Government Moves To Speed Up Building Approvals
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- New scheme will let trusted builders and plumbers sign off their own simple work
- Faster inspection targets aim to reduce costly delays for building projects across New Zealand
- Changes expected to deliver thousands of homes annually without lengthy approval bottlenecks
The Government has announced major changes to speed up home construction, including a new self-certification scheme and tougher targets for building inspections. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk revealed the initiatives, aimed at reducing delays and making it easier and more affordable for Kiwis to build homes.
"Making it easier and more affordable to build opens the door to homeownership for more Kiwis, gives families choice about where they live, and supports growth and job creation in the construction sector," Mr Penk said.
At present, even simple single-storey homes can face up to 12 inspections, often causing costly delays when demand is high. "At a time when many Kiwis are locked out of the housing market, that’s simply not good enough," Mr Penk said.
The Government has agreed to an opt-in self-certification scheme that will let trusted building firms, plumbers, and drainlayers sign off their own work. "Reputable building companies delivering large numbers of near-identical houses each year will be able to proceed without the need for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to approve a building consent and carry out inspections," he said.
Qualified plumbers and drainlayers will also be able to self-certify their work, aligning their rights with electricians and gasfitters. Mr Penk called the change "a common-sense change backed by Master Plumbers" and a fulfilment of a National Party campaign promise.
Only proven professionals meeting strict criteria will be eligible, and self-certification will apply only to simple residential dwellings. "Initially these changes are expected to see around 3,000 homes built each year without delays from approvals or inspections," Mr Penk said.
In a further move to improve the system, BCAs will be required to complete 80 percent of building inspections within three working days. "Master Builders have welcomed this announcement as a meaningful step toward reducing inspection delays," Mr Penk said, highlighting that wait times can add about $400 daily to project costs.
Updated guidance will soon be issued to BCAs, offering strategies to streamline operations and better prioritise workloads. "BCAs success in meeting the target will be shown in quarterly performance data - giving the public greater transparency and encouraging improved performance," Mr Penk said.
Inspection targets will take effect later this year, with legislation for the self-certification scheme set to be introduced by the end of 2025.
The new scheme will be a voluntary opt-in measure through changes to the Building Act 2004 and the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006. It will offer separate pathways for builders and for plumbers and drainlayers working on simple residential dwellings, defined through industry consultation.
BCAs will still issue a nominal consent for simple homes where professionals self-certify their work.