National Multiple-Use Approvals Update: Issue 3 - January 2010
Service start-up – on time for 1 February!
I’m delighted to advise that the new National Multiple-Use Approvals service will be open for business on 1 February 2010.
My team is looking forward to working with you this year, as we introduce this new initiative aimed at creating efficiencies for your business and directly reducing costs.
Many volume builders have already expressed interest in obtaining National Multiple-Use Approvals, and your applications can be received from early February.
This newsletter tells you about:
For new readers, the newsletter also provides a brief overview of the National Multiple-Use Approval service and has links to previous updates.
Further information
More detailed information on the National Multiple-Use Approvals scheme is available on the Department’s website, via www.dbh.govt.nz/nmua From 1 February, application forms can also be downloaded from that site.
Seminars on the new service will be held in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch between late February and mid March. Peter Thorby (acting Manager of the National Multiple-Use Approval service) and I will be outlining the service and its opportunities, describing the application process, and addressing the key questions being asked by volume builders to date. Please join us at these events.
Regards
David Kelly
Deputy Chief Executive
Overview of the National Multiple-Use Approval service
From 1 February 2010 the Department will be accepting applications for National Multiple-Use Approvals. These will enable building designs that are to be replicated several times to be ‘pre-approved’ for Building Code compliance, removing the need for the designs to be assessed by each individual Building Consent Authority (BCA).
The BCA’s role will be to check site-specific details, such as foundations and utilities; to review the conditions of the National Multiple-Use Approval and how they relate to a particular consent application; and to undertake normal inspections once building work has begun.
The National Multiple-Use Approvals service aims to deliver greater certainty of BCA consenting, faster processing times at the local level, reduced duplication for volume builders, and lower costs. The Department will be regularly evaluating service performance to ensure that the scheme is meeting its goals. We will be seeking your feedback on this, as the scheme is implemented and matures.
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Scope of the service that will be available to you
From 1 February 2010, the Department will be processing applications for National Multiple-Use Approvals for stand-alone garages and sheds, and for one- and two-storey houses that are either stand-alone or semi-detached.
This means that the service will be of particular benefit to garage franchisers, group home builders, and builders of retirement villages.
It’s intended that the service will be expanded over time to include other types of buildings.
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How to get application forms for National Multiple-Use Approvals
From 1 February 2010, application forms for Multiple-Use Approvals will be available from www.dbh.govt.nz/nmua. If you’d prefer to receive an application form by post, please contact the Advisor, Client Services from 1 February on 04 817 4254 or email nmua@dbh.govt.nz.
Applicants are advised to complete the application form in full before submitting it to the Department. A comprehensive application, which includes all the details necessary to establish the Building Code compliance of your building design (including all customisations), will result in quicker and more efficient processing of your application by the Department.
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The National Multiple-Use Approvals team
A core team of three people will be based at the Department to provide the National Multiple-Use Approval service.
From left: Peter Thorby, Murray Usmar, Tracey Bevan and Kara Bradley
The Manager of the National Multiple-Use Approval service is responsible for business development, scheme performance and the achievement of outcomes.
- Recruiting for the permanent position is underway.
- Until a permanent appointment is made, Peter Thorby will lead to the service. Peter is currently the Manager of the Building Standards Group in the Department’s Building Quality Branch.
The Assessor will review each National Multiple-Use Approval application, assessing your building plans and specifications for compliance with the Building Code.
- Murray Usmar has extensive experience as a Building Consents Officer and Team Leader, as well as experience in management and consultancy roles in certifying buildings and advising clients on the Building Act, regulations and the Building Code. At the outset of his career, Murray was an architectural draughtsman.
Throughout the application process you will be liaising with the Advisor, Client Services, who will check your application form for completeness in the first instance and provide customer support to you at each stage of the process.
- Tracey Bevan has been appointed Advisor, Client Services, effective from mid-February.
- As well as her skills and experience in database management and administration, Tracey brings a strong customer-service attitude to the role, and two years’ experience at Kapiti Coast District Council where she was responsible for vetting and administering applications for building consents.
- Until mid-February, Kara Bradley will be acting in the Advisor’s role. Kara has been part of the project team for the National Multiple-Use Approval scheme and has been instrumental in developing the database that supports the new service.
The Advisor, Client Services is your first point-of-contact, and is available from 1 February on 04 817 4254 or through email on nmua@dbh.govt.nz
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Creating a streamlined service between the Department and BCAs
The Department recently held a series of workshops on the National Multiple-Use-Approvals scheme for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs). The aim was to inform BCA officials about the new scheme, and to start to facilitate a streamlined process between the National Multiple-Use Approvals and the BCAs’ consenting processes. The workshops were attended by 254 BCA officials nationwide, representing 61 BCAs.
In consultation with nine building consent officials from various BCAs, the Department has prepared formal written guidance for Building Consent Authorities on consenting building plans with National Multiple-Use Approvals. This guidance has since been pre-tested with the Wellington BCA, and is being finalised for release to all BCAs in late January 2010.
In consultation with the scheme’s applicants, the Department will work directly with those BCAs that receive the first approvals-based building consent applications, to facilitate a streamlined consenting process.
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Forthcoming seminars for volume builders
David Kelly (Deputy Chief Executive) and Peter Thorby (acting Manager, National Multiple-Use Approval service) will be presenting seminars on the new service in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch from late February. The seminars will provide an overview of the service and will cover those questions that are most frequently being asked by volume builders. Invitations will be emailed to you.
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Launch of the Multiple-Use Approval service
The Minister for Building and Construction, the Hon Maurice Williamson, will formally launch the National Multiple-Use Approval service at Parliament on Thursday, 4 February.
In developing this service, government has worked with industry to introduce an initiative specifically geared to improve business efficiencies and reduce costs for volume builders. This is part of a suite of government initiatives designed to streamline services and reduce red tape for the building industry, so that time and cost efficiencies can be maximised.
If you’re interested in receiving an article or photograph about the launch for inclusion in your company’s newsletter or magazine, please email nmua@dbh.govt.nz.
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