Major building code changes paused until 2028

The Government has confirmed a pause on new major reforms to the Building Code until 2028, shifting to a three-year review cycle with the aim of providing greater planning certainty for the construction sector 

Until now, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) had run ongoing reviews of different parts of the Building Code. 

Under the new schedule, major Building Code updates will only be introduced every three years, beginning with the next scheduled update in 2028. 

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said the new approach was a response to the uncertainty the sector had faced in recent years. 

“The building sector has faced significant disruption […] in dealing with the pandemic, supply chain challenges and a boom-and-bust cycle that has made the infrastructure pipeline unpredictable,” he said. 

He noted that frequent, uncoordinated amendments had made it harder for firms to plan ahead or invest with confidence. 

“Builders, designers and developers need a clear runway to plan ahead and invest with confidence, and ad hoc changes to Building Code requirements makes that difficult.  

“This new approach will give businesses the clarity they need to prepare in advance, rather than constantly having to react to unexpected rule changes.” 

The three-year cycle applies only to major Building Code changes.  

Straightforward updates will proceed as required, particularly those relating to life safety and trade obligations. Changes related to energy efficiency, fire safety and the Building Product Specifications will also continue as planned. 

The pause aligns with wider efforts to improve the sector’s productivity, including recent legislation aimed at reducing construction costs by improving access to quality overseas building products. 

Penk added: “Supporting a strong and thriving building sector is an important part of driving the economic growth that benefits all Kiwis.”