As we move closer to 1 May 2026, when the lead-free plumbing product regime will be implemented in New Zealand, Master Plumbers remains concerned about how the Government plans to police the regime.
Many New Zealand-based tapware and valve manufacturers and suppliers have invested heavily in the necessary technology to comply with the lead-free rules. It would be completely unfair and unreasonable for those who don’t comply to enter the market unchecked.
Master Plumbers is advocating for compulsory labelling on lead-free products or packaging, as we think this is the only way that both consumers and installers can easily identify lead-free products.
Plumbers bear the responsibility of providing safe drinking water for New Zealand consumers. From 1 May 2026, plumbers will only be able to install products they know comply with the new lead-free regime. It is essential that they can identify such products quickly and easily.
Australia is moving lead-free on the same date as New Zealand and has a much stronger compliance mechanism with its mandatory WaterMark system, which now includes lead-free compliance.
The WaterMark regime includes independent testing and auditing. Compare this with New Zealand, where there seems to be a misconception that the new Building Product Information Requirements will ensure compliance.
The Ministry of Innovation, Business and Employment, which oversees these information regulations, has no authority over offshore-domiciled suppliers. In other words, the ever expanding number of online resellers will continue to be able to sell unlabelled, unaudited tapware products that may contain excessive levels of lead.
Let’s not forget that this is a public health issue rather than a building product issue. A 2018 Macquarie University report on lead in plumbing products and materials was very clear that there is no safe level for lead exposure in the water we drink.
We reiterate our call to the New Zealand Government to make lead-free labelling compulsory.