In most cases, a reputable heat pump installer will take care of the required permits and compliance paperwork on your behalf — but the specifics depend on the type of installation, your local council, and which tradespeople are involved. Here's what you need to know so you're not caught out.
What Permits and Paperwork Are Typically Involved?
Heat pump installations in New Zealand can involve two main types of compliance documentation:
- Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC): Any electrical connection work — including wiring the indoor and outdoor units — is restricted electrical work under the Electricity Act 1992. It must be carried out by a registered electrician, who is legally required to issue a CoC on completion. This certificate confirms the work meets the New Zealand Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000). Your installer should provide this to you automatically.
- Building Consent: Most standard heat pump installations (a split-system air conditioner mounted on an interior wall with an outdoor unit) are exempt from building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004. However, this exemption has conditions — for example, the work must not affect the weathertightness of the building envelope in a way that requires consent. Always confirm with your local council if you're unsure, as exemptions can vary.
Who Does the Electrical Work?
Because connecting a heat pump to your home's electrical supply is restricted electrical work, it must be done by a licensed electrician registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Many heat pump installation companies employ registered electricians in-house or subcontract this work. Either way, the electrician — not just the installer — is responsible for issuing the CoC.
Before booking, ask your installer:
- Is the electrical connection included in the quote?
- Will a registered electrician carry out and certify that work?
- Will I receive a Certificate of Compliance?
If the answer to any of these is vague, that's a red flag.
Do I Need a Building Consent?
For a typical residential split-system heat pump, building consent is usually not required, provided the installation falls within the Schedule 1 exemptions under the Building Act 2004. The MBIE Building Performance website has detailed guidance on what's exempt and what's not.
However, consent may be required if:
- The installation involves significant structural work (e.g., cutting through a load-bearing wall)
- You're installing a ducted system that requires substantial alterations to the building
- The outdoor unit placement affects weathertightness or drainage in a way that triggers the NZ Building Code (particularly Clause E2 – External Moisture)
- Your property has specific conditions on its title or is a heritage building
If consent is needed, your installer or a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) should be able to advise you. You can verify LBP status at lbp.govt.nz.
What Should a Good Installer Provide You?
A professional, reputable heat pump installer should hand over the following on completion:
| Document | Who Issues It | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Certificate of Compliance | Registered electrician | Legal requirement; needed for insurance and resale |
| Manufacturer's warranty documentation | Installer / manufacturer | Covers parts and labour faults |
| Installation manual / user guide | Installer | Helps you operate and maintain the unit |
| Building consent (if applicable) | Council | Required for certain installations |
Keep all of these documents in a safe place — you'll need them if you ever sell your home or make an insurance claim.
Healthy Homes and Rental Properties
If you're a landlord installing a heat pump to meet the Healthy Homes heating standard, your installer should be familiar with the minimum heating capacity requirements. The standard specifies that the main living room must be heated to at least 18°C, and the heat pump must meet a calculated heating capacity for the room size. Ask your installer to confirm in writing that the unit meets the Healthy Homes standard for your specific property.
When to Call a Professional
All heat pump electrical connection work is legally restricted — do not attempt to wire a heat pump yourself. Doing so is illegal, dangerous, and will void your home insurance. Always use a registered electrician and ensure you receive a CoC.
For anything beyond a straightforward split-system installation — such as ducted systems, multi-room setups, or installations requiring structural alterations — engage a qualified installer and check with your local council about consent requirements before work begins.
You can find qualified, local heat pump installers on tradedirectory.co.nz who are experienced with NZ compliance requirements.
ISO 9001
