Ministers’ foreword

It has become too hard and expensive to build homes in New Zealand.

As part of our wider housing and building reforms, we want to make it easier to build small, self-contained and detached houses, commonly known as ‘granny flats’.

Changes in New Zealand’s population, including smaller family size and an ageing population, mean that demand for granny flats will increase into the future.

While we commonly call these houses ‘granny flats’ they can support a range of people and circumstances, from young people through to seniors. They can support intergenerational family living and provide a more affordable housing choice.

We are proposing coordinated changes across the building and resource management systems. Firstly, we propose adding a new schedule to the Building Act 2004 to provide a building consent exemption for granny flats up to 60 square metres. Under the resource management system, we propose a ‘national environmental standard’ that allow a ‘minor residential unit’ to be built without the need for a resource consent.

There will be safeguards to ensure granny flats continue to meet New Zealanders’ expectations of safety and quality, and appropriately manage any environmental effects. We want these to be good homes.

To make sure our changes are successful, it is important we hear the valuable perspectives from all interested people. This document seeks input on our proposals to make changes to Resource Management Act 1991, Building Act 2004 and Local Government Act 2002.

As Minister Responsible for Resource Management Act Reform and Minister for Building and Construction we are pleased to present this discussion document, making it easier to build granny flats, for public consultation.

Hon Chris Bishop	Hon Chris Penk
Minister Responsible for Resource Management Reform	Minister for Building and Construction

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