Updated granny flat rules increase choice
Tradies will soon be able to build small standalone dwellings (granny flats) with even fewer consenting requirements, as the Government…
Govt Announcements
New Zealand moves to expand self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers
A planned expansion of self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers signals a shift in how routine construction work is approved –…
Granny flats get legal go ahead
From 15 January 2026, building and resource consents are no longer required for new, single-storey standalone dwellings up to 70m2 – providing they meet…
Public Works Act passes first reading
Legislation to modernise the Public Works Act has cleared its first parliamentary hurdle. The reforms aim to shorten historically slow…
Government centralises supermarket building consent
The Government has expanded MiltiProof eligibility and established a centralised building consent service for supermarket developments. These regulatory changes designed…
Building research funding to be reformed
The Government has announced it will reform how building research is funded in New Zealand, aiming to deliver better value, increase transparency…
Government to revise contractor classification framework
Construction firms that engage contractors could soon benefit from greater legal clarity under proposed changes to employment law The Education and Workforce select committee…
RMA reforms aim to accelerate housing and infrastructure
The Government has introduced sweeping reform of New Zealand’s planning laws, promising faster and simpler processes for homeowners, builders and developers The reforms, introduced…
School property maintenance funding to increase in 2026
Schools will receive a significant increase in maintenance funding from mid-2026, with the Government announcing the first rise to base rates since 2010 …
New plumbing product standards take effect May 2026
As previously reported in Under Construction, from 2 May 2026, certain copper alloy plumbing products must meet new “lead-free” and corrosion-resistance standards under updates to the Building…
Trade reform bills pass first reading in Parliament
Two new bills have passed their first reading in Parliament: one to let experienced plumbers and drainlayers self-certify their work, and another…
What mandatory warranties mean for builders
On Monday, Chris Penk, Minister of Building and Construction, announced that the Government would be making 10-year guarantees compulsory for all new residential…
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