PHOTO: FILE
The New Zealand government is working to improve housing construction times and costs by proposing an overhaul of the building consent process, aiming to reduce red tape and simplify building compliance. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced that the new scheme would allow qualified professionals, such as plumbers, builders, and drainlayers, to self-certify their work for certain low-risk projects without requiring council inspection. This would streamline the building process, giving tradespeople more autonomy and reducing the strain on local councils, who currently manage all building consents.
Under the current system, local councils oversee building consents, with each project requiring multiple inspections, often leading to delays and added costs. Penk pointed out that, on average, it takes around 569 days for a new home to go through the entire building and consent process, which has proven to be a barrier amid the current housing shortage.
The plan will move forward in two stages: first, self-certification for low-risk projects by licensed professionals, and second, a more simplified consent process for businesses with proven records, such as large-scale homebuilders constructing near-identical homes. The new process could significantly cut down on the multiple inspections that a typical single-story home currently requires, allowing qualified tradespeople to approve their own work while ensuring accountability through a searchable public database.
Further consultation in the coming year will assess additional safeguards, including improved qualification standards for self-certifying professionals, enhanced quality assurance measures, and disciplinary actions for those who fail to meet standards. Additionally, the government will consider what role current Building Consent Authorities will have, possibly as auditors, to maintain oversight.
Penk emphasized the need for a balanced approach, ensuring that home safety and quality remain high while accelerating the housing supply to meet demand. The government is committed to creating a more efficient, yet rigorous, system to help Kiwis secure quality homes more quickly.
SOURCE: RNZ