The standards everyone agrees to when they use BuildersLink.
BuildersLink is a marketplace that connects New Zealand homeowners with local tradespeople. For it to work, everyone needs to deal with each other honestly, safely and respectfully. This Code of Conduct sets out what we expect, what isn't allowed, and what happens when someone crosses the line. It applies to everyone who uses BuildersLink — homeowners and tradies alike.
Communicate honestly and respectfully, follow through on what you agree to, and treat the other person the way you'd want to be treated. Keep your account details accurate, respect other people's privacy, and obey all applicable New Zealand laws.
Describe your job accurately, be realistic about budget and timing, give tradies the access and information they need to quote and work safely, and pay as agreed. Leave reviews that honestly reflect your experience.
Only take on work you're competent and legally able to do, and hold the licences, insurance and consents that work requires. Quote fairly, turn up when you say you will, communicate early if plans change, and carry out work to a sound standard. You use BuildersLink in trade and are responsible for meeting your obligations to your customers.
The following are prohibited on BuildersLink:
Treat everyone fairly. We do not tolerate discrimination on any of the grounds protected by the Human Rights Act 1993 — including sex, marital status, religious or ethical belief, colour, race, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, or sexual orientation. Refusing to deal with someone, or treating them less favourably, because of any of these grounds is not allowed.
Harassment, bullying, threats, and other harmful digital communications are prohibited. Communications on BuildersLink must not breach the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 — for example, content that is threatening or intimidating, grossly offensive, or that discloses sensitive personal facts to cause harm. Serious cases may be referred to the appropriate authorities.
Reviews and ratings only help if they're genuine. Write reviews based on your real experience of a job. Do not post fake or retaliatory reviews, trade or buy reviews, review your own account through another profile, or pressure anyone to change an honest review. We may remove reviews that breach this Code and adjust ratings or trust scores to reflect conduct on the platform.
If you breach this Code of Conduct, we may — depending on how serious it is — issue a warning, remove content, limit features, or suspend or close your account. We may also adjust ratings, trust scores or platform credits to reflect conduct on the platform, and report serious matters to the relevant authorities. These are platform housekeeping actions to keep BuildersLink safe and fair; they don't make BuildersLink a party to, or responsible for, any dispute between a customer and a tradie — see our Disputes & Liability page.
If you see conduct that breaches this Code, please report it so we can look into it. You can also visit our Help & Support page. For an issue about a specific job, the quickest way is to raise it using the dispute tools in your dashboard. In an emergency, or if you feel unsafe, contact your local authorities directly.