Summary of achievements in 2007/08

• The Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme commenced on 1 November 2007 with licensing classes for carpenters, designers and site managers.
• Review of the Building Code completed and reported to the Minister. Approval for the first phase of changes to the Code relating to fire safety design, requirements for protection from noise, carbon emissions as they relate to energy efficiency and sector education.
• Significant progress made with the implementation of the Building Consent Authority Accreditation and Registration Scheme, which improves building control functions and customer service by local government. Fifty-three councils and three private companies accredited or cleared for accreditation.
• Passage of the Building Amendment Bill into law.
• Completed the proposed regulatory framework for the Product Certification Scheme.
• Introduction of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill into the House. The Bill is designed to clarify and enable better understanding of landlords' and tenants' rights and responsibilities.
• Introduction of the Unit Titles Bill into the House. The Bill is intended to provide a sound basis for the creation and sustainable management of intensive multi-unit developments.
• Implemented legislative change to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service.
• Completed a significant programme of work to streamline building design and consent processes, which will continue in 2008/09.
• Initiated changes to enhance the energy efficiency of New Zealand homes.
• Provided significant consumer awareness information through our ConsumerBuild and SmarterHomes websites and 100,000 copies of publications on energy efficiency and insulation.
• Completed new induction programmes for staff and supported 60 staff through our leadership development training.
• Continued to provide technical standards and guidance to the sector with 127 determinations issued on questions or disputes about the rules applying to buildings.
• Continued to refine tenancy services and improve access for clients with telephone mediation services, and with the processing of nearly 275,000 bonds. We also assisted with the resolution of over 36,000 residential tenancy disputes.