Articles tagged with Chris Pen
Defence Ministry Launches Major Housing Project for Military Families
2 days ago | 45 viewsThe 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 The initiative aims to replace outdated homes at various NZDF camps and bases with modern two- and three-bedroom houses to support the wellbeing of military families.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.
Tags: Defence housing project military families job growth Chris Penk Defence Minister NZDF Homes for Families programme Defence Capability Plan Linton Military Camp Royal New Zealand Air ForceNew Public Reserve Established: Watts Peninsula - Te Motu Kairangi in Wellington
2 weeks ago | 143 viewsA 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.
Tags: Miramar Peninsula Te Motu Kairangi Tama Potaka Chris Penk Watts Peninsula Mātai Moana Land Information New Zealand Department of Conservation Fort Ballance Wellington City CouncilNew Regulations Speed Up Building Inspection Wait Times, Boosting Efficiency and Cutting Costs
1 month ago | 233 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Chris Penk Building and Construction Minister Building inspections Building Consent Authorities MBIE Wait times Building projects Regulatory reforms Building companies CouncilsAccelerated Land Acquisition Bill Boosts Infrastructure Projects
1 month ago | 289 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Public Works Act Amendment Bill Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Land Information Minister Chris Penk infrastructure projects critical infrastructure accelerated land acquisition process Public Works Act landowners infrastructure deficit New Zealand.Government Announces Major Changes to Building Consent System for Economic Growth
1 month ago | 209 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Government Building consent system Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk New Zealand Building sector Building owners Councils Liability settings BCA consolidationNew Zealand Government Enhances Building Code for Improved Fire Safety
1 month ago | 638 viewsThe Government will amend the Building Code to enhance fire safety protections for New Zealanders, prompted by a nationwide fire safety review following a tragic fire at Loafers Lodge in Wellington. Over 100 organizations and individuals contributed feedback during the consultation, highlighting the need for clearer regulations and improved evacuation measures, especially in larger residential buildings. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will incorporate this feedback into proposed Building Code changes separate from the regular update cycle, with a focus on aligning fire safety provisions with modern technologies and ensuring the safety of occupants and firefighters.
Tags: Government Building Code New Zealanders fire safety Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Loafers Lodge WellingtonNew Regulations to Ease Building Restrictions for Kiwi Homeowners
1 month ago | 422 viewsRegulation Minister David Seymour and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announce changes to reduce red tape for homeowners building garden sheds, sleepouts, or garages by the end of the year. Cabinet has agreed to remove minimum distance requirements and reduce setback distances for single-storey buildings, making it easier and cheaper for property owners to build structures. The changes aim to address frustrations with regulations, improve affordability, and allow homeowners more freedom to utilize their property without the need for building consent, with expectations for implementation by late 2025.
Tags: Red Tape Tipline homeowners garden sheds sleepouts garages Regulation Minister David Seymour Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk setback distance building consent property ownersNew Zealand Construction Industry Welcomes Expanded Range of Building Products for Cost Savings and Quality Boost
2 months ago | 522 viewsStarting tomorrow, New Zealand will see increased accessibility of various building products such as plasterboard, cladding systems, external doors, and windows, aiming to boost the construction industry and lower building costs. The government, led by Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk, is focused on driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving wages through initiatives like allowing quality overseas building products into the market. These changes are part of a broader effort to introduce competition, reduce costly monopolies, and streamline the use of international building standards, with the Building Product Specifications document being a key resource for this transition.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand construction building products economic growth plasterboard cladding systems external doors windows AustraliaGovernment Pauses Major Changes to Building Code System for Certainty in Construction Sector
2 months ago | 482 viewsBuilding and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced a pause on major changes to the Building Code system to provide stability and clarity for the building sector amidst disruptions from the pandemic and supply chain challenges. The government aims to implement a predictable three-year cycle for updates, allowing businesses to plan ahead and invest with confidence. While major changes will be paused, updates related to life safety, energy efficiency, Building Product Specifications, and fire safety will continue, supporting economic growth and productivity improvements in the building sector.
Tags: Government Building sector Building Code system Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Builders Designers DevelopersNew Flexible Insulation Rules to Cut Costs for Designers, Builders, and Homeowners
2 months ago | 815 viewsOverly rigid insulation rules are being removed to ease costs for designers, builders and homeowners, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced. “I’ve heard clearly from the industry that the current one-size-fits-all approach to insulation requirements is needlessly driving-up costs. “The most prescriptive compliance pathway currently available for insulation – known as the Schedule Method – doesn’t allow for design trade-offs that can affect a home’s energy efficiency, like adjusting window size.
Tags: insulation rules designers builders homeowners Chris Penk energy efficiency Building Code Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Far NorthLargest maritime navigation system upgrade in decades
3 months ago | 649 viewsThe Government is making New Zealand more attractive to international shipping lines with the first major investment in navigation services in more than 30 years. Land Information Minister Chris Penk says the $28. 6 million Budget 2025 funding secures the future of shipping, tourism and the maritime economy – highlighting the Government's commitment to back economic growth.
Tags: Antarctica Chris pen Cook islands James meager Land information Land information new zealand Maritime new zealand Matarik New zealand Pacific South - west pacific Tokelau