Engineering NZ advises that a PS3 Construction is a form commonly used as a certificate of completion of building work and are intended to provide Building Consent Authorities (BCA’s) with reasonable grounds for the issue of a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) without the need to duplicate construction checking undertaken by others.

Councils generally request a PS3 in lieu of an inspection that is usually carried out by the Council, or for a missed inspection. There is no provision in the Building Act for a BCA to demand a PS3 as a means of compliance. Council can request, accept, or decline, a PS3 if it believes it is reasonable to do so. Councils also cannot refuse to issue a CCC if a PS3 is not provided – they can refuse to issue a CCC if works does not meet Building Compliance.

As the council takes liability for any producer statements they accept, a PS3 should provide sufficient information and evidence to show how compliance to the relevant building code clauses is met. Such as providing the installers licence details, materials used, construction progress photos, and written statements.