The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) is the government body that licenses and regulates tradespeople who work on plumbing, gas, and drainlaying in New Zealand. For homeowners, it matters enormously — unlicensed gas or plumbing work is not only illegal, it can be genuinely dangerous and may void your home insurance.
What Does the PGDB Do?
The PGDB was established under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. Its core job is to:
- License and register qualified tradespeople across three trades: plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying
- Set competency standards that tradespeople must meet before they can work unsupervised
- Investigate complaints about licensed (and unlicensed) practitioners
- Take disciplinary action against tradespeople who do substandard or unsafe work
- Maintain a public register so homeowners can verify a tradesperson's licence before hiring them
You can search the public register directly on the PGDB website to confirm whether someone is currently licensed — always a smart step before work begins.
Why Is Licensing So Important for Gas Work?
Gas is one of the most tightly regulated areas in the NZ building trades, and for good reason. Faulty gas installations can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, gasfitting is restricted work — it is illegal for anyone who is not a licensed gasfitter to carry out, supervise, or certify gas installation or repair work.
This applies to:
- Installing or modifying gas appliances (hobs, ovens, heaters, hot water systems)
- Connecting or disconnecting gas lines
- Installing or altering gas meters or regulators
- Any work on LPG or natural gas pipework inside or outside your home
Even seemingly minor tasks — like moving a gas hob or connecting a new gas dryer — must be done by a licensed gasfitter. There are no Schedule 1 exemptions for homeowners when it comes to gasfitting.
What About Plumbing and Drainlaying?
Similarly, most plumbing and drainlaying work is restricted under the same Act. A licensed plumber must carry out work on your sanitary plumbing (toilets, sinks, showers, baths) and hot water systems. A licensed drainlayer handles underground drainage connecting to the public sewer or stormwater network.
Some very minor plumbing tasks — such as replacing a tap washer or a showerhead — may be within a homeowner's ability to do themselves, but anything involving pipework, drainage connections, or hot water systems should be handled by a licensed professional. When in doubt, check with your local council or the PGDB directly.
The Licence Types You'll Encounter
The PGDB issues several types of licences. Here's a quick overview:
| Licence Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Certifying Plumber / Gasfitter / Drainlayer | Fully qualified; can certify their own work |
| Licensed Plumber / Gasfitter / Drainlayer | Qualified to carry out work but must have it certified by a Certifier |
| Trainee | Working under supervision; cannot work unsupervised |
When you hire a tradesperson, ask whether they are a Certifying practitioner — this means they can sign off the compliance certificate for the work, which you may need for insurance or future property sales.
Why It Matters for Your Home Insurance and Building Consent
If unlicensed gas or plumbing work is discovered — whether during a house sale, an insurance claim, or after an incident — your insurer may decline your claim. Many standard home insurance policies require that all work comply with the NZ Building Code and be carried out by licensed tradespeople.
Some gas and plumbing work also requires a building consent from your local council. Even where consent is not required, a Certificate of Compliance must be issued by the licensed tradesperson after completing restricted work (check with the PGDB or your local council for the exact documentation requirements that apply to your job). This certificate is your proof that the job was done legally and safely — keep it with your property records.
For more on the NZ Building Code requirements, MBIE Building Performance is the authoritative source.
How to Verify a Tradesperson's Licence
- Ask the tradesperson for their licence number and the class of their licence.
- Search the PGDB public register to confirm it is current and covers the work you need.
- Check that they will provide a Certificate of Compliance on completion.
When to Call a Professional
Always call a licensed gasfitter for any work involving gas appliances, pipework, or connections — no exceptions. For plumbing, call a licensed plumber for anything beyond the most basic maintenance. If you are unsure whether a job is restricted work, contact the PGDB or your local council before proceeding.
You can find qualified, licensed gasfitters and plumbers in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Safety Note
If you ever smell gas in your home, do not operate any switches or appliances. Ventilate the area immediately, leave the building, and call your gas retailer's emergency line or 111. Never attempt to locate or fix a gas leak yourself.
For broader health and safety guidance, WorkSafe NZ provides useful resources for homeowners.
Certifying Plumber
