# Ask for Licensed
> Ensuring your plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer is licensed to protect your home and community.

## Overview
- [Why is it important to hire a licensed plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer?](https://www.askforlicensed.co.nz/#overview): Understand the risks of unlicensed work and the benefits of hiring licensed professionals. Unlicensed work can lead to expensive repairs, safety hazards, and legal disputes, and may not be protected by insurance.

## What's at Risk
- [Don't risk a small job turning into a bigger disaster](https://www.askforlicensed.co.nz/#risk): Learn about the three main risks of unlicensed work:
  - **Not Safe**: Unlicensed practitioners may lack proper knowledge and skills, risking your health and home
  - **Not Legal**: Most plumbing and drainlaying work in New Zealand is restricted, and all gasfitting work is - only licensed persons can legally carry out this work
  - **Not Insured**: Your insurance policy may be void if unlicensed work goes wrong, leaving you to cover full repair costs

## FAQs
- [Ensure the people carrying out work in your home are licensed to do so](https://www.askforlicensed.co.nz/#faqs): Comprehensive answers covering:
  - What is a licence and why annual renewal matters
  - How to verify if someone is licensed using the public register
  - How to find licensed practitioners near you
  - Difference between registration and holding a licence
  - Understanding different licence types (Trainee vs Certified vs Restricted)
  - Information about the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board

## Resources
- [Check they're licensed](https://www2.pgdb.co.nz/public-register): Access the official public register to verify licensing status
- [I'm a consumer](https://www2.pgdb.co.nz/public-register): Consumer-focused resources and tools
- [I work in the trade](https://www.pgdb.co.nz/manage_your_licence/): Resources for industry professionals
- [Understanding registration and licence classes](https://www.pgdb.co.nz/media/mizhvdit/understanding-registration-and-licence-classes.pdf): Guide to different licence types
- [Renovation checklist](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/68cca75a5f48e33d9a595dc3/68d60a127b9bc192ddfd5025%5F2025.09.19%20Landing%20page%20checklist%20V1%20%281%29%20%281%29.pdf): Downloadable checklist for renovation projects

## Legal Information
- [Recent fines and prosecutions](https://www.pgdb.co.nz/about_the_board/news/media-release-scv-campaign-27082025/): Information about penalties for unlicensed work (up to $50,000 fines)
- [About the licence register](https://www.pgdb.co.nz/advice_for_consumers/): Consumer advice and guidance
- [About the Board](https://www.pgdb.co.nz/about_the_board/): Information about the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board established in 1912

## Get Involved
- [Support the campaign](https://www.askforlicensed.co.nz/#get-involved): Help raise awareness about using licensed practitioners
- [Spread the word](https://www.askforlicensed.co.nz/#get-involved): Join the campaign to promote licensed work

## Contact Information
- Phone: 0800 743 262
- Email: Contact information available on the website
- Website: https://www.askforlicensed.co.nz/

## Key Messages
- "Don't just take their word for it" - Always verify licensing status
- Most plumbing and drainlaying work in New Zealand is restricted
- All gasfitting work is restricted and requires licensing
- Licensed practitioners must renew their licence annually
- Always ask to see their licence before work begins
- Check the expiry date to ensure the licence is current