Licensed Building Practitioner requirements, when NZ joinery contractors need an LBP, and how to register.
A Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) is someone licensed to carry out or supervise restricted building work in New Zealand. LBPs are registered with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and must maintain their licence through continued education requirements.
Most fit-out joinery — kitchens, wardrobes, built-in furniture — does not constitute restricted building work and does not require an LBP. Restricted building work generally involves structural elements, weathertightness, or primary-structure framing. However, if your joinery work is part of a residential building project and involves any structural elements or sits within the scope of a building consent, an LBP may be required.
If you're a joinery subcontractor working under a licensed main contractor, the main contractor's LBP typically covers the restricted building work. Your obligation is to carry out the work competently and in accordance with the building consent. If in doubt, get written confirmation from the main contractor about the licensing structure.
Joinery businesses must hold a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), comply with Worksafe NZ requirements for a safe workshop environment, and follow the Employment Relations Act obligations for any employees. GST registration is required once annual turnover exceeds NZ$60,000.
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