From 7 September 2026, eligible plumbing and drainlaying work may be self-certified by an endorsed plumber or drainlayer instead of being inspected by the Building Consent Authority (BCA).
Self-certification is a voluntary scheme administered by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). It allows endorsed plumbers and drainlayers to certify that eligible work complies with the approved building consent and Building Code requirements.
What this means for property owners
If your project includes eligible plumbing or drainlaying work, you may choose to:
- use an endorsed plumber or drainlayer who can self-certify the work; or
- continue with the standard Council inspection process.
A building consent is still required where one would normally be required, and all work must still comply with the Building Code and the approved building consent.
It’s your choice
Self-certification is optional and remains the choice of property owners.
Property owners must agree to the work being self-certified and cannot be told that work is to be self-certified without agreeing.
You can choose to have plumbing and drainage inspections undertaken by the Council building inspector if you prefer the assurance of an independent check of the work.
For most inspections, Council will still need to visit the building site to check other work, such as concrete pre-pour or pre-linings inspections, so the plumbing and drainage can be inspected at the same time.
Council's role
The Waimakariri District Council will continue to assess building consent applications and determine compliance with the Building Code before issuing a building consent.
Where plumbing or drainlaying work has been approved as self-certifiable and is carried out by an endorsed plumber or drainlayer, Council will not undertake inspections of that work. Responsibility for the compliance of the self-certified work rests with the endorsed practitioner.
Council may continue to inspect other building work covered by the consent, including plumbing or drainlaying work that is not eligible for self-certification.
Before you apply
If you are considering self-certification, discuss this with your designer, building company, plumber or drainlayer before submitting your building consent application.
The building consent application must identify any plumbing or drainlaying work proposed for self-certification. The endorsed plumber or drainlayer must also be identified to Council before the work begins.
Code Compliance Certificates (CCC)
When self-certified work is completed, the endorsed plumber or drainlayer must provide a Certificate of Compliance and supporting documentation. This information must be included as part of the application for a Code Compliance Certificate.
More information
Refer to MBIE and PGDB guidance for detailed eligibility criteria and practitioner requirements relating to the Self-Certification for Plumbing and Drainlaying Scheme:
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
- Self-Certification for Plumbing and Drainlaying Scheme -https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/consents-and-licences/building-consents-and-information/building-consents
- Guidance for Homeowners - https://www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/self-certification-schemes/plumbers-and-drainlayers-scheme/homeowners-and-consumers
- Self-certification resources - https://www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/self-certification-schemes/plumbers-and-drainlayers-scheme/self-certification-resources
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB)
- Self-Certification Information - https://www.pgdb.co.nz/manage_your_licence/self_certification/
- Public Register of Endorsed Practitioners - https://www.selfcertregister-pgdb.co.nz/