Podcast
Safe and Skilled
Safe and Skilled is a short form AI podcast from the New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Each episode covers a key issue affecting the nearly 15,000 practitioners in trades such as supervision requirements, our complaints process, compliance obligations, and regulatory changes. Hosted by Steve, it delivers clear, practical guidance to help practitioners stay informed and up to date.
For registered and licensed plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers.
The Board complaints process: what to expect
In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve explains how the Board's complaints process works and what practitioners can expect if a complaint is made about their work. He covers the steps from initial assessment through to investigation and possible disciplinary action, and explains why a complaint is not the same as a finding.
2026
Sanitary plumbing and drainage systems: understanding how the system behaves
In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve explains why understanding how sanitary plumbing and drainage systems behave is just as important as knowing the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.2.
The importance of documentation
In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve talks about why documentation matters in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying. He explains what good documentation processes look like, the key moments when records matter most, how poor or generic paperwork can create problems, and how good records can protect practitioners if work is reviewed later.
The role of the Board
In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve explains the role of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board: what it does, what it is responsible for, and where those responsibilities end.
Gas appliance clearances
In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve looks at one of the Board's most common technical enquiry topics: gas appliance clearances. From cooktops and rangehoods to outdoor barbecues, fireplaces and flue terminals, this episode covers common clearance mistakes, why they matter, and practical ways to avoid costly rework and compliance issues.
Prepare for lead-free plumbing
In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve gives a final reminder about the upcoming lead-free plumbing changes for potable water work and what you need to have in place before they take effect.
On-site wastewater systems: what actually drives performance
In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve talks about on-site wastewater systems and what actually drives performance over time.
Vocational education reforms - what they mean for our trades
In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve talks about the changes to New Zealand's vocational education and training system, and what they mean for our trades.
How to be a great supervisor
In this episode of Safe and Skilled, Steve talks about supervision: not just what the rules say, but what good supervision actually looks like on site.