New Zealand’s new low lead regulations for tapware come into force in May 2026, and the impact will be big. Many existing tapware ranges on the NZ market, especially traditional brass products, will not comply. This change affects new builds, renovations, group housing, commercial projects, and all potable water outlets nationwide. 

Waterware’s response is simple, future-proof, and already available.
Our Pioneer, Pioneer Forge and Civic stainless-steel ranges are all 100 percent lead free, manufactured from premium 304 stainless steel, and ready for full NZ compliance today. 

This article explains what the regulation means for New Zealand projects, why stainless steel is the safest choice, and how Waterware’s new ranges make design, installation, and future upgrades easier for everyone. 

What Is Changing in New Zealand’s Tapware Regulations in 2026?

From May 2026, any tapware and valving touching drinkable water MUST have a weighted average lead content, of less than 0.25% to meet the new compliance requirement. Any construction in the New Zealand market in the below sectors will be affected by this change 

• Residential homes 
• Apartments and group housing 
• Hotels and commercial fit outs 
• Aged care and retirement living 
• Schools and public facilities 

Traditional brass tapware, even low lead variants, contains trace levels of lead. Stainless Steel, however, contains zero lead, making it the safest and most compliant material for NZ conditions. 

Waterware’s move to stainless steel tapware aligns directly with our current market strategy which focuses on compliance, product rationalization, and future-ready solutions. 

Introducing Pioneer, Pioneer Forge and Civic Stainless-Steel Tapware 

These three ranges offer a complete solution for NZ bathrooms, kitchens and commercial fit outs. 

Pioneer – Minimalist, rounded, timeless

Pioneer offers a contemporary curved silhouette, perfect for new builds, renovations and multi-residential projects. Available in six PVD finishes with anti-fingerprint coating, available in chrome, brushed stainless, matte black, brushed gold, gun metal and brushed bronze. (Talk to us about our aged care extended handle option) 

Pioneer Forge – Textured refinement

A designer favorite, Pioneer Forge, builds on the Pioneer profile with a knurled textured handle detail, and a soft square pin profile, that suits modern, luxury, or industrial-inspired interiors. Delivered in the same stainless-steel finishes for visual consistency. 

Civic – Soft Square, structured and modern 

Civic introduces a clean soft square style offering a modern aesthetic with rounded smooth lines, hidden aerator and a geometric profile. Ideal for contemporary NZ homes and commercial interiors where a sleek, structured look is desired. 

These three series are designed to work together sharing components and consistent color finishes, offering flexibility and simplicity across the different types of construction.  

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURES HERE

Trim Kits: Making NZ Installations Faster, Cleaner and More Flexible

One of the standout features in Pioneer and Civic is the use of modular trim kits. These are becoming increasingly popular in NZ construction due to their speed, flexibility and customer-friendly design process. 

What trim kits allow 

• Rough-in early during framing 
• Select the style and finish later 
• Avoid design pressure at the start of a build 
• Easy to change  color finishes in future 

Both Pioneer and Civic support a universal valve system, meaning a single rough-in valve body works with either range. Trim kits can be swapped without opening walls, reducing rework and simplifying installation for plumbing teams. 

This approach suits NZ’s high-volume group builder market, commercial fit outs and renovations where timelines and variations are common. 

Finishes Made for New Zealand Homes

New Zealand homeowners increasingly ask for matching finishes across full bathroom or kitchen spaces. These stainless-steel ranges deliver exactly that, offering: 

• Brushed gold 

• Brushed bronze 

• Brushed stainless 

• Gun metal 

• Matte black 

• Chrome 

These finishes are highlighted throughout the Pioneer, Civic and Forge brochures and are tailored to suit NZ interior trends, from coastal luxe to mid-century to minimalist modern. 

Metro Accessories: The Details That Complete the Look

Alongside tapware, matching Metro accessories ensure a cohesive design throughout the bathroom. These include:

• Single and double toilet roll holders

• Robe hooks

• Hand towel holders

• ClickClack wastes

• Bottle traps

Accessories in matching finishes help create a unified visual flow and simplify the selection process for designers and homeowners. They are showcased throughout the brochures as complementary elements to the Pioneer and Civic ranges. 

FAQs

What tapware complies with NZ’s low lead regulations in 2026? 

Tapware made from 100 percent lead free materials, such as 304 stainless steels. Pioneer, Pioneer Forge and Civic are fully compliant stainless-steel ranges. 

Why is stainless steel tapware recommended for New Zealand homes? 

It is lead free, corrosion resistant and matches modern architectural styles. 

Can I choose my tapware color later in the build? 

Yes. Trim kits allow the rough-in plumbing to be completed early while the visible trim is selected later. 

Do Pioneer and Civic use the same valve? 

Yes. They share a universal valve body, making installation simpler and more flexible.  

What finishes are available? 

Brushed gold, brushed bronze, brushed stainless, gun metal, matte black and chrome. (Note: brushed bronze coming to Civic range in 2026).

Stainless Steel Tapware Is the New Standard for NZ

As New Zealand prepares for the 2026 low lead regulations, stainless steel tapware offers a clear path forward. It is compliant, durable, design friendly and made for NZ conditions. 

Pioneer, Pioneer Forge and Civic deliver strong aesthetics, full bathroom coverage, flexible installation and long-term peace of mind for builders, plumbers, designers and homeowners. 

This isn’t just about meeting regulations.
It is about choosing better materials, better performance and better outcomes for the spaces we live in.