Hiring a gasfitter in New Zealand? You have every right — and good reason — to check that their licence is current before any work begins. Gas work is restricted work under the Gas Act 1992, meaning it must be carried out by a licensed practitioner. The good news is that verifying a licence takes less than two minutes using the free online register run by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
Why Checking the Licence Matters
Gas installations that go wrong can cause fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning. That's why the law requires anyone doing gasfitting work — connecting appliances, installing pipework, commissioning gas systems — to hold a current licence issued by the PGDB. An unlicensed person doing this work is breaking the law, and your insurance may not cover damage or injury resulting from unlicensed gas work. A quick licence check protects your family and your home.
What the PGDB Register Shows
The Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board maintains a public register of all licensed and certifying practitioners. For each person it shows:
- Full name of the practitioner
- Licence class (e.g. Gasfitter, Certifying Gasfitter)
- Licence status — current, suspended, cancelled, or lapsed
- Licence number
- Expiry date of the current licence
A Certifying Gasfitter holds a higher-level licence and can both carry out and certify (sign off) gas work. A standard Gasfitter licence allows the work to be done but a certifier must inspect and issue the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) — the document you should always receive after any gas installation or alteration.
How to Search the PGDB Register — Step by Step
- Go to the PGDB website at pgdb.co.nz and look for the "Find a Practitioner" or "Search the Register" link in the main navigation.
- Enter the tradesperson's details. You can search by first name, last name, or licence number. If you have their licence number (a good tradesperson will give it to you willingly), use that for the most precise result.
- Review the result. Confirm the name matches the person you're dealing with, check the licence class includes Gasfitter or Certifying Gasfitter, and make sure the status shows "Current" with an expiry date that hasn't passed.
- Screenshot or note the result for your records before work begins.
If the search returns no result, or shows a lapsed, suspended, or cancelled licence, do not allow that person to carry out gas work on your property.
Asking the Tradesperson Directly
A reputable gasfitter will have no hesitation giving you their licence number and full name so you can check. You can also ask to see their licence card, which they are required to carry while working. If someone is reluctant to provide this information, treat that as a red flag.
What Licence Classes Cover Gas Work?
| Licence Class | Can Do Gas Work? | Can Certify (Issue CoC)? |
|---|---|---|
| Certifying Gasfitter | Yes | Yes |
| Gasfitter | Yes | No — needs a certifier |
| Tradesperson (Gasfitting) | Limited scope only | No |
For most household jobs — connecting a new hob, installing a gas heater, or altering pipework — you want either a Certifying Gasfitter or a Gasfitter who works alongside a certifier.
The Certificate of Compliance — Don't Skip This
Once gas work is complete, your tradesperson must provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). This is your legal proof that the work was inspected and meets the requirements of the NZ Building Code and relevant standards. Keep it with your property records — you'll need it if you sell the house or make an insurance claim. If a tradesperson says you don't need one, that's a serious warning sign.
When to Call a Professional
All gasfitting work in New Zealand is restricted work — there is no DIY option for homeowners. This includes:
- Installing, altering, or repairing any gas pipework
- Connecting or disconnecting gas appliances
- Commissioning or decommissioning gas systems
- Any work on LPG or natural gas systems
Always use a licensed gasfitter found through a trusted source. You can find qualified local gasfitters on tradedirectory.co.nz and verify their licence on the PGDB register before booking.
Safety note: If you ever smell gas, don't attempt any investigation yourself. Leave the building immediately, avoid switches and flames, and call your gas supplier or 111.
For broader guidance on healthy and safe homes, WorkSafe NZ and BRANZ both publish useful resources on gas safety standards in New Zealand.
Certifying Plumber
