Master Plumbers supports the government’s decision to stick with the 1 May 2026 deadline for lead-free plumbing product requirements, despite Australia pushing its deadline out to 2028.
Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace says the lead-free rules have been four years in the making and require new tapware and other drinking water products installed in Kiwi homes and businesses to contain no more than 0.25 percent lead—down from the current 4.5 percent.
“It is disappointing that Australia has extended its deadline at the 11th hour, which means high lead content products can continue to be installed there for another two years.
“We back our government’s decision to stick with the plan, as Master Plumbers has pushed hard for lead-free plumbing products in New Zealand. We are pleased to see this finally becoming a reality in 2026 and, in our view, it can’t come soon enough.”
Mr Wallace says plumbers have a responsibility to protect public health by ensuring homes have safe drinking water, and the tapware and valves they install play a large part in that.
He says lead is a known toxin. Babies and young children are vulnerable to harm from lead exposure, particularly in the development of the central nervous system.
The move to lead-free plumbing products also brings New Zealand in line with lead-free product levels in the US.
He acknowledges some retailers may struggle to clear leaded stock prior to the 1 May deadline and this has been a concern.
“The reality is, the change was signalled some time ago. The industry needs to get on board and support the move to lead-free plumbing products for all the right reasons.
“Similar transitions have been made before with paint and petrol, due to well-established health risks.”
Mr Wallace says Master Plumbers will continue to advocate for mandatory labelling on lead-free products to make it easier for consumers and installers to identify.