After any gasfitting work is completed in New Zealand, the licensed gasfitter who carried out the job is legally required to issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). This document confirms that the work has been done to the required standard and complies with NZ gas safety regulations — giving you peace of mind that your home or property is safe.
What Is a Certificate of Compliance?
A Certificate of Compliance is an official document issued by a licensed gasfitter once they have completed gasfitting work. It certifies that the work meets the requirements of the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 and any relevant New Zealand standards. The CoC is not optional — it is a legal requirement under NZ law.
The certificate is issued by tradespeople registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB), the body that licenses and regulates gasfitters in New Zealand.
What Work Requires a Certificate of Compliance?
A CoC is required for any gasfitting work, which includes:
- Installing, altering, repairing, or maintaining gas appliances (e.g. gas hobs, ovens, heaters, hot water systems)
- Installing or modifying gas pipework inside a building
- Connecting or disconnecting gas appliances to the gas supply
- Installing or servicing gas meters and regulators
- Any work on LPG or natural gas systems
Even relatively minor work — such as replacing a gas hot water cylinder or relocating a gas cooktop — requires a CoC.
What Does the Certificate Actually Cover?
The CoC confirms several important things about the completed work:
- Compliance with regulations: The work meets the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 and applicable NZ standards.
- Correct installation: Appliances and pipework have been installed, tested, and commissioned correctly.
- Pressure testing: Gas pipework has been pressure-tested to confirm there are no leaks.
- Ventilation and clearances: Appliances have adequate ventilation and safe clearances from combustible materials, as required by the NZ Building Code.
- Appliance suitability: The appliances installed are appropriate for the type of gas supply (natural gas or LPG) at the property.
- Tradesperson details: The certificate identifies the licensed gasfitter who did the work, their licence number, and the date of completion.
Why Is the Certificate of Compliance Important?
The CoC matters for several practical reasons:
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Safety | Confirms gas systems are leak-free and safe to use |
| Insurance | Insurers may decline claims if unlicensed work was done without a CoC |
| Property sales | Buyers and their solicitors often request CoCs for gasfitting work |
| Rental properties | Landlords must ensure gas appliances are safe under the Healthy Homes Standards |
| Building consent | Some gasfitting work may require building consent; the CoC supports compliance |
Who Can Issue a Certificate of Compliance?
Only a licensed gasfitter registered with the PGDB can issue a CoC. There are different licence classes, and the gasfitter must hold the appropriate licence for the type of work carried out.
It is illegal for an unlicensed person to carry out gasfitting work in New Zealand. This is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. Homeowners must not attempt to connect, disconnect, or modify gas appliances or pipework themselves — even simple-looking tasks can be extremely dangerous if done incorrectly.
What Should You Do With Your Certificate?
- Keep it in a safe place — store it with your other important property documents.
- Provide it to your insurer if requested.
- Pass it on to future owners if you sell the property.
- Check the details — make sure the gasfitter's name, licence number, address, and work description are all correct.
If you have had gasfitting work done and have not received a CoC, contact your gasfitter and request one. If they are unable or unwilling to provide it, you can contact the PGDB for guidance.
Does Gasfitting Work Need a Building Consent?
Some gasfitting work may also require a building consent from your local council — for example, installing a new gas fireplace or making significant changes to gas pipework. Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists certain exemptions, but the rules can be complex. Always check with your local council before starting work to confirm whether consent is needed. The MBIE Building Performance website is a useful starting point.
When to Call a Professional
All gasfitting work in New Zealand must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter — there are no exceptions. Gas leaks and improper installations can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the building immediately, avoid operating any switches, and call your gas supplier or emergency services.
For any gasfitting work — from installing a new gas hob to servicing a gas heater — find a qualified, PGDB-licensed gasfitter in your area through tradedirectory.co.nz. Always ask for your Certificate of Compliance once the job is done.
Sources & Further Reading
- Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) — licence checks and complaints
- MBIE Building Performance — building consents and the NZ Building Code
- Tenancy Services — Healthy Homes — rental property gas appliance requirements
- WorkSafe NZ — gas safety information
- BRANZ — building and construction research for NZ
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