PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4: Which Producer Statement Do You Need?

If you're a Licensed Building Practitioner, engineer, plumber, drainlayer, or electrician working on consented building projects in New Zealand, you'll encounter producer statements regularly. The four types — PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 — cover different stages of the design and construction process, and choosing the wrong one is a common source of delays and BCA queries.

This guide explains each type clearly, so you always know which producer statement to use and when.

PS1 — Design Producer Statement

A PS1 is produced by the person responsible for the design of a building or building system. It is a professional declaration that the design complies with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC).

When is a PS1 required?

PS1 statements are submitted as part of a building consent application — before construction begins. A BCA will typically require a PS1 when the design involves engineering judgement or specialist expertise beyond what a building officer can verify through standard inspection. Common scenarios include:

• Structural engineering design (foundations, retaining walls, beams)
• Geotechnical design (ground stability, slope stability)
• Fire engineering design for complex buildings
• Mechanical and HVAC system design
• Specialist facade or weathertightness design

Who signs a PS1?

PS1 statements are typically signed by Chartered Professional Engineers (CPEng), registered architects, or other qualified specialists whose expertise covers the aspect of design being certified. An LBP cannot sign a PS1 for structural or engineering design — this requires an engineering registration.

PS2 — Design Review Producer Statement

A PS2 is produced by someone who has independently reviewed another person's design and confirms it complies with the NZBC. It is, in effect, a peer review declaration.

When is a PS2 required?

PS2 statements are less common than PS1, PS3, or PS4 — they are typically requested by a BCA when independent peer review of a design is warranted, such as:

• High-risk or complex structural designs
• Novel or innovative construction methods
• Large or multi-storey buildings where the BCA wants independent confirmation
• Cases where the original designer does not have recognised credentials

Who signs a PS2?

Like a PS1, a PS2 must be signed by a suitably qualified professional — typically a CPEng or equivalent — who is independent of the original designer and competent to review the work.

PS3 — Construction Producer Statement

A PS3 is the most commonly used producer statement in New Zealand building work. It is produced by the person who carried out the construction, confirming the work was built in accordance with the approved design and complies with the NZBC.

When is a PS3 required?

PS3 statements are submitted after construction is complete — as part of the process for obtaining a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) or at inspection stages during the build. BCAs often require PS3 statements for:

• General building and carpentry work (LBP carpentry licence class)
• Foundations and concrete work
• Roofing and weathertightness
• Plumbing and drainage (using specialist sub-forms)
• Electrical installations (using specialist sub-forms)
• Drainlaying (using specialist sub-forms)
• Fire protection installation

PS3 specialist sub-forms

For trades and specialist work, the PS3 has a range of sub-forms:

• AC2310 — General PS3 (Auckland Council)
• AC2335 — Plumbing and gasfitting
• AC2336 — Plumbing and drainage
• AC2337 — Electrical
• AC2338 — Drainlaying
• AC2327 — Solid fuel heating
• AC2334 — Intumescent coatings

Who signs a PS3?

PS3 statements for general building work are signed by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) within the relevant licence class. Specialist sub-forms are signed by the relevant licensed tradesperson — a licensed plumber, drainlayer, or electrician. An LBP cannot sign a plumbing sub-form, and vice versa.

PS4 — Construction Review Producer Statement

A PS4 is produced by someone who has independently reviewed construction work carried out by another person, confirming it has been built in accordance with the approved design and the NZBC. It is the construction equivalent of a PS2 design review.

When is a PS4 required?

PS4 statements are used when a BCA or project requires independent monitoring or review of construction. This is most common in:

• Large commercial or multi-unit residential projects
• Projects with complex engineering aspects requiring construction monitoring
• Situations where the BCA has low confidence in the builder and requires independent oversight
• Engineer-to-site visits and monitoring reports for structural work

Who signs a PS4?

Like a PS2, a PS4 must be signed by a suitably qualified independent professional — typically a CPEng or experienced LBP who is independent of the contractor who carried out the work.

Quick Reference: Which PS Do You Need?

• Submitting a design for consent? → PS1 (or PS2 if it's a peer review)
• Just finished building or installing something? → PS3 (general or specialist sub-form)
• Reviewing someone else's completed construction? → PS4
• Plumbing, drainlaying, electrical, or fire work? → PS3 specialist sub-form

Completing Producer Statements on-site with PS Express

For LBPs, plumbers, drainlayers, electricians, and engineers who complete PS3 and PS4 statements regularly, PS Express makes the process fast and error-free. The app covers all PS form types and specialist sub-forms, pre-fills your professional details, guides you through NZBC clause selection, and generates a signed PDF in seconds — directly from your phone, while you're still on-site.

No more filling in forms at home at night, or digging through emails for old consent numbers. Try PS Express free for 28 days and see how much time you save.