IN THIS ARTICLE
New Zealand has some of the strictest electrical licensing requirements in the world — and for good reason. Here’s why the law exists, what it requires, and what it protects you from.
What the law actually says
Under the Electricity Act 1992 and the Electrical Workers Registration Act 2010, all prescribed electrical work in New Zealand must be carried out by a Registered Electrician licensed by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
Prescribed electrical work includes any work involving fixed wiring — installing or modifying outlets, switches, light fittings, circuits, switchboards, or any other wired installation. It does not include basic tasks like replacing a light bulb or resetting a tripped breaker.
Carrying out prescribed electrical work without a licence is a criminal offence. So is knowingly allowing unlicensed work to be done on your property.
Why does this matter for homeowners?
The Certificate of Compliance (COC)
Every piece of prescribed electrical work must be signed off with a COC — a document the registered electrician issues confirming the work meets the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000). The COC is your legal proof that the work was done to standard.
Without a COC, work is technically illegal regardless of who did it or how well it was done.
Insurance
If an electrical fault causes a fire or damage, your insurer will ask whether the relevant work was carried out by a registered electrician and whether a COC was issued. Unlicensed work — or licensed work without a COC — can void your claim.
Property sale
When selling a home, solicitors increasingly ask about electrical compliance. Unlicensed work discovered during a sale can delay settlement, require remediation, or reduce sale price.
Safety
The registration requirement exists because faulty electrical work kills people. Poorly wired circuits cause fires. Improperly earthed installations cause electrocutions. The licensing system and COC requirement create accountability — the registered electrician’s licence is on the line if the work is substandard.
What about cheaper tradespeople who don’t mention COCs?
They’re operating illegally. If a tradesperson offers electrical work without mentioning a COC, or tells you one isn’t needed, walk away. The short-term cost saving creates a long-term liability — for your insurance, your property value, and your safety.
What does EWRB registration look like?
A registered electrician will have no hesitation providing their EWRB registration number. You can verify it at ewrb.govt.nz in under a minute. Legitimate electricians expect this question.
At Northern Lights Lighting and Electrical, every job is carried out by a registered electrician and signed off with a COC. It’s the legal requirement, and we treat it as the baseline — not an optional extra.
Common questions
What electrical work can I do myself in New Zealand?
You can replace light bulbs, reset tripped breakers, and change the plug on an appliance. Everything involving fixed wiring — outlets, switches, light fittings, circuits — is prescribed electrical work and must be done by a registered electrician.
What if a previous owner had unlicensed work done?
Get a licensed electrician to inspect and certify the work. If it meets the Wiring Rules, they can issue a COC. If it doesn’t, remediation will be required before certification.
Is a COC required for every job, no matter how small?
Yes — any prescribed electrical work requires a COC, regardless of scope. Adding a single power point requires a COC just as a full rewire does.
What should I do if I suspect unlicensed electrical work has been done on my property?
Contact a registered electrician for an inspection. Don’t attempt to assess or repair the work yourself.
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