Reforming the building regulatory system and building and construction sector
Government has a significant programme of work to ensure the building regulatory system is efficient, and to support the building and construction sector to lift performance.
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Tackling sector challenges
There are long-standing issues in the building and construction sector. These affect build quality and hold back productivity and innovation. A number of initiatives across government and industry are addressing the complex challenges through a reform of the building regulatory system and building and construction sector.
The Government’s building and construction regulator, Building Performance, is leading work to partner with industry, reform building law, build skills capability and modernise the Building Code.
Building law reforms
A Bill to amend the Building Act 2004 has been introduced to Parliament. This captures the first phase of proposed changes in the building law reforms that were publicly consulted on in 2019, and announced by the Minister for Building and Construction in October.
Announcement by the Minister for Building and Construction(external link) — Building.govt.nz
Fact sheets to help you learn what these changes mean for you, as well as more information about the building law reforms are available on the building website.
Future of the Building System(external link) — Building.govt.nz
Building Code updates
The Building Code is updated bi-annually, in June and November. Public consultation will open prior to these dates.
The focus is on improving the current maintenance and risk settings in the Building Code and educating users. A more consistent programme of updates allows for clear minimum performance requirements. The Building Code is moving to better support sector innovation and best practice.
Keep up to date on changes by subscribing to the Building Controls Updates newsletter.
Building System Regulatory Strategy
MBIE’s Building System Regulatory Strategy – Building for the Future –was launched in 2020. It sets out a vision for the future of building regulation over the next 10 to 15 years and what MBIE needs to do to achieve that future. The Strategy aims to get the system thinking beyond the ‘bricks and mortar’ of design and construction and on achieving positive social, economic and environmental outcomes for New Zealand and New Zealanders, now and in the future. The Strategy will evolve over time as it is developed in consultation with others and through measuring progress.