Registered Architects Bill passed into law
On 12 April Parliament endorsed changes set out in the Registered Architects Bill, with the majority voting to pass the Bill into law.
Minister for Building Issues Chris Carter welcomed the legislation's passage.
'This legislation is a companion measure to the Building Act 2004 which aims to ensure that buildings are designed and built right first time and reinforces the importance of each element of the building process from design to inspection.'
'It repeals the Architects Act 1963 and introduces a modern regulatory framework for the regulation of the occupation. It also meets the desire of the current architects registration board and the New Zealand Institute of Architects to modernise the legislation', Mr Carter said.
'I believe that the legislation represents a balanced path for the regulation of architects that both industry and consumers have been seeking', Mr Carter said.
Frequently asked questions
What does the legislation do?
It repeals the Architects Act 1963, which provided for the registration of architects and protection of the title 'architect', and introduces a modern regulatory framework for architects to help ensure that buildings are designed right first time.
Amongst other things, the legislation:
- protects the titles 'registered architect' and 'architect' (in relation to building design)
- introduces both initial and ongoing competency testing for registered architects to ensure that initial competency standards are maintained, and to recognise the potential for changes in design methods over time that may require different competencies from those initially tested
- introduces meaningful enforcement and sanction provisions
- establishes a public register that will include details of disciplinary action taken by the board against a registered person over the preceding 3 years. This will be useful for consumers when choosing a registered architect.
- modernises governance and administrative processes and procedures to bring the regulatory regime into line with current practice for regulation of occupational groups.
Why are these changes being brought in?
This legislation is a companion measure to the Building Act 2004, which strengthens the building regulatory regime to ensure that inputs into buildings are of high quality. The changes also fit with the current Board's and the New Zealand Institute of Architects' desire to update the legislation to better reflect the demands of modern society.
Is registration compulsory? Does this mean I can't call myself an architect or do the work of an architect?
No. Registration is voluntary.
The legislation does not prevent anyone from doing building design work; however, if a person wants to use the title "registered architect" or "architect" (in relation to building design), that person must be registered. The legislation allows non-building related professions to use the title architect, for example landscape architect or software architect.
When do the changes come into effect?
The legislation provides that the New Zealand Registered Architects' Board will be established on 1 July 2005. The new Board will have 1 year to develop the rules for registration.
On 1 July 2006 the 1963 Act will be repealed and the old registration board dissolved. New registrations will take place under the new legislation.
What happens to the architects who are currently registered under the 1963 Act?
People currently registered under the 1963 Act will be deemed to be registered under the new legislation until 30 June 2007, or until the person's practising certificate issued under the 1963 Act expires, whichever is sooner.
Those wishing to continue as registered architects will need to apply for registration under the new legislation on or before 30 June 2007.
How does this legislation link in with the licensing of building practitioners under the Building Act 2004?
The Building Act 2004 requires 'restricted' building work to be undertaken or supervised by licensed building practitioners and provides for classes of licence to be designated in regulations.
It is envisaged that the regulations will include design classes. The Building Act also provides that these regulations may treat people who are registered, licensed or otherwise recognised under another Act as if they were registered as licensed building practitioners under the Building Act.
How much will it cost to be registered?
The costs of registration will depend on the registration requirements, which will be developed by the New Zealand Registered Architects' Board.
The legislation will be available from Bennetts Government Bookshop and www.legislation.govt.nz