Licensing update: Building Practitioners Board

10 Jun 2005: The establishment of the first Building Practitioners Board reflects industry’s significant role in the development of the licensing system.

The licensing system for building practitioners comes into effect in 2009 and is a substantial step for the building industry. It will provide a national professional framework for building practitioners aimed at lifting the quality of building work carried out throughout New Zealand.

The framework is set out in the Building Act 2004 and the detail is currently being developed with input from industry groups.

The eight member Board, appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Building Issues, will play a key role as the licensing system for building practitioners takes shape.

Board  members are Chairperson Alan Bickers, Deputy Chairperson Paul Blackler, Patrick Lawrence, Jane Cuming, Graham Moor, Colin Orchiston, David Clark and David O’Connell.

By legislation, the Board is required to have a mix of skills, including industry expertise in design construction and inspection services, legal, dispute resolution and mediation skills, and an understanding of education and training issues.

Department of Building and Housing Manager Occupational Licensing Virginia Burton says the Board collectively has skills that reflect a thorough understanding of the industry. Members are based throughout the country and some hold national positions which give them a good overview of the sector.

'Although some Board members are affiliated to industry groups they will act independently in their role with the Board.

'The Board is of a very high calibre and its combined knowledge of the sector and experience working within it will be invaluable as the licensing system develops.'

The Board will initially take an active interest in the further development and refinement of the proposed licence classes. It will then focus on approving licence standards and assessment processes.

When the licensing system begins operating it will hear any appeals against licensing decisions. It will also hear complaints against licensed building practitioners.

Consumers will be able to make complaints to the Building Practitioners Board about licensed building practitioners if they believe building work is substandard.

The Board will meet for the first time in August 2005.

Further information

Information about Board members.