Authorised drainlayers need to be suitably experienced individual workers who have relevant experience and skills.

To become authorised by Christchurch City Council, drainlayers need to provide evidence to Council that they have:
  • Experience in laying drainage pipes in accordance with industry best practice, and are familiar with Council standards and specifications.
  • Completed traffic management training.
  • Health and safety systems in place.
  • Quality assurance systems in place.
  • Public liability insurance cover.
  • The resources to carry out the work quickly and efficiently.
  • Agree to be bound by the terms and conditions [PDF, 49 KB] set out for the scheme.

Apply to be an authorised drainlayer

Your non-refundable application fee can be paid at any Council Customer Service Hub or by calling 03 941 8999.

Existing Council authorised drainlayers can also apply for the pressure sewer and/or vacuum sewer categories(external link).

Traffic management 

Traffic management plans (TMPs) are required for all activities that vary the normal operating condition of the road, irrespective of whether the activity is on a carriageway, footpath or adjacent to the road. 

TMPs are also needed for activities outside the road reserve, which will affect the normal operating conditions of the road. Prior to such activities commencing, a traffic management plan complying with the Transit Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management (CoPTTM) must be submitted to and approved by the Council’s Traffic Management Coordinator.

A qualified STMP must submit the TMP online at myworksites.co.nz(external link) at least five working days prior to the planned commencement of work. 

Quality assurance plan

For details on the required contents of such a plan, refer to the Council’s: 

  • Infrastructure Design Standards (IDS) Part 3 – Quality Assurance (Appendix III – QA Plan Template) • Construction Standard Specifications (CSS) Part 1 – General (4.0) 
  • Construction Standard Specifications (CSS) Part 3 – Utility Drainage (Appendix 1, Appendix 3, Appendix 4)

Assessment

On-site technical assessments are required to ensure that the applicant has the necessary experience, technical skills and resources to carry out authorised work in accordance with Council regulations and standards.

Approval

Approval will be given in writing only and is only awarded to the individual and not to commercial entities. It is not transferable and can be withdrawn by the Council upon non-compliance with the rules as outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

Please note applications for installations of pressure sewer reticulation, including boundary kit and downstream reticulation are currently restricted. Applications for installations of vacuum sewer pits and downstream vacuum reticulation are currently closed.

Enquiries about the scheme can be made by phoning Council on 03 941 8999.

Certifying drainlayers are not Council-authorised drainlayers.  

A certifying drainlayer is registered under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006. This defines a drain as 'a pipe or series of pipes constructed or laid for the conveyance of foulwater, stormwater or industrial liquid waste', but 'does not include a pipe or series of pipes that is vested in or under the control of or maintained by a local authority'.

A certifying drainlayer is registered for laying privately-owned drains on private property, whereas a Christchurch City Council authorised drainlayer is approved for working on Council-owned and maintained assets including future assets to be vested in Council ownership.