How Do I Know If a Gasfitting Job Requires a Building Consent in NZ?

Most gasfitting work in New Zealand requires a licensed professional, but whether it also needs a building consent depends on the nature and scope of the job. As a general rule, work that involves installing new gas infrastructure, altering existing systems, or adding new appliances to a building may trigger consent requirements — but there are exemptions. The safest first step is always to check with your local council and engage a licensed gasfitter.

The Two Separate Requirements to Understand

It's important to understand that gasfitting work in NZ sits under two different regulatory frameworks:

• Restricted trade work – Under the Gas Act 1992, most gasfitting must be carried out by a person licensed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). This applies regardless of whether a building consent is needed.
• Building consent – Under the Building Act 2004 and the NZ Building Code, certain building work (including some gasfitting) requires a consent from your local council before work begins.

These two requirements are independent of each other. A job can require both, one, or neither — though it will almost always require a licensed gasfitter.

What Gasfitting Work Typically Requires a Building Consent?

Building consent is generally required for gasfitting work that involves new installations or significant alterations to a building's gas system. Common examples include:

• Installing a new gas line or reticulation system in a building
• Adding a new gas meter or connection point
• Installing a gas fireplace or flued gas heater that requires penetrations through walls or ceilings
• Installing a gas water heater where new pipework is being run
• Converting a building from one fuel type to another (e.g., LPG to natural gas)
• Any gas work associated with a larger building project that itself requires consent

The relevant Building Code clauses for gas installations include provisions around piped gas and related requirements around combustion appliances and ventilation. Check with your council or MBIE for the specific clauses that apply to your job.

What Gasfitting Work May Be Exempt from Building Consent?

Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists work that is exempt from requiring a building consent. Some gasfitting tasks may fall under these exemptions, such as:

• Like-for-like replacement of a gas appliance (e.g., swapping an old gas hob for a new one of the same type, using existing connections)
• Minor repairs and maintenance to existing gas systems
• Replacing a gas water heater on a like-for-like basis in some circumstances

Important: Schedule 1 exemptions can be interpreted differently by different councils, and the exemptions have conditions attached. You should always confirm with your local council whether your specific job qualifies as exempt before proceeding. Do not assume a job is exempt without checking. MBIE Building Performance provides guidance on Schedule 1 exemptions online.

How to Find Out for Your Specific Job

Here's a practical step-by-step approach:

1. Describe the work clearly – Write down exactly what you want done: what's being installed, where, and whether any new pipework or penetrations are involved.
2. Talk to a licensed gasfitter first – A qualified gasfitter will have a good working knowledge of what typically requires consent. Find one through tradedirectory.co.nz.
3. Contact your local council – Ring or email the building consent team and describe the work. They can confirm whether consent is needed for your situation.
4. Check MBIE's guidance – MBIE Building Performance has online resources explaining the consent process and Schedule 1 exemptions.
5. Don't skip consent if in doubt – Doing work that required consent without getting one is illegal and can cause serious problems when you sell your home or make an insurance claim.

What Happens If You Skip a Required Consent?

Carrying out building work that requires consent without obtaining one is an offence under the Building Act. Practical consequences include:

• Difficulty selling your property (unconsented work must be disclosed)
• Insurance claims being declined
• Council enforcement action, including fines
• Potential need to remove or redo the work at your own cost

Restricted Work: What Homeowners Cannot Do Themselves

Regardless of consent requirements, gasfitting is restricted work in New Zealand. It is illegal for an unlicensed person to carry out gasfitting work. This includes connecting, disconnecting, altering, or repairing any gas installation. Only a person licensed by the PGDB may legally perform this work.

Homeowners can generally:

• Connect or disconnect a snap-lock LPG bayonet fitting on a portable appliance (e.g., a BBQ)
• Change LPG cylinders

That's essentially where the homeowner's legal scope ends for gas work.

Safety note: Gas leaks and improper installations can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Never attempt gasfitting work yourself, and always ensure any work is carried out by a licensed gasfitter who issues a Certificate of Compliance on completion.

When to Call a Professional

You should engage a licensed gasfitter for any work beyond the very basics listed above. A good gasfitter will:

• Advise you upfront whether building consent is required
• Apply for consent on your behalf if needed (or guide you through the process)
• Carry out all work to the NZ Building Code and relevant standards
• Issue a Certificate of Compliance once the job is done

You can find licensed gasfitters in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.

Sources & Further Reading

• MBIE Building Performance – Building consents and exemptions
• Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board – Licensing information
• WorkSafe NZ – Gas safety
• BRANZ – Building and construction guidance
• Standards NZ – NZ standards relevant to gas installations