Self-Certification for Plumbing and Drainlaying
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:
- Engage 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 comply with the Building Code and the approved building consent.
It's your choice
Self-certification is optional and remains the choice of the property owner.
Property owners must agree to the work being self-certified. You cannot be required to use self-certification if you would prefer Council inspections to be undertaken.
You may choose to have plumbing and drainlaying inspections completed by a Council Building Inspector if you prefer the assurance of an independent assessment.
Self-certification only applies to eligible plumbing and drainlaying work. Kaikōura District Council may still need to attend site to inspect other aspects of the building work covered by the consent.
Council's role
Kaikōura 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 identified for self-certification and is carried out by an endorsed plumber or drainlayer, Council will not undertake inspections of that work. Responsibility for demonstrating compliance of the self-certified work rests with the endorsed practitioner.
Council may continue to inspect any 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, builder, plumber, or drainlayer before submitting your building consent application.
The building consent application should 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 the required Certificate of Compliance and supporting documentation.
This information must be supplied to Council and included as part of any application for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
Need Advice?
If you are considering using the Self-Certification Scheme and would like to understand how it may affect your building consent application, please contact the Kaikōura District Council Building Control Team before lodging your application.
More Information
Refer to the following resources 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.kaikoura.govt.nz/property-rates-building/building-consents/apply-building-consent
- 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/
