About us

Our vision is for a building and housing market that delivers good quality homes and buildings for New Zealanders that contribute to strong communities and a prosperous economy..

We take a ‘big picture’ approach to the building and housing sector that extends from design and construction to living and renting. We are responsible for:

• making sure the laws and standards that govern the building and housing sector are effective
• providing good information, advice and dispute resolution services
• working with the building and housing sector to develop better professional standards and skills
• providing policy advice to the government.

We do this in different ways including:

• leading change through the Building Act 2004 to develop a better-performing building sector
• setting building standards
• reviewing the law in response to changes in renting and apartment living
• enhancing service delivery to landlords and tenants
• developing a licensing scheme for building practitioners
• working towards resolving weathertightness issues.

For more about our services, choose from:

• Our services 
• Other organisations that can help 
• Why the Department was formed 
• The legislation we are responsible for and legislation under review 
• Key priorities for the next few years 
• Our strategic direction
• New Zealand's building and housing environment 
• Organisational structure
• Jobs at the Department
• Media assistance
• Contact us

The Department is responsible to the Minister for Building and Construction , Hon. Maurice Williamson, and the Minister of Housing Hon. Phil Heatley.