Consultation: Fire Safety Proposals

Summary

MBIE is consulting on the following proposals aimed at improving fire safety regulations for New Zealand buildings:

• increased flexibility in the use of internal surface finishes
• clarify Building Code requirements for structural performance in fire
• update the Verification Method and include more safeguards for tall buildings
• support Alternative Solutions for fire designs by issuing guidance.

The new proposals are aimed at making fire safety requirements easier to understand and apply, promoting innovation in fire safety engineering and design, and supporting collaboration between building professionals.

MBIE has received input from the New Zealand Fire Service, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, building control officials and architects, and has worked with international fire engineering experts to develop these proposals.