Resources

Guide to the SCV system’s documentation

Use this guide to help you navigate the different resources and documents available about the self-contained vehicles (SCV) regulatory system. It’s broken down by audiences, to help you find what you need when you need it. Click the link below to quickly go to the section you’re interested in:

Terms used in this document:

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006 (Act)
Self-containment certification authority (Certification Authority)
Enforcement Authority – a local authority as defined in the Freedom Camping Act 2011
Enforcement Officer - an enforcement officer as defined in the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006
The register of self-contained motor vehicles (the Register)
Certifying Plumber
The Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board (Board)
Certificates of self-containment (Certificates)

Certification Authorities

Asset	Description
Apply to be a Certification Authority – Guidance document	Guidance about what you need to know and do to apply to the Board to be a Certification Authority. It contains information about the responsibilities of a Certification Authority, how to apply, what you need to provide so that we can assess your application, and what happens once you’re certified.
Apply to be a Certification Authority – Application form	The application form you need to complete to apply to the Board to become a Certification Authority.
Being a Certification Authority – Guidance document	Guidance that explains the core functions of Certification Authorities, including how to collect and pass on the levy, and what do in response to a complaint to or investigation by the Board.
Printing and issuing certificates and warrant cards – Guidance document	Guidance for printing and issuing warrant cards and certificates, including information about how certification and warrants work, your obligations, the specifications for warrant cards and how to display warrant cards.
Certificate of self-containment	Certificate of self-containment which can be used as a template. Includes Word or editable PDF options.
Notice	Sets out requirements for how vehicle inspections arranged by Certification Authorities must be carried out
Vehicle inspection guidance	Guidance to assist Vehicle Inspectors and Certification Authorities to interpret the requirements contained in the Act and Regulations. It aims to help to determine whether a vehicle’s facilities meet the requirements for self-containment by providing guidance and practical examples of ways in which the requirements can be met.
Vehicle inspection form	A form for Vehicle Inspectors to use to record the findings of their inspection. This ensures that that the findings of the inspection and assessment are recorded in sufficient detail to allow Certification Authorities to consider them in accordance with the Act. Includes Word or editable PDF options.
Register guidance	A guidance document on how to use the Register. This will be made available to organisations once appointed by or enrolled with the Board.
Typical Vehicle Inspection process infographic	Infographic showing the steps from when a Certification Authority receives a request to certify a vehicle, through to printing the Certificate and warrant card.

Local Government + Government Enforcement Authorities

The Act introduces several new rules and requirements for people wishing to freedom camp in a self-contained vehicle (SCV). There are new infringement offences and penalties for breaching rules associated with freedom camping in an SCV. The regulatory framework gives enforcement powers to a range of authorities, including local authorities (regional councils and territorial authorities), the Department of Conservation (DoC), and Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) (together, Enforcement Authorities).

Asset	Description
Enforcement Authorities – Guidance document	Guidance that includes information about the legislation and SCV system, what to expect with warrant cards during the transition period and the register of self-contained vehicles (the Register) and how to get access to the Register.
Enforcement Authorities - Application form	The form you need to complete to get your organisation access to the Register. Once you’re registered, you can set up access for your Enforcement Officers.
Register guidance	A guidance document on how to use the Register. This will be made available to organisations once appointed by or enrolled with the Board.
Printing and issuing certificates and warrant cards – Guidance document	Guidance that will help you understand warrant cards and certificates are issued and printed, including information about how they work and how they should be displayed.

Certifying Plumbers

If you’re registered with the Board as a Certifying Plumber, you are deemed, under the Act, to be a Certification Authority for a transitional period ending 6 June 2025. Under the Act, you are also deemed a Vehicle Inspector.

Asset	Description
Enrol to be a Certification Authority – Guidance document	Guidance about what you need to know and do to enrol with the Board as a Certification Authority. It contains information about the responsibilities of a Certification Authority, how to enrol, and what happens once you’re certified.
Enrol to be a Certification Authority – Enrolment form	The enrolment form you need to complete to apply to the Board to become a Certification Authority.
Being a Certification Authority – Guidance document	Guidance that explains the core functions of Certification Authorities, including how to collect and pass on the levy, and what do in response to a complaint to or investigation by the Board.
Vehicle inspection guidance	A guidance document that explains the requirements to be certified as self-contained and how to assess whether vehicles meet the requirements
Vehicle inspection form	A form for Vehicle Inspectors to use to record the findings of their inspection. This will help to ensure that that the findings of the inspection and assessment are recorded in sufficient detail to allow CAs to consider them in accordance with the Act.
Printing and issuing certificates and warrant cards – Guidance document	Guidance for printing and issuing warrant cards and certificates, including information about how certification and warrants work, your obligations, the specifications for warrant cards and how to display warrant cards.
Certificate of self-containment	Certificate of self-containment which can be used as a template. Includes Word or editable PDF options.
Typical Vehicle Inspection process infographic	Infographic showing the steps from when a Certification Authority receives a request to certify a vehicle, through to printing the Certificate and warrant card.
Register guidance	A guidance document on how to use the Register. This will be made available to organisations once appointed by or enrolled with the Board.