Do tilers need a licence in NZ?
Short answer
Tilers are unlicensed in NZ — no government register, no required qualification. The exception: anyone doing the waterproof membrane in a wet area (shower, bathroom floor) is doing work covered by Building Code clause E3 and needs to be competent. Most established tilers either hold a New Zealand Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling or a Certified Tiler trade association membership.
Source: Building Code clause E3 — internal moisture. Updated May 2026.
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Check a builderKey facts
- No statutory licence for tilers
- Wet-area waterproofing must comply with Building Code E3
- NZ Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling — voluntary qualification
- Tile Industry NZ — paid trade association
- Unverified operators are most common in bathroom waterproofing — the biggest source of failure claims
Why waterproofing matters more than tiling skill
Tiles can be ripped up and replaced. A failed waterproof membrane behind tiles can rot framing and require a complete reconstruction. The membrane is the single most failure-prone item in a bathroom — and the one most often skipped or done badly.
Ask the tiler specifically: which waterproof membrane product, which version, and ask to see the product warranty card. Most quality membranes (Davco K10, Ardex WPM, Bostik Hydroban) need specific application steps. Photos before tiling start are a good idea — for any future claim.
What to look for
Company exists with a clean Companies Office record. Examples of three recent bathroom installations with photos. Specific waterproof membrane product named. Quote breaks out membrane materials, membrane labour, and tiling labour separately. Manufacturer-approved installer status if claimed (verify on the membrane brand's website).
Knowing the rules is half the job. The other half is knowing who you're hiring. Check any NZ builder against the public record: company status, licensing and insolvency notices, from the official NZ sources.
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Related questions
Sources: Building Code clause E3 — internal moisture; Tile Industry NZ. General information for NZ homeowners, not legal advice. Building rules change and vary by council, so confirm critical details on the official source before acting. Last updated 2026-05.