Plumbing is one of the highest-paying trades in New Zealand and has a genuinely structured licensing system overseen by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). This guide covers the full path from apprentice to licensed plumber — what's required, how long it takes, and what you can earn.
Plumbing Licence Types in NZ
NZ plumbing has three distinct licensing streams:
| Licence | What it covers | Certifying Board |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing | Water supply, sanitary drainage, stormwater within buildings | PGDB |
| Gasfitting | Natural gas and LPG installation and maintenance | PGDB |
| Drainlaying | Underground drainage and stormwater beyond buildings | PGDB |
You can hold multiple licences. Most plumbers hold at least Plumbing + Drainlaying. Gasfitting is a separate stream.
All plumbing work in NZ that meets the prescribed definition must be carried out or supervised by a licensed person. This makes licensing essential for employment and self-employment.
Step 1: Find an Employer (Registered Training Provider)
You need to be employed by a PGDB-registered employer to start a plumbing apprenticeship. To find one:
- Search TradeMe Jobs and Seek for "apprentice plumber"
- Contact local plumbing companies directly — most will consider motivated applicants
- Check with your secondary school's careers advisor or vocational pathway programme
- Plumbing World (industry supplier) sometimes maintains a list of companies taking apprentices
You do not need prior qualifications. Employers want: physical fitness, reliability, good communication, and genuine interest. Driver's licence is strongly preferred.
Step 2: Register Your Apprenticeship
Once employed, you register with Waihanga Ara Rau (Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council) as your Industry Training Organisation, and enrol in the qualification programme through a polytechnic or Private Training Establishment (PTE).
The main training provider for plumbing in NZ is UNITEC, but several polytechnics offer the programme. Your employer or PGDB can direct you to the right provider.
Step 3: Complete the Qualification
| Programme detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Qualification | NZ Certificate in Plumbing and Drainlaying (Level 4) |
| Duration | Approximately 4 years |
| Mode | On-the-job + block courses at polytechnic |
| Cost | Fees-free under government apprenticeship funding |
| Assessment | Unit standards; PGDB practical assessments |
The qualification covers: water supply systems, sanitary drainage, stormwater, trade maths and science, health and safety, and professional practice. Gasfitting is a separate qualification if you want that licence.
Step 4: PGDB Certifying/Licensing Process
The PGDB has a multi-stage licensing pathway:
| Stage | When | What it allows |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesperson (T) | During apprenticeship (after passing units) | Work under direct supervision |
| Journeyman | After completing qualification | Work under general supervision |
| Certifying Plumber | After journeyman + experience + exam | Certify own work without supervision |
| Supervisor | After certifying + experience | Supervise other plumbers |
The Certifying Plumber designation is the most commercially important — it allows you to certify your own work and work independently. Getting it requires passing the Certifying examination set by PGDB, which many candidates find challenging.
Key PGDB fees (2026 approximate): - Annual practicing certificate (Tradesperson): $150–$200 - Annual practicing certificate (Certifying): $250–$300 - Certifying exam application: $350
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Plumber?
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeship + NZ Certificate | ~4 years |
| Journeyman registration | Immediately after qualification |
| Certifying Plumber | 1–3 years post-journeyman (experience + exam) |
| Total to Certifying | ~5–7 years from starting |
The certifying exam is a genuine hurdle — pass rates vary. Many plumbers take 1–2 attempts.
What Do Plumbers Earn in NZ?
Plumbing is one of the best-paid trades in NZ, particularly at the certifying level.
| Stage | Typical weekly pay |
|---|---|
| First-year apprentice | $650–$850/week |
| Third-year apprentice | $950–$1,150/week |
| Journeyman plumber | $1,200–$1,500/week |
| Certifying plumber (employed) | $1,500–$1,900/week |
| Self-employed certifying plumber | $2,200–$4,000+/week |
Auckland pays around 10–15% above average. Self-employed certifying plumbers in residential work can be extremely busy — demand consistently exceeds supply in most NZ regions.
Gasfitting — Adding a Second Licence
Once qualified as a plumber, many tradies add gasfitting. The process is similar: - Complete the NZ Certificate in Gasfitting (Level 4) — can be done concurrently with plumbing - Register with the PGDB as a gasfitter - Progress through Tradesperson → Journeyman → Certifying Gasfitter
Certifying Gasfitters can work independently on gas installations. Gas work is premium-priced and often well-remunerated, especially commercial and industrial gasfitting.
Summary — How to Become a Plumber in NZ
- Find a PGDB-registered plumbing employer
- Enrol in NZ Certificate in Plumbing and Drainlaying (Level 4)
- Complete ~4 years of on-the-job training + block courses
- Progress through PGDB licensing tiers: Tradesperson → Journeyman → Certifying Plumber
- Consider adding gasfitting for expanded earning potential
The path is well-funded, in high demand, and leads to some of the best earning potential in the NZ trades sector.