Building Act

In New Zealand, the building of houses and other buildings is controlled by the Building Act 2004. It applies to the construction of new buildings as well as the alteration and demolition of existing buildings.

The Building Act 2004 has repealed the Building Act 1991 and introduces a number of changes to the law governing building work. These changes are introduced in stages. Some have already taken effect, but others will be implemented over the next few years.

In this section you will find information about:

• the Building Act and its background
• Building Act Review 2009
• Changes to the Building Act since 2004
• structure of the Building Act 
• how to get a copy of the Act
• where to get more information about the Act.