Summary of submissions: Building Code fire safety review
A summary of the feedback received during consultation on issues in the fire safety provisions of the Building Code.
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The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) conducted a public consultation from 23 October to 24 December 2024 on issues in the fire safety provisions of the Building Code. The consultation aimed to gather feedback on whether the current fire safety regulations are effective, clear, and responsive to modern building practices and technologies. It did not propose specific changes.
MBIE received 112 submissions which is the highest number for a fire safety consultation in the past decade. Submitters included architects, engineers, building consent authorities, product suppliers, building owners and occupants, disabled persons’ organisations, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
In this section I tēnei wāhanga
Executive summary
A summary of the feedback received during the public consultation on issues in the fire safety provisions in the Building Code in 2024.
Submitters
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment received over 100 submissions on Building Code fire safety issues, with wide representation across communities and industries.
Outcomes of the fire safety review
MBIE’s proposed outcomes for improving fire safety in the Building Code received strong public support, helping guide future updates.
Effectiveness of fire safety measures in the Building Code
Feedback showed strong support for improving fire safety protections in the Building Code.
Keeping pace with new technologies and new fire challenges
Feedback showed support for tackling fire risks from new technologies, but views were mixed on specific innovations.
Certainty, clarity, and consistency
Submitters strongly supported improving clarity and consistency in the Building Code to reduce confusion and delays.
Suggested priorities
Clarity, risk-based requirements, and protection for vulnerable building users topped the list of suggested priorities.
Contributing issues from the background paper
Submitters backed clearer requirements and better evacuation support, with strong interest in resolving key fire safety issues from the background paper.
Other comments
Submitters supported the review and raised broader concerns about clarity, regulation, and competency across the building system.
Appendix B: Comments related to individual outcomes and issues
An overview of comments related to each of the contributing issues identified in the background paper for the consultation.