IN THIS ARTICLE
Choosing an electrician is a bit like choosing any tradesperson — except the consequences of getting it wrong are higher. Faulty electrical work is a fire and safety risk, and it may not be covered by your insurance. Here are seven things worth checking before you hire.
1. They’re a Registered Electrician
In New Zealand, all electrical work must be carried out by a Registered Electrician — someone licensed by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). This is the legal minimum, and any legitimate electrician will have no hesitation giving you their registration number so you can verify it at ewrb.govt.nz.
2. They’ll give you a written quote
A professional electrician will provide a written quote before starting work. Be cautious of anyone who won’t commit to a price or scope in writing — verbal “ballpark” figures have a habit of growing once the job is underway.
3. They’ll provide a Certificate of Compliance (COC)
All completed electrical work must be signed off with a COC confirming it meets New Zealand’s legal and safety requirements. If an electrician can’t or won’t provide one, don’t use them.
4. They carry public liability insurance
Insurance protects you if something goes wrong on the job. Ask whether they’re covered — a legitimate business won’t hesitate to confirm it.
5. They have genuine, verifiable reviews
Google reviews from real customers are one of the most useful signals available to you. Look for consistent patterns across many reviews, not just the overall star rating.
6. Their pricing is realistic
Typical Auckland rates (excl. GST) look roughly like this:
| Type of work | Typical cost (excl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate (labour only) | $100 – $150/hr + callout fee |
| Switchboard upgrade (standard residential) | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| EV charger installation | $800 – $2,000+ |
| Full house rewire (3–4 bed) | $12,000 – $18,000 |
A quote significantly below these ranges usually means something is being skipped. Always get at least two written quotes for larger jobs.
7. They have relevant experience for your job
Switchboard upgrades, EV chargers, and commercial fit-outs each have their own considerations. Ask: “Have you done this type of work before?” — relevant, recent experience matters more than years in the trade alone.
A note on “Master Electrician”
You may also come across the term Master Electrician while researching. It’s not a personal qualification an individual earns — it’s a business membership held by Master Electricians New Zealand, the trade association for electrical contracting businesses. It’s a useful signal that a business has committed to a higher standard, backed by a workmanship guarantee — but it sits alongside the seven checks above, not in place of them.
Red flags to watch for
- Unwillingness to provide a written quote
- No COC offered on completion
- Significantly lower price than other quotes
- No fixed business address or verified Google presence
- Reluctance to provide EWRB registration details
Common questions
Can I do any electrical work myself in New Zealand?
No. Minor work only — replacing light bulbs, resetting a tripped breaker. Any work involving fixed wiring must be done by a registered electrician.
Is cheaper always worse?
Not always — but a quote significantly below others usually means shortcuts somewhere. The COC requirement means the work has to meet minimum standards, but installation quality and materials can still vary.
What’s the difference between a Registered Electrician and Master Electricians?
Registration (EWRB) is the legal requirement for an individual to practise. Master Electricians is a membership held by the business itself, not a personal qualification — think of it as a trade association a business belongs to, backed by a workmanship guarantee.
Looking for a straightforward electrician in Auckland? Northern Lights Lighting and Electrical ticks all seven boxes above — get in touch for a free quote.
Looking for a Certified Master Electrician in Auckland?
