Producer Statements Explained: When PS1-PS4 Need an Engineer's Sign-Off
What Is a Producer Statement?
If you're adding a second storey, replacing a floor, or getting a new building consent, you may hear your engineer or architect mention a "PS1" or "PS4." These are producer statements — short documents that a qualified professional signs to confirm that design or construction work meets the New Zealand Building Code. Councils use them, alongside other evidence, to help decide whether to issue a building consent or a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
The Four Types, in Plain Terms
- PS1 – Design: Signed by the engineer, architect or other design professional before a building consent is issued. It confirms their design complies with the Building Code.
- PS2 – Design Review: Signed by an independent professional who has reviewed someone else's design, where the council is relying on that review to grant the consent.
- PS3 – Construction: Signed by the contractor who actually built the work, confirming it was built in line with the consented plans and the Building Code.
- PS4 – Construction Review: Signed by the design professional (often the structural engineer) after they've monitored construction, confirming the finished work matches the consented design. Councils generally ask for this before issuing the CCC.
When Does Your Project Need One?
Producer statements typically come up for specialist work that councils can't easily assess themselves — think structural design, geotechnical reports, fire engineering, and some membrane or waterproofing installations. For a typical structural job, the engineer provides a PS1 with the consent application, then a PS4 once they've reviewed the completed work. If the contractor is asked to confirm their own work, that's the PS3.
Alterations are a common trigger. Removing a wall, adding a second storey, or changing the foundation design usually means an engineer is involved from the design stage through to sign-off, so a PS1 and PS4 pair is common on these jobs.
Who Can Sign One?
Not just anyone can sign a producer statement. Councils expect the author to have relevant experience and competence in that specific area, and to be currently registered with a recognised professional body — such as Engineering New Zealand (for a Chartered Professional Engineer) or the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Many councils accept the standard templates published by these bodies. If a statement falls outside the author's area of expertise, or key fields are missing, the council can refuse to rely on it and ask for more evidence instead.
A Practical Note for Homeowners and Builders
If your project involves an engineer, it's worth checking at the outset whether construction-stage review (and the PS4 that comes with it) is included in their engagement. A design professional isn't automatically expected to visit site and sign off construction unless that's part of their contract — so confirming this early avoids a hold-up at CCC stage.
Every project is different, and the specific producer statements needed depend on the scope of work and your council's requirements. If you're planning an alteration, new build, or repair and aren't sure what sign-offs you'll need, get in touch with Fil Engineers — we're happy to talk through what your project will require.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for site-specific engineering advice. Every building and section is different — talk to a qualified engineer about your situation.
