Key points at a glance
- The PGDB registers and licenses plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in New Zealand.
- To do restricted work, a practitioner must be registered AND hold a current practising licence.
- All gasfitting, and most plumbing and drainlaying, is restricted work.
- You can verify anyone on the PGDB public register before hiring them.
Who can do the work
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) is the regulator that protects public health by ensuring these trades are competent. Under the law, most plumbing and drainlaying — and all gasfitting — is “restricted” and must be performed by, or supervised by, a licensed professional.
Registration alone is not enough: a practitioner must also hold a current annual practising licence, which confirms they have completed required professional development and passed “fit and proper person” checks.
Licence levels
Licences range from Trainee (working under supervision), to Tradesperson (can work independently, though some tasks need certifying sign-off), to Certifying — the highest level, who can supervise others, certify and sign off work, and operate a business in the trade.
Practitioners must keep up with changing standards, including the move to lead-free plumbing products for drinking water and new self-certification schemes.
Checking and penalties
The PGDB maintains a public register you can search to confirm a tradesperson holds a current licence — treat it as the source of truth before hiring anyone for gas or plumbing work.
Doing restricted work without a licence, or falsely advertising as licensed, is an offence and can bring significant fines for individuals and companies.
For homeowners
- Always check the PGDB register before hiring for gas, plumbing or drainage work.
- Ask for the gas certification or records the job requires.
- Never let an unlicensed person carry out gasfitting — it is a safety risk and illegal.
For tradespeople
- Hold both registration and a current practising licence for the work you do.
- Only supervise within your licence class and keep supervision records.
- Complete required professional development to renew your licence each year.
Official sources
The information on this page is provided as a general guide only. tradedirectory.co.nz makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information for your specific situation. Costs, timeframes, and recommendations vary significantly depending on your location, property, and individual circumstances. Always obtain multiple quotes from qualified tradespeople and seek independent professional advice before undertaking any home improvement or building work. tradedirectory.co.nz accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided on this site.