Dealing with poor workmanship from a tradie is stressful, but as a New Zealand homeowner you have strong legal protections and a clear path to getting things put right. Whether it's a leaky roof repair, a botched bathroom renovation, or shoddy electrical work, understanding your rights means you can act confidently and avoid being left out of pocket.
Your Core Legal Protections
Two key pieces of legislation protect you when a tradie's work falls short:
- Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA): When you hire a tradie for personal or household purposes, their services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, completed within a reasonable time, and be fit for purpose. If the work doesn't meet these guarantees, you have the right to have it remedied — or, if the failure is serious, to have someone else fix it and recover those costs from the original tradie.
- Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017: Your written or verbal contract with a tradie is legally binding. If they breach it — for example, by using inferior materials or not completing the job — you may be entitled to damages.
The CGA applies when you engage a tradie as a consumer (i.e. for private, domestic use). If you're a landlord or running a business, different rules may apply, so check with Consumer NZ if you're unsure.
What Counts as Poor Workmanship?
Poor workmanship can range from minor defects to serious structural or safety failures. Common examples include:
- Leaks after a plumbing or roofing job
- Paintwork that peels, bubbles, or is poorly finished
- Tiling that cracks or lifts within a short time
- Electrical work that fails inspection or creates a hazard
- Structural work that doesn't comply with the NZ Building Code
- Work that simply doesn't match what was agreed in the quote or contract
NZ's variable climate — from the high UV and humidity of Northland to the cold, wet conditions of the South Island — means that materials and workmanship must be suited to local conditions. Work that might pass elsewhere can fail quickly if it's not appropriate for your region.
Steps to Take When Things Go Wrong
1. Document Everything
Before you do anything else, gather your evidence:
- Photographs and video of the defective work
- Copies of your contract, quotes, invoices, and any written communications
- Notes of verbal conversations (date, time, what was said)
- Any building inspection reports or council records
2. Raise the Issue Directly With the Tradie
Contact the tradie in writing (email is ideal — it creates a record) and clearly describe the problem. Give them a reasonable opportunity to remedy the fault — this is both a legal requirement under the CGA and good practice. State what you want: a repair, a redo, or a refund, and set a reasonable deadline.
3. Escalate if They Don't Respond
If the tradie refuses to fix the problem or ignores you, your next options include:
| Pathway | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Disputes Tribunal | Claims up to $30,000 (or $50,000 by agreement) | Low filing fee |
| District Court | Larger claims | Higher, legal advice recommended |
| Licensing body complaint | Licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, LBP) | Usually free |
| Mediation | Both parties willing to negotiate | Varies |
The Disputes Tribunal is often the fastest and most cost-effective route for homeowners. You don't need a lawyer, and the process is designed to be accessible.
4. Complain to the Relevant Licensing Body
For licensed trades, you can also lodge a formal complaint:
- Electrical work: Contact the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). All electrical work in NZ must be done by a registered electrician, and all prescribed electrical work requires a Certificate of Compliance.
- Plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying: Contact the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). These are restricted trades — unlicensed work is illegal and dangerous.
- Building work: If your tradie holds a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence, you can complain to the LBP scheme. Certain building work (restricted building work, or RBW) must be carried out or supervised by an LBP.
Complaints to these bodies can result in disciplinary action, fines, or licence cancellation — and they take a formal record of the tradie's conduct.
Building Consent and Compliance Issues
If your tradie carried out work that required a building consent but didn't get one, this is a serious problem. Under the Building Act 2004, certain work requires consent from your local council. Work done without consent can affect your ability to sell your home and may need to be unconsented work remedied at your cost.
Always confirm with your local council whether consent is required before work begins. The MBIE Building Performance website has guidance on Schedule 1 exemptions (work that doesn't need consent), but when in doubt, check with your council directly.
For work that did have consent, a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) should be issued once the council is satisfied the work meets the NZ Building Code. If your tradie hasn't arranged inspections or the CCC, follow up with your council.
When to Call a Professional
Some situations require you to bring in a qualified expert immediately:
- Electrical faults or unsafe wiring — do not use affected circuits; call a registered electrician
- Gas leaks or faulty gas appliances — evacuate and call your gas supplier or a licensed gasfitter
- Structural concerns — cracks in foundations, sagging roofs, or walls out of plumb need assessment by a structural engineer or LBP
- Water ingress or mould — ongoing leaks can cause serious damage and health issues; get a qualified tradesperson to assess promptly
For any of these, you can find qualified, vetted local tradespeople right here on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Protecting Yourself Before Work Starts
The best way to avoid disputes is to take these steps upfront:
- Always get multiple quotes from qualified tradespeople and compare them carefully
- Check qualifications and references before hiring — ask to see licence numbers and verify them with the relevant board
- Get everything in writing — a detailed written contract or quote specifying the scope of work, materials, timeline, and payment terms
- Plan your budget carefully, including a contingency for unexpected issues
- Understand building consent requirements for your project before work begins
- Use quality materials suited to NZ conditions and your specific region's climate
- Don't pay in full upfront — a reasonable deposit is normal, but hold back final payment until you're satisfied with the work
Sources & Further Reading
- Consumer NZ – Your rights with tradespeople
- MBIE Building Performance – Building consents and the Building Code
- Licensed Building Practitioners – Find and verify an LBP
- Electrical Workers Registration Board – Verify an electrician
- Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board – Verify a licence
- BRANZ – Building research and best practice
