Articles tagged with Construction
New Regulations Ease Building Restrictions for Garden Sheds and Garages
2 weeks ago | 148 viewsHomeowners 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.
Tags: Changes homeowners garden sheds sleepouts garages red tape Regulation Minister David Seymour Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk setback distance building consentConstruction Industry Embraces Health and Safety Reforms: Survey Shows Overwhelming Support
2 weeks ago | 123 viewsThe construction industry overwhelmingly supports key Health and Safety reforms, with a focus on guidance and critical risks, according to a Site Safe survey welcomed by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. The survey results indicate strong backing for clearer guidance, increased use of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs), and a stronger emphasis on critical risks. Van Velden aims to improve guidance provision, clarify compliance with ACOPs, and involve industry stakeholders in developing ACOPs to enhance practicality and effectiveness in managing health and safety risks in the construction sector.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Health and Safety reforms Workplace Relations Safety Minister Site Safe survey construction industry health and safety WorkSafe Approved Codes of PracticeNew Zealand Government Expands Solar Panel Exemptions for Sustainable Construction
2 weeks ago | 150 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Government reforms sustainable construction New Zealand rooftop solar panels Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk Building Act solar panel consents KiwisRegional Infrastructure Fund Boosts Job Creation and Resilience in New Zealand
3 weeks ago | 158 viewsThe Regional Infrastructure Fund, supported by Ministers Shane Jones and Louise Upston, is funding projects in regional New Zealand to create resilient communities and local employment opportunities. Since its opening in mid last year, the RIF has committed over $862 million to projects, with $355.6 million already approved and announced. These projects are expected to provide employment for over 1750 full-time workers during construction, prioritizing local workforce planning and creating job opportunities in construction, agriculture, horticulture, and processing.
Tags: Regional Infrastructure Fund resilient communities local employment opportunities Regional Development Minister Shane Jones Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston infrastructure employment construction New Zealanders projectsRolleston Access Improvements Driving Jobs & Growth | Canterbury Transport Project
3 weeks ago | 126 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop highlights that the Rolleston Access Improvements project on State Highway 1 will boost jobs and economic growth in the rapidly expanding Canterbury region. The project aims to enhance transport connections for residents and businesses in the Selwyn district, a key area for growth and access to Christchurch. The government's $7 billion infrastructure investment includes this project, with the first stage focusing on constructing a new roundabout, pedestrian and cycle subway, and various road upgrades to improve safety and efficiency, with completion expected by the end of 2026.
Tags: Rolleston Transport Minister Chris Bishop Canterbury infrastructure projects road improvements economic growth construction NZTA Fulton Hogan State Highway 1.New Zealand Government's Growth-Focused Plan for Q4: Boosting Opportunities and Cutting Red Tape
1 month ago | 133 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon highlights the Government's focus on growth and pragmatic solutions in its upcoming work programme. The Q4 plan aims to streamline construction processes, facilitate finance for social housing projects, promote competition in key sectors, and support innovative projects to boost job opportunities and incomes. Progress on the Q3 plan shows 26 out of 28 actions completed, with the remaining two, including regulations for open banking and the Crimes Amendment Bill, in progress.
Tags: Government Growth Pragmatic solutions New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Construction Social housing developments Competition Urban growthTransformative Melling Transport Improvements Project Underway in Lower Hutt
1 month ago | 253 viewsConstruction has commenced on the State Highway 2 (SH2) Melling Transport Improvements Road of Regional Significance in Lower Hutt to enhance safety, accessibility, and resilience, according to Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The project, including a new interchange and bridge over the Hutt River, aims to alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and promote economic growth by improving public transport and active transport options. Led by the NZ Transport Agency, AECOM, and Fletcher Construction, the initiative is part of a broader $1.5 billion RiverLink program to boost economic growth, resilience, and flood protection in Lower Hutt, with completion expected by 2031.
Tags: Chris Bishop Lower Hutt Transport Minister NZ Transport Agency AECOM Fletcher Construction Melling Interchange Melling Transport Improvements Road RiverLink programme Hutt RiverNew Bridge Construction on SH43 Forgotten World Highway & Nationwide Priority Bridge Replacements
1 month ago | 230 viewsConstruction on a new bridge replacement on SH43, Forgotten World Highway, will start this month, initiating a series of priority bridge replacements nationwide. Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that 13 bridges and culverts will be replaced or renewed in the next two years, enhancing the country's transport network. The Kururau Stream Water Drive bridge on SH43, an iconic route for tourism, is the first to undergo construction, ensuring improved efficiency and safety for locals and visitors.
Tags: bridge replacement State Highway 43 SH43 Transport Minister Chris Bishop Kururau Stream Water Drive Forgotten World Highway construction infrastructure New Zealand tourismGovernment Invests $300 Million in School Infrastructure Upgrades
2 months ago | 282 viewsThe Government is investing approximately $300 million to repair and upgrade 33 schools with challenging property conditions, aiming to provide safe and improved learning environments for children. The initial $87 million investment will address urgent needs in seven schools, with construction set to begin within the next 12 months. Efforts include cost-saving measures, such as modular construction and standardized designs, to deliver efficient and quality solutions, with further tranches of funding planned for future projects.
Tags: Government school infrastructure investment Education Minister Erica Stanford classrooms refurbishment construction efficiency transparency childrenNew Zealand's Push for Suicide Prevention: Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey Launch
2 months ago | 291 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey participated in the launch of the Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey on World Suicide Prevention Day, emphasizing the importance of changing the narrative on suicide to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help. New Zealand faces high suicide rates, with 617 suspected suicides last year, leading to increased investment of $16 million per year in the new Suicide Prevention Action Plan, which includes various health and cross-agency actions to enhance access to support and prevention services. The government is committed to providing timely support for those at risk of suicide, promoting wellbeing campaigns, establishing crisis recovery cafes, and funding peer support workers in emergency departments to strengthen suicide prevention efforts in New Zealand.
Tags: Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey Suicide Prevention Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan Suicide Rates SupportNZTA Awards Contract for SH29 Tauriko West Road Phase 1 Construction
2 months ago | 332 viewsThe NZ Transport Agency has awarded a $42 million contract to HEB Construction Limited to begin construction on the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement in October, as part of the State Highway 29 Tauriko West project. This project aims to enhance safety, resilience, and freight efficiency along SH29, a crucial corridor in the Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga triangle, with a total of $7 billion already allocated for Government-funded projects nationwide. Future phases of the project will involve route protection and consenting for a new four-lane SH29, supporting growth in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty with improved travel times and reduced accidents.
Tags: NZ Transport Agency SH29 Tauriko West Road Ōmanawa Bridge Transport Minister Chris Bishop HEB Construction Limited Port of Tauranga Redwood Interchange Takitimu North Link interchange Tauriko Business Estate.Progress Update: Second Ashburton Bridge Construction Nears as Key Agreement Signed
2 months ago | 323 viewsThe second Ashburton Bridge is closer to realization following a key agreement signed by Minister James Meager, marking progress towards the National Party's campaign promise. The New Zealand Transport Agency has contracted Fletchers Construction to advance detailed bridge design for construction starting next year, aiming to alleviate congestion on State Highway 1 and enhance network resilience in emergency events. Geotechnical investigations and property purchases are underway, with a Design and Construction contract expected to be finalized by year-end, emphasizing local opportunities and addressing potential challenges.
Tags: Ashburton Bridge Minister South Island Associate Transport Minister James Meager New Zealand Transport Agency Fletchers Construction National Party State Highway 1 OtagoNew Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline Surges to $237.1 Billion: Construction Sector Growth Ahead
2 months ago | 367 viewsThe latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission reveals that the value of infrastructure initiatives in the National Infrastructure Pipeline has increased to $237.1 billion, with a $30.2 billion growth from the previous quarter, as stated by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. The Pipeline, managed by the Commission, encompasses over 9,200 projects, aiding in planning for future infrastructure projects across various sectors and contributing to about 4% of the country's GDP. Efforts are being made to enhance transparency and data quality within the Pipeline, with ongoing collaboration from 121 organizations, and the final National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be released in December.
Tags: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission National Infrastructure Pipeline Chris Bishop construction sector infrastructure projects New Zealand Infrastructure Commission GDP NZTA highway maintenance programmes Christchurch Men’s Prison Hawkes Bay PrisonWhangārei Hospital Initiates Procurement for Expanded Carpark to Enhance Access
2 months ago | 539 viewsWhangārei Hospital is initiating a procurement process for additional and upgraded carparks to accommodate the ongoing redevelopment, addressing the current capacity challenges and growing demand. Health New Zealand is seeking a civil contractor to build a new carpark extension with 552 spaces to replace those lost due to construction and enhance overall capacity. Acting Health Minister Matt Doocey emphasizes the importance of easy access to health services and highlights the commitment to delivering a modern hospital for the community.
Tags: Matt Doocey Patients Families Whangārei Hospital Carpark Health New Zealand Construction Procurement Services GovernmentNew Regulations Speed Up Building Inspection Wait Times, Boosting Efficiency and Cutting Costs
2 months ago | 359 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 Councils