If gasfitting work has caused damage to your property, you have real rights under New Zealand law — and there are clear steps you can take to get the situation resolved. Whether it's a leak that's damaged your flooring, a botched installation that caused a fire, or shoddy work that's left your home unsafe, knowing where you stand is the first step.
Your Rights Under NZ Consumer Law
When you hire a gasfitter, you're entering into a services contract covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA). Under the CGA, any service must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, using materials fit for purpose, and completed within a reasonable time. If the gasfitter fails to meet these guarantees and damage results, you are entitled to have the problem remedied — or, if the failure is substantial, to have the cost of fixing it covered by the tradesperson.
The Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 may also apply if there are specific terms in your written agreement. Keep any quotes, invoices, emails, and text messages — these form part of your contract and will be important if a dispute arises.
What Counts as Restricted Gasfitting Work?
This matters because if the person who did the work wasn't properly licensed, your rights — and their liability — are even clearer. In New Zealand, gasfitting is restricted work under the Gas Act 1992. It must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Unlicensed gasfitting is illegal, and anyone who performs it can face serious penalties.
You can check whether your tradesperson holds a current licence on the PGDB's online register. If they were unlicensed, report this to the PGDB immediately — this is a safety issue as well as a legal one.
Steps to Take If Damage Occurs
1. Make the area safe first
If you suspect a gas leak or immediate danger, turn off your gas at the meter, ventilate the area, and call your gas network operator or 111 if needed. Do not use electrical switches or open flames. Safety always comes first — check WorkSafe NZ for guidance on gas safety emergencies.
2. Document everything
Take dated photos and videos of all damage before anything is touched or repaired. Write down a timeline of events. Keep all receipts, invoices, and correspondence with the tradesperson.
3. Notify the gasfitter in writing
Contact the gasfitter (or their employer/company) in writing — email is fine — describing the damage and asking them to remedy it. Give them a reasonable timeframe to respond (usually 5–10 working days). Keep copies of everything.
4. Get an independent assessment
Have a different licensed gasfitter inspect the work and provide a written report. This gives you an independent record of what went wrong and what it will cost to fix. You may need this for any dispute resolution process.
5. Contact the PGDB
If the gasfitter is licensed and you believe they've carried out substandard or negligent work, you can make a formal complaint to the PGDB. The PGDB can investigate, impose conditions, suspend, or cancel a gasfitter's licence. Note that the PGDB handles disciplinary matters — they don't award compensation — but a finding against the tradesperson strengthens your civil claim.
6. Pursue compensation through the right channels
| Situation | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Dispute under the Disputes Tribunal threshold | Disputes Tribunal (no lawyers needed) |
| Larger claims | District Court or civil litigation |
| Unlicensed work | Report to PGDB + consider Disputes Tribunal |
| Insurance claim | Your home insurer or the tradesperson's liability insurer |
For disputes up to $30,000, the Disputes Tribunal is a fast, low-cost option. For larger claims, you may need legal advice. Consumer NZ has useful guidance on using the Disputes Tribunal and your rights under the CGA.
Insurance Considerations
Check your home and contents insurance policy — some policies cover sudden and accidental damage caused by tradespeople. Contact your insurer promptly, as there are usually time limits for notifying claims. A reputable gasfitting business should also carry public liability insurance, so ask for evidence of this before work begins on future jobs.
Building Consent and Compliance
Some gasfitting work requires a building consent under the NZ Building Code. If consent was required but not obtained, this is a serious issue that could affect your ability to sell the property and may void your insurance. Check with your local council if you're unsure whether consent was needed. MBIE Building Performance has information on what work requires consent.
When to Call a Professional
All gasfitting work in New Zealand is restricted work — it must be done by a licensed gasfitter. If you've suffered damage and need repairs, always hire a licensed professional to fix it. Don't attempt gas repairs yourself. You can find qualified, local gasfitters on tradedirectory.co.nz — look for someone who can provide their PGDB licence number upfront.
Certifying Plumber
