How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in NZ? (2026)
Typical cost in NZ
$22,000
A rewire a house in New Zealand typically costs around $22,000, ranging from $9,000 for a budget job to $75,000+ at the premium end. The figures below break down what each level gets you, what drives the price, and how it varies by region.
Rewire a House cost by level
Budget
$9,000 – $18,000
Small 2-3 bedroom house, basic rewire, replace switchboard, GIB damage to be remediated by homeowner.
Mid-range
$18,000 – $32,000
Standard 3-4 bedroom house, full rewire, new switchboard, modern outlets and switches, additional points where needed.
Premium
$32,000 – $75,000
Large or two-storey, smart-home wiring, additional dedicated circuits (EV charger, heat pumps, oven), data cabling.
What changes the price
| Factor | Impact | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Number of points | Linear | More outlets, switches and lights = more cable, boxes, labour. |
| Access to wiring runs | +15-30% | Open framing (during renovation) easy; intact walls and ceilings require fishing through cavities. |
| Switchboard upgrade | $1,500-4,000 | Old fuse boards usually need replacing with modern RCD/MCB board. |
| Smart home / dedicated circuits | +$2-15k | EV charger, heat pumps, electric oven all need dedicated circuits. |
| Making good GIB | $2-6k | Holes from wiring runs need patching, plastering, and repainting. |
Rewire a House cost by region
Indicative cost based on the typical figure, adjusted for regional labour and material differences.
Auckland
$25,000
Wellington
$23,000
Christchurch
$21,000
Hamilton
$21,000
Tauranga
$22,000
Regional NZ
$20,000
What's usually included — and what isn't
Usually included
- Removal of old wiring (where accessible)
- New wiring throughout (modern TPS cable)
- New switchboard with RCD/MCB
- Standard outlets and light switches
- Standard light points
- Certificate of Compliance
Usually extra
- Lighting fixtures (homeowner supplies)
- Making good plaster damage
- Repainting
- Data / network cabling unless requested
- EV charger (separate quote)
- Multi-room speaker wiring
Typical timeline
5–21 days
Building consent
Not usually required
Rewiring an existing house doesn't usually need a building consent. The electrician must issue an Electrical Certificate of Compliance for the work. Adding new structural penetrations or significant changes may need consent.
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Getting quotes without getting burned
Red flags in a quote
- Doesn't mention switchboard upgrade for older houses
- No CoC issuance mentioned
- Doesn't specify how GIB damage will be handled
- Doesn't specify number of points/circuits
Questions to ask
- Are you replacing the switchboard? Recommended for any pre-2000 house.
- How many outlets and points are included?
- Will you issue an Electrical Certificate of Compliance and Electrical Safety Certificate if needed?
- Who patches the GIB after the cables run?
- What's the warranty on the install?
Find registered trades near you
Ready to get quotes? Browse registered rewire a house trades by city — then run a background check on each one before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
- When does a house need a rewire?
- Pre-1970s houses on original wiring usually do — old insulation degrades, no earthing, no RCD protection. 1980s-90s houses with VIR or rubber-insulated wiring also benefit. Houses post-2000 rarely need a full rewire unless damaged.
- Can I do a rewire myself in NZ?
- No — almost all rewire work is prescribed electrical work requiring a licensed electrician. A homeowner can plan and arrange, but the actual wiring must be done by an EWRB-registered person who issues the Certificate of Compliance.
Related cost guides
Sources: Master Electricians NZ — masterelectricians.org.nz; EWRB pricing guidance; Electrical contractor quotes 2025-2026. Figures are 2026 estimates for guidance only and exclude GST unless stated — always get written quotes for your specific project. Last updated 2026-05.