News

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…

GIVEN THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE OVER THE PAST YEAR OR SO, HAVE YOU FELT A REDUCTION IN AVAILABLE WORK?

Name: Matthew Lee – Director Mairehau House Ltd Staff: 2 Location: Christchurch I’ve been building for over 60 years, so I’ve seen a few different economic conditions! The…

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 …

NZGBC announces residential energy modelling masterclasses

The New Zealand Green Building Council is hosting a series of events across New Zealand to share practical knowledge and increase…

Economists express construction recovery caution

Two major banks have expressed the need for caution when assessing the construction sector’s modest rebound in the September 2025 quarter – but…

Multi-unit developments boost consent numbers

New home consents rose 6.2% in the year ended October 2025, driven by strong growth in multi-unit developments while stand-alone house numbers…

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…