More Building Products Approved For Use
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Thousands of plumbing and drainage products widely used across Australia are now easier to access in New Zealand, offering relief to tradies and do-it-yourself homeowners seeking reliable and affordable materials.
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said the move supports the Government’s wider goal of improving housing supply and lifting living standards.
“The Government is focused on fixing the basics and building a better future for New Zealand, and that means making it easier and more affordable to deliver the homes and public buildings that will ease house prices and lift living standards,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has recognised a second group of overseas building products certified under Australia’s WaterMark scheme. This latest decision includes 54 recognition notices covering about 38,274 products.
“It’s great to see the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recognise a second tranche of overseas building products certified under the reputable Australian WaterMark scheme, issuing 54 recognition notices that cover around 38,274 products.
“A first round in October made it easier to bring more than 90,000 WaterMark-approved products onto the market, including tapware, water service products, and sanitary and stormwater drainage products.
“While these materials are already tried and tested in Australia and familiar to many tradies in New Zealand, Kiwi builders and designers previously had to individually demonstrate that each product met Building Code requirements when applying for consent to use it.
“By amending the Building Act through the Overseas Building Products Amendment Bill, MBIE can now recognise building products already certified under overseas schemes in comparable countries in the tens of thousands, rather than one at a time.
“The granting of these recognition notices means Building Consent Authorities must accept the products as compliant, reducing unnecessary red tape, costs, and delays while allowing a more diverse range of materials to be used.
“Supply chain shocks and shortages choke building productivity. Better access and greater choice provide industry with more resilience and increases market competition to put downwards pressure on prices for tradies and homeowners.
“As MBIE continues to review overseas building products under the new law, tradies and homeowners can expect even better access to essential materials, including plasterboard, cladding, windows, and doors.”
Under the changes, recognition notices confirm that specific overseas-certified products meet New Zealand standards. However, not every WaterMark certificate is automatically approved. Only products with a valid and current certificate listed on an official notice can be treated as compliant.
Recognition notices are available on the Building Performance website, alongside guidance explaining how overseas standards align with New Zealand’s building rules.