Statement of Intent 08/11
Date: Published in May 2008
Ministers' Foreword
The Building industry is undergoing dynamic change through a series of initiatives introduced by the Government to reduce delays in the construction of quality homes for all New Zealanders.
These initiatives are designed to increase flexibility and tackle regulatory costs in the industry sector, which will help meet our housing needs and simultaneously contribute to a sustainable building environment.
While the Government has led the way in regulating to address the mistakes of the past, it also recognises the need to respond to the demands of a fast-changing industrial landscape.
It is vital that we listen and address the concerns in the building sector then react accordingly, so we can promote a regulatory environment which allows for greater efficiency and innovation.
Over the last decade this Government and latterly the Department of Building and Housing have worked extremely hard to develop a range of measures and initiatives, not only to address the problems, but to find long term sustainable solutions for the betterment of our citizens.
In recognising that there were systemic industry-wide failures, the Government created three key pillars under the Building Act 2004 so that certain tests of quality are met in the future.
These pillars are: The Licensing of Building Practitioners; Building Consent Authority Accreditation for Local Government; and Product Certification.
These pillars have made it possible to: create a framework to provide guidance for standardised plans; make the building consent process easier and more flexible; help local councils refocus their consenting practices, by matching scrutiny with risk; and educating designers and builders to better overall understand the building consents process.
All of these initiatives allow us to work cohesively with our stakeholders, focus on creating quality buildings and play a significant role in the Government's programme for long-term, sustainable housing affordability for all New Zealanders.
Hon Shane Jones
Minister for Building and Construction
Minister Responsible for the Department of Building and Housing