24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1091 views
The Government is reforming the building consent system by replacing joint and several liability with proportionate liability, ensuring each party is only responsible for their own work to speed up consents and protect ratepayers. New safeguards include mandatory professional indemnity insurance for designers, compulsory home warranties for most new residential builds and significant renovations, and strengthened disciplinary penalties for Licensed Building Practitioners. These measures aim to enhance accountability, protect building owners, and make the building process faster, easier, and more affordable, with legislative changes expected by 2026.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1205 views
The Government is reforming building research funding by repealing the outdated Building Research Levy Act 1969 and consolidating research funding into the existing building levy under the Building Act 2024 to improve transparency, efficiency, and innovation. The new system will centrally manage funds with sector input, ring-fence research funding for long-term projects, and make funding contestable to broaden access for universities and industry organizations, while reducing costs for consent applicants. These changes aim to enhance accountability, support a more resilient building sector, and contribute to making building easier, more affordable, and supportive of economic growth in New Zealand.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1167 views
New legislation has passed its first reading in Parliament allowing skilled plumbers and drainlayers to self-certify their straightforward work, aiming to reduce delays and ease pressure on Building Consent Authorities. Alongside this, a second Bill enhances accountability and disciplinary measures for building professionals by strengthening licensing regimes and improving complaint processes. Together, these Bills seek to support competent tradespeople, streamline the building consent system, and ensure consumer confidence through clear standards and oversight.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1254 views
A 20-year campaign to clear Lake Wānaka of an invasive aquatic weed has achieved a major victory, with 40 kilometers of shoreline now weed-free. The success is attributed to collaborative efforts involving various agencies and the community, with innovative control methods like hessian mats proving effective. While progress has been made in shifting the containment line, ongoing vigilance from lake users is crucial to prevent reinfestation and continue pushing towards the ultimate goal of eradicating the weed near the Wānaka township.
25 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1396 views
Homeowners building garden sheds, sleepouts, or garages now face less red tape and delays as the setback distance requirements have been revised. The minimum distance between single-storey buildings under 10 square meters and property boundaries or other buildings has been removed, while the setback distance for buildings between 10 and 30 square meters has been reduced to one meter. These changes aim to make it easier for property owners to construct practical structures without the need for building consent, aligning with efforts to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and improve building affordability and accessibility.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1263 views
The New Zealand Government is implementing reforms to promote sustainable construction, including a new building consent exemption for rooftop solar panels to create healthier homes and reduce energy bills. The exemption, effective immediately, simplifies the process and is expected to save homeowners around $1,200 per consent. Additionally, the Government plans to introduce a fast-track consent process for sustainable buildings with performance criteria such as energy efficiency and climate resiliency, aiming to provide more choice and affordability for Kiwis while promoting renewable energy adoption.
07 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1127 views
Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk is representing New Zealand at the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in South Africa, aiming to advance the country's interests with major global economies. New Zealand, as a guest country alongside G20 members, will discuss trade and investment matters, including upholding the international rules-based trading system. During the meeting, Mr Penk will focus on advocating for New Zealand's priorities within the World Trade Organisation while also strengthening the relationship between New Zealand and South Africa.
07 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1591 views
New Zealand has expanded access to over 90,000 overseas building products following a law change, with the WaterMark certification scheme now recognized as an endorsed standard. This change aims to make it easier for Kiwi tradies and homeowners to choose from a wide range of plumbing products, boosting competition and lowering costs. By amending the Building Act, the Government has streamlined the approval process for quality overseas building products, ensuring compliance with the Building Code and providing greater choice for building owners and designers.
03 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1358 views
New Zealand's Defence Industry Strategy aims to support local businesses in delivering defence equipment and infrastructure, aligning with the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to double defence spending. The strategy emphasizes building a resilient industry to mitigate global tensions and enhance economic growth through collaboration with Kiwi innovators and major suppliers. Key actions include requiring multinational companies to partner with local businesses, establishing a Technology Accelerator, and creating offshore opportunities for showcasing New Zealand-made innovations to international partners.
29 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1255 views
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced a shift in the earthquake-prone building system to reduce repair costs and revitalize communities. The current system places a heavy financial burden on building owners, leading to abandoned and unsafe structures. The new risk-based system will focus on high-risk buildings in seismic zones, remove NBS ratings, and provide relief by lowering costs and allowing for extensions to remediation deadlines.
23 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1362 views
The largest Defence housing project in decades has begun, providing modern homes for military families and generating job growth in regional communities, as announced by Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The initiative aims to replace outdated homes at various NZDF camps and bases with modern two- and three-bedroom houses to support the wellbeing of military families. The Government plans to invest up to $600 million in the Homes for Families program, with construction already underway at several locations and future projects in the pipeline to improve housing for Defence personnel.
10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1367 views
A public reserve named Watts Peninsula, also known as Mātai Moana, will be established on the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington, with significant historical and cultural value. The reserve, promised by the government in 2011, will encompass 72 hectares of land transferred from Land Information New Zealand to the Department of Conservation. Managed by a charitable trust appointed by Wellington City Council, Taranaki Whānui, and DOC, the reserve aims to preserve ecological, historical, and cultural significance, funded by the council and Taranaki Whānui.
22 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1562 views
New regulations mandate Building Consent Authorities to complete 80% of building inspections within three working days of the date requested by the building owner, aiming to reduce delays and costs in construction projects. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will publish quarterly wait time data for every council to improve transparency and performance. Additional reforms include a self-certification scheme for reputable building companies and homeowners being able to build a granny flat without consent, all aimed at streamlining processes and holding accountable those responsible for substandard work.
22 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1537 views
The passing of the Public Works Act Amendment Bill will expedite critical infrastructure projects, aiming to address New Zealand's infrastructure deficit by streamlining land acquisition processes. The new accelerated process offers incentives and recognition payments to landowners, while also introducing a faster objections resolution mechanism. The Government plans to further modernize the Public Works Act to improve landowner engagement, disaster recovery support, and overall efficiency in delivering public infrastructure projects.
18 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1586 views
The Government is planning significant changes to the building consent system to boost productivity and reduce costs in the construction sector. Measures include shifting from joint and several liability to proportionate liability, enabling voluntary consolidation of Building Consent Authorities, and exploring options like professional indemnity insurance and home warranties. These changes aim to streamline processes, reduce delays, and make building more affordable, with a Bill expected to be introduced to Parliament in early 2026.