New Zealand has changed its licensing rules for electrical workers, plumbers, gas fitters and drain layers, and says more reforms will follow to “crack down on cowboy builders”.

Further changes will include increased penalties for “careless work” and moves to ensure building professionals are held accountable if work is “not done right the first time”.

The reforms, effective from next year, apply to all licensed building practitioners, electrical workers and plumbers, gas fitters and drain layers.

The changes include improving disciplinary processes by allowing registrars to triage complaints and appoint investigators where needed; publishing details of tradies whose licences have been suspended for disciplinary reasons; establishing a new waterproofing licence class; allowing registrars to start the complaints process without a complainant; and establishing codes of ethics.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says the “ambitious program of reforms” includes enabling trusted tradespeople to sign off their own work.

“This will make it easier and more affordable to deliver new homes, but it’s important that there are checks in the system to protect against shoddy work,” he said. “New rules ... will help increase accountability and give consumers a clear path forward if things go wrong.”

Mr Penk says there is an urgent need to strip back regulation in the building system, because builders are waiting too long for the paperwork required to do jobs.  

But New Zealanders want assurances this will not lead to corners being cut, and the new rules will give bad operators the “chance to shape up or ship out”.

“Most tradies are highly skilled and trustworthy, but the industry tells me high-profile examples of poor workmanship are tarring the good with the bad,” he said.

“Master Builders welcomes these changes, which will be significant in helping to bolster the reputation of the building and construction profession.”