37018 (2026). Arena Williams to the Minister for Building and Construction

Written Question

Published date: 27 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	37018 (2026)
Question asked:	17 Aug 2026
Member asking:	Arena Williams
Portfolio:	Minister for Building and Construction
Minister replying:	Hon Simon Watts
Answer received:	23 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_37018_2026
Document guid:	3a12e930-efed-4dd4-ba12-c783c84017a5

37018 (2026). Arena Williams to the Minister for Building and Construction: As Building and Construction Minister, does he believe plumbing apprenticeships and jobs are given sufficient recognition in New Zealand; if not, what measures does he intend to take to change that, if any?

Hon Simon Watts: Plumbing is a highly skilled and essential trade, and we are recognising that through practical measures such as the expanded self-certification scheme. Trusted plumbers and drainlayers can now sign off a much wider range of their own work. This reduces unnecessary delays, lifts productivity, and affirms the professionalism and competence already present in the industry.