Press Releases
Transiton Statement – Lead-Free Plumbing Product Requirements
Date: 27 February 2026
Waterware provides the following summary of transition arrangements relating to lead-free plumbing product provisions under the New Zealand Building Code, based on written clarification received from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE).
Written clarification was provided on 26 February 2026 by:
Byron Konia
Senior Plumbing and Hydraulics Engineer
Building Performance and Engineering
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)
MBIE has confirmed the following:
“Where a project has already received building consent approval prior to 1 May 2026 (the end of the
lead-free transition period), it remains compliant with the Building Code requirements that applied at
the time the consent was granted. In this case, that would be G12/AS1 Amendment 13, which does
not include lead-free or DZR requirements.
From 2 May 2026, G12/AS1 Amendment 14 comes into effect. This amendment requires lead-free
and DZR-compliant copper products when used in contact with potable water systems.”
Summary of Transition Arrangements
Based on MBIE’s written clarification:
- Projects with building consent granted before 1 May 2026 remain compliant under the Building Code requirements that applied at the time consent was issued (G12/AS1 Amendment 13).
- These projects may continue to use plumbing products compliant with Amendment 13 for the duration of the consented works.
- Projects with building consent granted on or after 2 May 2026 must comply with G12/AS1 Amendment 14, including lead-free and DZR requirements where applicable to potable water systems.
Application
This statement is intended to assist:
- Building Consent Authorities
- Engineers and Designers
- Contractors and Installers
- Project Managers
in understanding the transition provisions relating to lead-free plumbing requirements.
Important Notice
This statement is provided for general guidance only and reflects Waterware’s understanding of MBIE clarification at the date above. Final determination of Building Code compliance remains the responsibility of the relevant Building Consent Authority for each individual project.
