News

The Government is investigating options for a major reform of the building consent system, with the intention of improving efficiency and consistency across the country.  

Options to establish a more streamlined model include replacing New Zealand’s 67 Building Consent Authorities by:  

o Enabling councils to group together to deliver building control functions; or  

o Establishing larger regional building consent authorities; or 

Setting up a single point of contact for builders to submit plans to.  

The Government has implemented the Building (Minor Variations) Amendment Regulations 2024, and the Building (Minor Customisations) Regulations 2024, allowing people to make small changes to building plans without having to apply for building consent. The Government is progressing plans to enable the use of remote building inspections.