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Improving occupational licensing to help homeowners

Building system reform licensed building practitioners

Improvements to occupational licensing for licensed tradespeople and the work they do are underway with them expected to take effect in 2026.

The improvements to occupational licensing ensure that trusted professionals undertaking building work can be held accountable if the work is not done right the first time.

What the improvements include

Expected to take effect in 2026, work is underway to improve occupational licensing for licensed building practitioners (LBPs), licensed electrical workers and licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers and the work they do.

Changes include:

  • improving the disciplinary processes for LBPs by allowing the registrar to triage complaints and appoint investigators where needed
  • publishing details of LBPs whose licences have been suspended for disciplinary reasons – helping homeowners choose an LBP for their building work
  • progressing work to establish a new waterproofing licence class – homeowners can be confident LBPs completing their wet area bathrooms and level-entry showers are suitably qualified and accountable for their work
  • improving the complaints processes for licensed electrical workers and licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers – registrars can start the complaints process without a complainant
  • establishing codes of ethics for licensed electrical workers and licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers to promote professional standards of behaviour – any breach will become a disciplinary offence.

Why the improvements are being made

The improvements to occupational licensing are intended to:

  • support building work being done right the first time
  • encourage tradespeople to complete quality building work
  • give homeowners confidence in the tradespeople working on their homes and a clear path to follow if things go wrong
  • maintain a balance between affordability and the quality of construction within the building sector.

Find information about regulating building professionals and practitioners – mbie.govt.nz

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This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: