Before a single wall comes down, every service connected to your property — electricity, gas, water, and drainage — must be properly isolated or disconnected. This isn't just good practice; in New Zealand it's a legal requirement, and getting it wrong can be dangerous or even fatal. Here's a plain-English guide to what happens to your services during demolition.
Why Services Must Be Disconnected First
Active services during demolition create serious risks: electrocution, gas explosions, flooding, and contamination. WorkSafe NZ requires that all hazards — including live services — are identified and controlled before demolition work begins. Your demolition contractor should carry out a pre-demolition survey to locate every service on site, including any that may not be obvious, such as buried pipes or old asbestos-wrapped lines.
Electricity Disconnection
Electrical work is restricted work under the Electricity Act 1992. Only a registered electrician can legally disconnect your property from the national grid. You'll need to contact your lines company (such as Vector, Powerco, or your local network operator) to arrange a permanent disconnection at the street. This is separate from your electricity retailer — you'll need to notify both.
Your registered electrician will:
- Disconnect and remove the meter (coordinated with your retailer)
- Isolate internal wiring so it's safe before demolition begins
- Provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the electrical work
Always check that your electrician is registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Never assume a service is dead — treat all wiring as live until a qualified professional confirms otherwise.
Gas Disconnection
If your property has reticulated natural gas or LPG, gas work is also restricted work and must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Contact your gas network provider (such as First Gas) to arrange a permanent disconnection at the main. Your gasfitter will cap or remove internal pipework and issue the appropriate compliance documentation.
Never attempt to disconnect gas fittings yourself. Even after the meter is removed, residual gas can remain in pipes.
Water and Drainage
Water supply and drainage disconnection is also restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board's jurisdiction. A licensed plumber or drainlayer must:
- Arrange disconnection from the council water main (usually coordinated with your local council or Watercare in Auckland)
- Cap or remove internal water pipes
- Disconnect and cap stormwater and wastewater connections at the boundary
Your council will typically require notification or a permit for permanent service disconnections. Check with your local council early — some require a building consent for demolition, while others may accept a Schedule 1 exemption for minor structures. Always confirm this with your council before starting, as requirements vary by region. MBIE Building Performance has guidance on when consent is required.
Telecommunications and Other Services
While phone lines, fibre, and pay TV cables aren't restricted work in the same legal sense, they still need to be properly disconnected before demolition. Contact Chorus, your internet provider, or Sky to arrange removal of cables and equipment. Leaving these in place can result in damage charges or delays.
The Typical Order of Events
| Step | Who Does It | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-demolition survey | Demolition contractor | Before any work |
| Electricity disconnection | Registered electrician + lines company | 1–4 weeks lead time |
| Gas disconnection | Licensed gasfitter + gas network | 1–4 weeks lead time |
| Water/drainage disconnection | Licensed plumber/drainlayer + council | 1–4 weeks lead time |
| Telecom/fibre removal | Provider technician | Book in advance |
| Demolition begins | Demolition contractor | After all services confirmed off |
Lead times can vary significantly depending on your network provider and council, so start the process early — ideally four to six weeks before your planned demolition date.
Asbestos and Hidden Hazards
Older NZ homes (pre-1990s especially) may have asbestos in pipe lagging, meter boards, or wall linings near service entry points. A licensed asbestos assessor should inspect the property before any service disconnection work begins in these areas. WorkSafe NZ sets out the rules for asbestos removal, and your demolition contractor should be across these requirements.
What About Temporary Services During Demolition?
If you're doing a partial demolition or a knock-down-rebuild, you may need temporary power or water on site for the construction phase. Your electrician can arrange a temporary supply through your lines company, and your plumber can set up a temporary water connection. Discuss this with your contractor early so there's no gap in supply when you need it.
When to Call a Professional
All service disconnections for demolition must be carried out by licensed professionals — this is non-negotiable under NZ law. Attempting to disconnect electricity, gas, or plumbing yourself is illegal, dangerous, and will likely void your insurance. A reputable demolition contractor will coordinate these trades on your behalf, but it pays to understand the process so you can ask the right questions.
If you need a qualified demolition contractor to manage this process from start to finish, you can find licensed local professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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