Proposed changes to the LBP scheme

Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) are experts who have been assessed as competent to carry out building work essential to the structure or weathertightness of residential buildings.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) asked for feedback on potential issues within three main areas of the scheme: LBPs’ ability to supervise non-LBPs undertaking restricted building work; licensing classes; and if the minimum standards of competency remain appropriate.

More than 140 submissions were received across a wide range of occupations within the building and construction sector. Almost 50 per cent of the responses came directly from LBPs, with the other half reflecting the views of those who interact with them.

Overall the feedback affirmed that the potential issues have been accurately identified, and shows there is high levels of support for changes in these areas.

This feedback will be used to further strengthen the scheme – a stronger LBP scheme means builders and designers have the right skills, knowledge, and experience to do quality building work and increase consumer confidence in the scheme.

The review of the LBP scheme is part of a series of reforms to the building laws to lift the efficiency and quality of building work in New Zealand. The reforms will see a more efficient building system, a lift in the quality of building work, and fairer outcomes if things go wrong.

More information on the building law reform programme(external link) – Building.govt.nz