How to Choose an Electrician in NZ 2025: Complete Guide
Quick Answer
To choose a qualified electrician in NZ: 1) Verify EWRB registration at ewrb.govt.nz, 2) Get 3+ written quotes, 3) Check reviews and references, 4) Confirm insurance ($1M+ public liability), 5) Ensure quote includes Certificate of Compliance, 6) Avoid cash-only deals or rates below $70/hour. Choose based on total value, not just lowest price.
Step 1: Verify EWRB Registration (Non-Negotiable)
In New Zealand, all electricians must be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Working with an unregistered electrician is illegal, voids your insurance, and creates serious safety risks.
How to Check EWRB Registration
Online Verification (2 Minutes):
- 1. Visit ewrb.govt.nz/for-the-public/check-an-electrical-worker/
- 2. Enter electrician's name or registration number
- 3. Verify their registration class and expiry date
- 4. Check for any disciplinary actions or conditions
- 5. Confirm registration covers the work you need (some have limitations)
Understanding EWRB Registration Types
| Registration Class | Can Perform | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Electrician | All electrical work unsupervised | Most residential & commercial jobs |
| Practising Electrician | All work, can supervise others | Complex projects, business owners |
| Limited Certificate Holder | Specific work only (e.g., appliance repairs) | Specialised tasks only |
| Trainee/Apprentice | Work under supervision only | Assisting registered electrician |
⚠️ Consequences of Using Unregistered Electricians:
- ✗ Home insurance claims rejected if fire/electrical fault occurs
- ✗ No Certificate of Compliance (required by law)
- ✗ Cannot sell property without compliance documentation
- ✗ You can be fined up to $10,000 for illegal electrical work
- ✗ Serious safety risks - electrocution, fire hazards
- ✗ Cost to fix non-compliant work often exceeds original savings
Step 2: Get Multiple Written Quotes
Always obtain at least 3 written quotes. Electrician pricing can vary by 30-40% for identical work. Multiple quotes help you understand fair market rates and give you negotiating power.
What a Proper Quote Should Include
Essential Quote Elements:
- ✓ Detailed Scope of Work: Specific tasks, not vague descriptions
Good: "Install 3x double power points, run 2.5mm² cable, RCD protection"
Bad: "Fix electrical issues in kitchen" - ✓ Labour Costs Breakdown: Hours estimated × hourly rate, or fixed price
Example: "6 hours @ $95/hour = $570" or "Fixed price: $800" - ✓ Materials Itemised: List of components with costs
Breakers, cables, switchboard, fixtures, etc. - ✓ Certificate of Compliance: Included or specified as extra
Legally required - should be included - ✓ Timeline: Start date and completion estimate
"Start within 5 working days, complete in 1 day" - ✓ Payment Terms: Deposit, progress payments, final payment
Standard: 0-30% deposit, balance on completion - ✓ Warranty Information: Workmanship guarantee period
Typical: 12 months workmanship, manufacturer warranty on materials - ✓ Quote Validity: How long the quoted price is valid
Usually 30 days
Comparing Quotes Effectively
| Comparison Factor | What to Look For | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | Within 20% of each other | 40%+ cheaper than others |
| Scope Detail | Specific tasks, measurements, materials | Vague descriptions, no details |
| Timeline | Realistic timeframe, clear start date | "ASAP" or overly optimistic |
| Exclusions | Clearly stated what's not included | No exclusions listed (hidden costs) |
| Materials Quality | Brand names specified (Schneider, ABB) | "Standard materials" (could be cheap) |
Step 3: Check Reviews and References
Where to Find Electrician Reviews
- Google Reviews: Search "[Electrician Name] NZ" - look for 4+ stars with 10+ reviews
- Facebook Business Pages: Check recommendations and customer comments
- Builderscrack/Nocowboys: NZ-specific tradie review platforms
- Master Electricians Directory: If they're a Master Electrician member
- Local Community Facebook Groups: Ask for recommendations in your area
How to Evaluate Reviews
Review Analysis Tips:
- ✓ Recent Reviews Matter Most: Focus on reviews from last 6-12 months
- ✓ Look for Patterns: Consistent praise (punctual, tidy) or complaints (poor communication)
- ✓ Check Response to Negatives: How does electrician handle criticism?
- ✓ Similar Job Types: Reviews for work similar to yours carry more weight
- ✓ Beware Fake Reviews: All 5-star, posted on same day, generic language
- ✓ Total Review Count: 20+ reviews more reliable than 3-4
Requesting and Checking References
Ask electricians for 2-3 recent references for similar work. When contacting references:
Questions to Ask References:
- 1. What work did [Electrician] perform for you and when?
- 2. Was the quoted price accurate or were there unexpected costs?
- 3. Did they complete the work on time?
- 4. Was the work area left clean and tidy?
- 5. Did they communicate clearly throughout the project?
- 6. Have you had any issues since completion?
- 7. Would you hire them again?
- 8. On a scale 1-10, how would you rate the overall experience?
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
Essential Questions Before Hiring
1. Qualifications & Registration
- "Are you EWRB registered?" - Verify at ewrb.govt.nz
- "What's your registration class?" - Registered or Practising Electrician preferred
- "Are you a Master Electrician?" - Higher standards, ongoing training
- "How many years' experience do you have with [specific job type]?"
2. Insurance & Protection
- "Do you have public liability insurance?" - Minimum $1 million coverage
- "Can you provide a copy of your insurance certificate?"
- "Are your employees/subcontractors also insured and registered?"
3. Quote & Pricing Clarity
- "What exactly is included in this quote?" - Labour, materials, compliance?
- "What's not included that I might need?" - Identify potential extras
- "Is this a fixed price or estimate?" - Fixed price protects from overruns
- "What happens if the job takes longer than expected?"
- "Are materials at retail or trade pricing?" - Some mark up materials 20-40%
4. Compliance & Certification
- "Will you provide a Certificate of Compliance?" - Legally required, should be included
- "When will the CoC be issued?" - Within 5 working days of completion
- "Do you lodge compliance certificates with council?" - Your responsibility but electrician usually helps
5. Warranty & Guarantees
- "What's your warranty on workmanship?" - Typical: 12 months
- "What about manufacturer warranties on materials?"
- "How do you handle warranty claims if issues arise?"
- "Will you come back if I have problems?" - Responsiveness matters
6. Timeline & Availability
- "When can you start?" - Booked 2-4 weeks is normal for good electricians
- "How long will the work take?" - Get realistic estimate
- "Will you work continuously or juggle multiple jobs?"
- "What if you need to delay - how will you communicate?"
7. Working Practices
- "Will you be doing the work personally or sending employees?"
- "How do you protect my home during work?" - Drop sheets, boot covers, clean up
- "What hours do you work?" - 7am-5pm typical
- "How do you handle rubbish and old materials?"
Step 5: Spot the Red Flags
🚩 Major Warning Signs - Walk Away If:
Not EWRB Registered
Can't verify registration, expired registration, or "registered but can't find my number"
Suspiciously Low Prices
Rates under $70/hour or quotes 40%+ below others - cutting corners on safety or quality
Cash-Only Deals
"Cheaper if you pay cash" - tax avoidance, no paper trail for warranty claims
Large Upfront Deposits
Demanding 50%+ before starting - risk of abandonment. Standard: 0-30% deposit
No Written Quote
Only verbal quotes - prices can change dramatically. Always get written quotes
No Insurance
Can't provide insurance certificate - you're liable for accidents on your property
Pressure Tactics
"Special price today only", "I'm in your area now", rushing you to sign
Won't Provide Certificate of Compliance
"CoC not needed for this job" or wants to charge extra - legally required for prescribed work
No References or Reviews
Brand new with no track record, or refuses to provide references
Poor Communication
Doesn't return calls, vague answers, unprofessional emails - problems will worsen during job
Minor Warning Signs (Proceed with Caution)
- Available Immediately: Good electricians booked 1-3 weeks ahead. Immediate availability may indicate low demand
- Unwilling to Visit for Quote: Phone/email quotes okay for simple jobs, but complex work needs site visit
- No Business Website or Social Media: Not essential, but shows professionalism and established business
- Works from Home Address: Legitimate if properly registered, but check reviews carefully
- Generic Quotes: Cookie-cutter quotes without specific details for your job
Step 6: Understanding Master Electrician vs Standard Registration
| Feature | EWRB Registered | Master Electrician |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Requirement | ✓ Yes (minimum) | ✓ Yes + voluntary membership |
| Ongoing Training | Not required | ✓ Mandatory annual training |
| Code of Ethics | EWRB standards | ✓ Stricter Master Electricians code |
| Dispute Resolution | Court/Disputes Tribunal | ✓ Free mediation service |
| Typical Hourly Rate | $80-120 | $100-140 (10-20% premium) |
| Best For | Standard residential work | Complex jobs, peace of mind |
When to Choose Master Electrician: Complex projects (full house rewiring, switchboard upgrades, solar/EV charger installation), high-value properties, or if you want maximum assurance and dispute protection.
When Standard Registration is Fine: Simple jobs (power point installation, light fixture replacement, fault finding), tight budget, or established electrician with excellent reviews.
Making Your Final Decision
Don't Choose Based on Price Alone
The cheapest quote often costs more in the long run due to poor workmanship, non-compliance, or hidden extras. Consider total value: qualifications, experience, communication, reviews, and professionalism.
Decision-Making Scorecard (Rate Each Electrician 1-5):
- □ EWRB Registration Status: Current and verified (5 points) / Not verified (0 points)
- □ Total Quote Value: Fair price for scope (4-5 points) / Too cheap (1-2 points)
- □ Quote Detail & Clarity: Comprehensive (5 points) / Vague (2 points)
- □ Reviews & References: Excellent (5 points) / Poor/None (1 point)
- □ Communication Quality: Responsive, clear (5 points) / Slow, unclear (2 points)
- □ Experience with Your Job Type: Extensive (5 points) / None (1 point)
- □ Insurance & Warranty: Comprehensive (5 points) / Basic/None (2 points)
- □ Timeline Feasibility: Realistic (4-5 points) / Unrealistic (2 points)
- □ Professionalism: High (5 points) / Concerning (1 point)
Choose electrician with highest total score (35+ is excellent)
Before You Sign: Final Checks
- ✓ Re-verify EWRB registration is current (can check day before start)
- ✓ Ensure written contract includes all verbal promises
- ✓ Confirm payment schedule (never pay in full upfront)
- ✓ Get start date and timeline in writing
- ✓ Clarify how changes/variations will be handled and priced
- ✓ Understand cancellation terms for both parties
- ✓ Keep copies of all documentation (quotes, contracts, invoices)
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
During the Job
- Poor Workmanship: Document with photos, discuss concerns immediately, don't pay final payment until resolved
- Cost Blowouts: Request written variation for any extra work before proceeding
- No-Shows/Delays: Communicate in writing, set new deadlines, consider terminating contract if persistent
After Completion
- No Certificate of Compliance: Don't pay final payment, report to EWRB if not provided within 5 working days
- Faulty Work: Give electrician opportunity to fix (in writing), escalate if refused
- Unresolved Disputes: Contact Master Electricians for mediation (if member), or Disputes Tribunal for claims under $30,000
Reporting Serious Issues
- Safety Concerns: Report to EWRB immediately - they can investigate and suspend registration
- Illegal Work: Report unregistered electrical work to EWRB
- Insurance Fraud: Report false insurance claims to insurer and EWRB
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an electrician is qualified in NZ?
Verify the electrician is EWRB (Electrical Workers Registration Board) registered at ewrb.govt.nz. All electricians must be registered to legally work in NZ. Check their registration type (Registered Electrician, Practising Electrician, or Limited Certificate holder), expiry date, and any disciplinary actions. Also confirm they have public liability insurance (minimum $1M).
How many quotes should I get from electricians?
Get at least 3 written quotes from different EWRB registered electricians. This allows you to compare pricing (which can vary 30-40%), understand market rates, and assess different approaches to your job. Quotes should itemise labour, materials, and include Certificate of Compliance. Avoid choosing based solely on lowest price.
What questions should I ask an electrician before hiring?
Essential questions: 1) Are you EWRB registered? 2) Do you have public liability insurance? 3) What's included in your quote? 4) Will you provide a Certificate of Compliance? 5) What's your warranty on workmanship? 6) When can you start and complete the work? 7) Do you have references for similar jobs? 8) What payment terms do you require?
What are red flags when choosing an electrician?
Warning signs include: no EWRB registration, rates significantly below market ($60/hr or less), cash-only deals with no receipt, verbal quotes only, pressure to pay large deposits upfront (over 30%), no insurance, unwilling to provide references, or can't show recent Certificate of Compliance examples.
Is Master Electrician certification worth paying more for?
Master Electricians charge 10-20% more but offer higher expertise, stricter quality standards, ongoing training requirements, and membership support. Worth the premium for complex jobs (full rewiring, switchboard upgrades, solar/EV charger installation). For simple jobs (power point installation), standard EWRB registration is sufficient.
Find Qualified Electricians in Your Area
Ready to find the right electrician for your project? Use our free quote comparison service to connect with up to 3 EWRB registered electricians. All electricians are pre-verified, reviewed, and experienced with NZ electrical standards.