What you can't see
A recent change to the New Zealand Building Code could affect your drinking water, says Rachael Kwok of NKBA. Here’s why lead-free tapware matters.
Design Nicola Manning Design, photography Mark Scowen
In today’s homes, great design is often defined by what we can see: clean lines, the warmth of natural finishes, seamless flow between spaces. But one of the most important design changes happening right now is largely invisible, and it’s sitting inside your tapware.
In May 2026 New Zealand introduced an update to the Building Code. It requires all plumbing products that come into contact with drinking water, including kitchen and bathroom tapware, to be lead-free.
It’s a shift many homeowners won’t notice directly, yet it quietly raises the standard for health, safety and long-term performance in our homes.
For years, small amounts of lead have been present in brass plumbing components. While this was historically accepted, research continues to show that even low levels of exposure can have long-term health implications, particularly for children.
The updated regulations introduce a stricter benchmark, limiting lead content to 0.25 per cent across tapware, valves and fittings used in drinking water systems. They also require greater durability, including resistance to corrosion that could impact water quality over time. Together, these changes reflect a broader evolution in residential design, where wellbeing sits alongside aesthetics as a core priority.
For most households, the change will be seamless. Existing installations don’t need to be replaced, and there’s no immediate cause for concern with current fixtures. However, for anyone who’s building, renovating or replacing tapware, the new standards now apply.
While many reputable suppliers offer compliant products, there is still some risk for consumers, particularly when sourcing items online or from overseas, where products may not meet New Zealand requirements.
It’s a reminder that in today’s design landscape, choosing products is about more than appearance; it’s about understanding what lies beneath the surface. Behind every successful kitchen or bathroom project is a series of technical decisions – product selection, compliance and installation – that must align with New Zealand Building Code requirements. As regulations evolve, so too does the knowledge required to deliver a truly considered outcome.
Members of the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) are committed to maintaining current industry knowledge and professional standards, ensuring the spaces they design are not only beautiful but also compliant and built to last.
Working with an NKBA member offers several clear advantages. You gain confidence that the products used in your project meet the latest regulations, and you have access to trusted, compliant suppliers. This partnership also reduces the risk of costly rework or compliance issues and ensures a smoother, more informed renovation process.
The move to lead-free tapware may not be visible, but it represents a meaningful step toward healthier, higher-performing homes. For homeowners, it reinforces an important principle: the quality of your renovation depends not just on what you choose, but on who you work with.
Planning a kitchen or bathroom project? Engage an NKBA member to ensure your design meets the latest standards – beautifully and with confidence. Visit the website to connect with a professional near you.
