If a roof painter has done unsatisfactory work on your home, you have real options in New Zealand. Whether the paint is peeling prematurely, the wrong product was used, or the job was left incomplete, NZ consumer law and trade standards give you a solid foundation to seek a remedy — and in many cases, you can resolve things without going to court.
Step 1: Document Everything First
Before you contact anyone, gather evidence. Take clear, dated photographs of the defective work from multiple angles. Note down:
- The date the work was completed
- What was agreed in the contract or quote
- Any verbal promises made
- The products the painter said they would use (e.g. a specific Resene or Dulux roof coating)
- Any warranties offered on labour or materials
Keep copies of all invoices, quotes, emails, and text messages. This paper trail is essential if the dispute escalates.
Step 2: Raise the Issue Directly with the Painter
Your first step should always be to contact the tradesperson directly — in writing if possible (email is ideal). Clearly describe the problem, refer to what was agreed, and state what remedy you are seeking (repair, redo, or partial refund). Give them a reasonable timeframe to respond, typically 5–10 working days.
Many disputes are resolved at this stage. A professional painter will want to protect their reputation and may return to fix the issue at no extra cost.
Step 3: Know Your Rights Under the Consumer Guarantees Act
If the painter is a business (not a private individual), the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) applies. Under the CGA, services must be:
- Carried out with reasonable care and skill
- Completed within a reasonable time
- Fit for the purpose you described
If the work doesn't meet these guarantees, you are entitled to have it remedied. If the painter refuses or can't fix it, you may be entitled to have someone else do the work and claim the cost back. Consumer NZ has excellent plain-English guidance on your rights.
The Fair Trading Act 1986 also protects you if the painter made misleading claims — for example, promising a 10-year finish that fails within a year.
Step 4: Try Mediation or a Disputes Tribunal
If direct negotiation fails, consider these formal pathways:
Disputes Tribunal
The Disputes Tribunal (formerly the Small Claims Tribunal) handles claims up to a certain limit (or a higher amount by agreement — check the Ministry of Justice website for current thresholds). It is relatively inexpensive, no lawyers are required, and hearings are informal. You can file online through the Ministry of Justice website. This is often the most practical route for homeowners.
Mediation
Some trade associations offer mediation services. It's worth asking whether the painter belongs to any industry body, as some have their own complaints processes.
Step 5: Check Whether the Painter Holds Any Licence or Certification
Roof painting is not a licensed trade in New Zealand in the same way that electrical or plumbing work is — there is no mandatory registration body for painters. However, if the painter is a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), you can lodge a complaint with the LBP scheme. Check the Licensed Building Practitioners register to see if your painter is registered.
If the painter is a member of a trade association such as the Master Painters New Zealand, contact that organisation — members are bound by a code of conduct.
Step 6: Report to Consumer Protection (MBIE) if Needed
For serious or repeated misconduct — particularly if the trader has been misleading or deceptive — you can report to Consumer Protection, which sits within MBIE Building Performance. While they don't resolve individual disputes, reports help identify rogue traders.
Paint Product Warranty Issues
Sometimes the problem lies with the paint product itself rather than the application. If the painter used a reputable product like a Wattyl or Resene roof coating and it has failed within the warranty period, the manufacturer may have a warranty claim process. However, most paint warranties require correct surface preparation and application — so if the painter cut corners, the warranty may not apply, which circles back to the painter's liability.
Healthy Homes and Rental Properties
If you are a landlord and the roof painting is connected to weathertightness or habitability, be aware of your obligations under the Tenancy Services Healthy Homes standards. A leaking or poorly maintained roof can have compliance implications.
When to Call a Professional
If you need an independent assessment of the work quality — for example, to support a Disputes Tribunal claim — consider hiring a building inspector or independent painter to provide a written report. BRANZ publishes technical guidance on acceptable painting standards that can help frame what "reasonable care and skill" looks like in practice.
For future roof painting work, always get at least three written quotes, check references, and use a tradesperson you can trust. You can find qualified local roof painters on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Master Painters NZ member
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
