Overview

New Zealand’s performance-based Building Code sets out objectives, functional requirements and performance criteria for all buildings. It is the performances that have to be met in law.

The Building Code applies equally throughout the country, but how these requirements are met is the individual responsibility of the building owner and their designer/builder.

The framework for setting out building controls is in three parts.

• The Building Act 2004 sets out the law on building work.
• The Building Regulations 1992 contain the mandatory New Zealand Building Code.
• The Building Code sets out performance standards that all building work must meet. It consists of two preliminary clauses and thirty-five technical clauses and covers aspects such as structural resistance, moisture control, durability, access, fire safety, and services and facilities. Each technical clause consists of the following three levels.
  • Objectives - the social objectives that the building must achieve.
  • Functional requirements – which describe what the building must do to satisfy the social objectives.
  • Performance - criteria which the building must meet in order to comply.