Regulate the locksmith industry in New Zealand

What is this about?

This petition asks the New Zealand Parliament to create new laws requiring all locksmiths to be officially licensed. Currently, anyone can call themselves a locksmith. The petitioners want to make it illegal to work in this field without two things: a certificate from the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) and membership in one of the three main industry groups. The PSPLA is the government body that currently licenses security guards and alarm installers, but not locksmiths.

Current Situation

In New Zealand, the locksmith trade is currently unregulated. There is no legal requirement for a person to have specific training, pass a background check, or hold a license to open locks or install security systems. This means consumers have no guaranteed way to verify if a locksmith is qualified or trustworthy before hiring them. The petition argues this gap leaves homes and businesses vulnerable to fraud or poor workmanship.

Arguments in Favour

• Consumer Protection: Licensing would ensure locksmiths are trained and vetted, reducing the risk of scams or damage to property.
• Public Safety: Since locksmiths handle security systems, ensuring they are competent protects the public from security failures.
• Industry Standards: Requiring membership in professional associations would enforce codes of conduct and accountability.

Arguments Against

• Barriers to Entry: Critics argue that mandatory licensing creates unnecessary hurdles for skilled tradespeople who may not want to join specific associations or pay for additional certifications.
• Cost to Consumers: Regulatory compliance often leads to higher prices for services, which could make emergency lockout assistance more expensive.
• Redundancy: Some argue that existing consumer protection laws and insurance requirements are sufficient, and that the market already rewards good service through reputation.

Relevant Context

Other trades in New Zealand, such as electricians and plumbers, are strictly regulated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and require specific qualifications. The locksmith industry is one of the few security-related trades that remains outside this framework. The three main associations mentioned are typically the New Zealand Locksmiths Association, the Locksmiths Association of New Zealand, and the Security Industry Association. While there have been occasional calls for regulation over the years, no legislation has yet been passed to mandate licensing for this specific trade.

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