work — which includes structural concrete elements — your concreter must be a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). You can search the LBP register online to verify their licence is current and covers the relevant work class relevant to the work being carried out (check the LBP register at lbp.govt.nz for current licence classes).
Not all concrete work is restricted, but hiring an LBP for any significant project gives you an important layer of protection. If something goes wrong with restricted work carried out by an unlicensed person, your insurance and legal recourse can be seriously compromised.
Ask for References and a Portfolio
A reputable concreter should be able to show you:
- Photos of completed projects similar to yours
- Contact details for past clients who are happy to be called
- Evidence of work in your local area and climate conditions
NZ's climate varies significantly — from the wet, humid conditions of Northland to the freeze-thaw cycles of Central Otago. A good concreter will understand how local conditions affect mix design, curing times, and finishing. Don't hesitate to ring a reference and ask directly about the quality of work and how any issues were handled.
Get Multiple Written Quotes
Always get at least two or three written quotes before deciding. A detailed quote should include:
| Item | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Concrete specification | Mix strength (e.g. 25 MPa), aggregate size |
| Thickness | Minimum 100 mm for driveways, more for heavy loads |
| Reinforcing | Mesh or rebar included? |
| Sub-base preparation | Depth of compacted fill specified |
| Finishing | Broom, exposed aggregate, polish? |
| Curing method | How and for how long |
| Timeframe | Start and completion dates |
| Payment terms | Avoid paying 100% upfront |
Be cautious of quotes that are significantly cheaper than others — this can signal corners being cut on materials, reinforcing, or sub-base preparation, all of which affect long-term performance.
Verify Insurance Cover
Always ask whether the concreter holds public liability insurance and, if they have employees, employer's liability cover. A reputable operator will provide proof of insurance without hesitation. If something goes wrong on your property — a cracked water main, damage to a neighbour's fence, or an injury on site — you need to know you're protected.
WorkSafe NZ sets out health and safety obligations for contractors working on your property, and it's worth understanding your own responsibilities as a homeowner (PCBU duties can apply in some situations).
Check Reviews and Trade Directories
Online reviews on Google, Facebook, and trade directories can give you a useful snapshot of a concreter's reputation. Look for patterns across multiple reviews rather than focusing on a single glowing or negative comment. Tradespeople listed on tradedirectory.co.nz can be browsed and compared, making it easier to find local concreters with verified profiles.
Use a Written Contract
Never proceed on a handshake alone. A written contract protects both you and the concreter. It should cover the scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and what happens if variations are needed. Consumer NZ has useful guidance on your rights when hiring tradespeople, including what to do if a dispute arises.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Requests for full payment upfront
- No written quote or contract offered
- Unwilling to provide references
- No verifiable business address or NZ GST number
- Pressure to start immediately without proper planning
- Vague specifications (e.g. no mention of concrete strength or reinforcing)
When to Call a Professional
Concrete work is physically demanding and technically precise — getting the mix, pour, and finish right requires experience. For anything beyond a very small DIY project (such as a garden stepping stone), it's strongly recommended to hire a qualified concreter. For structural concrete work, hiring an LBP is a legal requirement. You can find reputable local concreters on tradedirectory.co.nz.
If your project involves drainage, plumbing penetrations through a slab, or electrical conduit, those elements must be handled by the relevant licensed tradespeople — a registered plumber or drainlayer and a registered electrician respectively.
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