Safe and Skilled podcast

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve gives a finalreminder about the upcoming lead-free plumbing changes for potable water work and what you need to have in place before they take effect.

He explains what applies from 2 May 2026, including:

• the requirement for products that meet lead free and dezincification requirements under G12/AS1
• why the expectation of safe drinking water applies across potable water work
• the importance of checking product compliance and certification before installation
• what to look for when confirming products meetthe required standards.

He also reinforces your role in making sure the materialsused are safe and fit for purpose, supporting better long-term public health outcomes.

• Prepare for lead-free plumbing
• Lead and corrosion resistance in copper alloy plumbing products - Building Performance
• Contact the Building Performance team at MBIE
• Board practitioner technical helpline: 0800 743 262

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

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve talks about on-site wastewater systems and what actually drives performance over time. He discusses:

• treatment processes and levels of treatment
• common causes of system failure in practice
• how design, installation and maintenance influence long-term performance
• how standards and regional rules fit alongside Building Code requirements.

This episode is for anyone designing, installing or workingon on-site wastewater systems, or supervising that work.

More information:

• You can access the relevant standards throughyour trade login on the Board website, including AS/NZS 1546 and AS/NZS 1547.
• Clause G13 Foul Water of the Building Code sets the overriding requirements
• If you need guidance, contact the Board technical helpline on 0800 743 262.

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

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve talks about the changes to New Zealand’s vocational education and training system, and what they mean for our trades. He explains what has changed, including the:

• disestablishment of Te Pūkenga
• move to a new regional polytechnic network
• introduction of Industry Skills Boards
• role of the Construction and Specialist Trades ISB
• aims of the new work-based learning model
• introduction of work-place assessments.

He also clarifies what hasn’t changed; the Board’s licensing pathway, competence requirements and supervision expectations.

This episode is for anyone who supervises apprentices, employs trainees, or wants clear guidance on how vocational education reform affects their professional responsibilities.

More information:

• TEC overview of the 2026 vocational education system changes
• Board helpline: 0800 743 262

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

In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve talks about supervision; not just what the rules say, but what good supervision actually looks like on site.

He unpacks what it means to be a great supervisor, why supervision is more than being “available by phone”, and how to give the right level of oversight as people gain experience. Steve also talks through common supervision mistakes, where things tend to fall over, and how to set up supervision that’s clear, practical, and defensible.

This episode is for anyone who supervises others, is being supervised, or wants to understand what the Board expects when it comes to effective supervision in the real world.

More information:

• Board website supervision page  
• Guide for supervisors
• Board helpline: 0800 743 262

If you’ve got feedback on the podcast or ideas for futureepisodes, email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

In this episode, Steve explains the new building consent exemption for certain granny flats and what it means for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. He covers what the exemption allows, what has changed, what has not, where responsibility now sits, and the common risks practitioners should be aware of when working on consent-exempt projects.

More information:

• Ready, steady, go for Granny Flats | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
• Granny flats exemption: Guidance and resources | Building Performance.

Board website

Board helpline: 0800 743 262.

If you have feedback on this podcast or suggestions for future episodes, email us at [email protected]. We would love to know what you think.

In this episode, Steve explains the proposed self-certification scheme for certified plumbers and drainlayers. He discusses what is being proposed, why the change is being considered, and what practitioners might expect if the scheme is approved.

More information:

• Self-certification by plumbers and drainlayers | Building Performance⁠

• Building and Construction Sector (Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers) Amendment Bill 221-1 (2025), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation

• Webinar: Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying

Board website ⁠

Board helpline: 0800 743 262.

If you have feedback on this podcast or suggestions for future episodes, email us at [email protected]. We would love to know what you think.