What are PS1, PS2, PS3 and PS4 producer statements?
Short answer
Producer statements (PS) are professional sign-offs used by councils to accept that a design or piece of work complies with the Building Code without re-checking it in full. PS1 covers design, PS2 design review, PS3 construction, PS4 construction review. Each is issued by a chartered or licensed professional (usually an engineer, LBP, or architect). They're not mandatory — councils accept them at their discretion — but most consents rely on them.
Key facts
- PS1 — design compliance (engineer or designer signs off the design)
- PS2 — independent design review (a second pair of professional eyes)
- PS3 — construction compliance (builder/LBP signs that the work was built as designed)
- PS4 — construction review (engineer signs that the work was inspected during the build)
- Each PS is signed by a specific named person whose credentials are listed
- Councils accept PS at their discretion — they can ignore one if they doubt it
Why homeowners run into them
On a new build or extension, the council will usually require a PS1 with the consent application and a PS3 + PS4 before issuing the CCC. You don't draft these yourself — the designer, builder, and engineer do.
If your engineer or designer leaves the job mid-build, getting a replacement to issue the relevant PS can be slow and expensive. Some won't sign for work they didn't see.
What to check on a PS
The author's name and credentials (CPEng, LBP number, NZIA membership). The work it covers — exact addresses and scope. The date. Any conditions or limitations stated. Don't just file a PS — read it. Conditions like 'subject to soil bearing of X' or 'excluding the deck' matter on resale.
Knowing the rules is half the job. The other half is knowing who you're hiring — check any NZ builder's court action, insolvency history, director track record and AI risk score in minutes.
Planning the project? See the costs
Related questions
Sources: Engineering NZ — Producer Statement guidance; Building Performance — building.govt.nz; ACENZ producer statement templates. 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.