Safe and Skilled podcast

From 8 October 2026, changes to the granny flats building consent exemption provided more flexibility for water supply, wastewater and stormwater servicing.

In this episode, Cam covers what plumbers and drainlayers need to know, including using existing systems, other approvals that may be required, and why work under the exemption is not eligible for self-certification.

More information:

• Building a granny flat: resources | Building Performance
• Granny Flats Exemption Guidance

For feedback and ideas for future episodes, email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve explains what practitioners can expect if a complaint progresses to a disciplinary hearing.

He goes through the process from formal charges to the hearing itself, and explains how a practitioner’s actions can affect the time, cost and outcome of the case.

This episode is for any licensed practitioner who wants to better understand the disciplinary process and what to do if they ever face a hearing.

More information:

• Board disciplinary hearing process
• Board disciplinary hearing guide
• Board helpline on 0800 743 262.

If you’ve got feedback or ideas for future episodes, email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve explains what plumbing and drainlaying work can be self-certified. He explains:

• the types of buildings and work that can be covered by self-certification
• some of the work that is excluded from the scheme
• how self-certification fits into the building consent process
• the role of the Building Consent Authority (BCA)
• what to do if the work or design changes during the job.

For more information visit:

•   The Self-certification section of the Board’s website.
• MBIE guidance: Plumbers and drainlayers self-certification scheme: information for plumbers and drainlayers | Building Performance

If you’ve got feedback or ideas for future episodes, email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve explains what happens once you’re endorsed and ready to use self-certification on a job. He covers:

• how the Self-Certification Register and Artisan work together
• your responsibilities for inspecting the work and capturing evidence
• what to do if the work changes during the job
• reviewing and finalising your inspection
• issuing a Certificate of Compliance
• the BCA’s ongoing role in the process.

You’ll also hear about the step-by-step navigation videos available on the Board’s website to help you use the Self-Certification Register and Artisan.

For more information:

• visit the self-certification section of the Board’s website.
• MBIE guidance: Plumbers and drainlayers self-certification scheme: information for plumbers and drainlayers | Building Performance.

If you need help on self-certification, email the Board at [email protected]

If you’ve got feedback or ideas for future Safe and Skilled episodes, email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve takes you through the process of getting endorsed for self-certification. He covers:

• why self-certification is voluntary and what to consider before applying
• getting your Trade Login ready and setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• verifying your identity
• completing the required online training and assessments
• the insurance and business system requirements
• the application fee and audit levy

More information:

• Self-certification page on the Board’s website has a navigation video on applying for endorsement and guidance documents on insurance and business management systems.
• MBIE guidance: Plumbers and drainlayers self-certification scheme: information for plumbers and drainlayers | Building Performance.

If you have problems with applying online, email us at [email protected].

If you’ve got feedback or ideas for future episodes, email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve explains how the Board’s complaints process works and what practitioners can expect if a complaint is made about their work.

He covers the steps from initial assessment through to investigation and possible disciplinary action and explains why a complaint is not the same as a finding.

This episode is for any registered or licensed plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer who wants to better understand the complaints process and know what to expect if concerns are raised about their work.

More information:

• Board disciplinary processes
• disciplinary-guide-for-practitioners.pdf
• Board helpline on 0800 743 262.

If you’ve got feedback or ideas for future episodes, email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve explains why understanding how sanitary plumbing and drainage systems behave is just as important as knowing the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.2.

He explains:

• why sanitary plumbing and drainage systems should be viewed as a complete system
• the importance of venting, trap seals and system performance

• how understanding design intent can help prevent costly problems.

This episode is for anyone carrying out, supervising or signing off sanitary plumbing and drainage work.

For more information, visit the Board's online technical library or call the Board helpline on 0800 743 262.

If you've got feedback or ideas for future episodes, email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve talks about whydocumentation matters in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying.

He explains:

• what good documentation processes look like
• the key moments when records matter most
• how poor or generic paperwork can create problems
• how good records can protect practitioners if work is reviewed later.

This episode is for anyone carrying out, supervising orsigning off sanitary plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying work.

For more information, visit the Board’s website at Plumbers,Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board or call the Board helpline on 0800 743 262.

If you’ve got feedback or ideas for future episodes, emailus at [email protected]

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve explains the role of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board; what it does, what it’s responsible for, and where those responsibilities end.

Steve clarifies where the Board steps in, what sits outside the Board's role, and how practitioners can access guidance, technical resources and support through the helpline.More information:

• Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board
• Practitioner helpline: 0800 743 262

If you’ve got feedback or ideas for future episodes, [email protected].

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve looks at one of our most common technical enquiry topics; gas appliance clearances.

From cooktops and rangehoods to outdoor barbecues, fireplaces and flue terminals, this episode covers commonclearance mistakes, why they matter, and practical ways to avoid costly rework and compliance issues.

More information:

• NZS 5601 through your trade login on the Board website.
• Always check the appliance manufacturer’s installations instructions
• If you need guidance, contact the Board practitioner helpline on 0800 743 262.

Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected].