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…
Regulatory
Feedback sought on expanded Building Product Standards
MBIE is seeking feedback on the latest draft of the Building Product Specifications pathway, ‘Amendment 1’, with submissions due by 5pm on 9 February 2026 The Building Product Specifications (BPS) form one of three…
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…
Most BCAs hit inspection target
New government data shows almost all Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) are meeting mandatory inspection timeframes Introduced in August, BCAs are required to complete at least…
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…
H1 compliance settings updated
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has updated the settings for compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of…
Liability change confirmed
New Zealand’s building and construction liability settings will move from joint and several to proportionate in 2027 The Government has…
Tiny homes on wheels are not granny flats
A court ruling serves as a reminder to builders that tiny homes on wheels are not classified as granny flats – and are not automatically…
The New Zealand Building Code: Clause B1 structure
Clause B1 of the New Zealand Building Code sets out the structural performance requirements that all building work must meet.…
WorkSafe issues warning after fatal power line incident
WorkSafe has issued a warning to tradespeople after a truck-mounted crane struck live overhead power lines at a residential site,…
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