Building Act 2004

The Building Act 2004 was passed in August 2004 and governs the New Zealand building industry.

The Act aims to improve control of, and encourage better practices in, building design and construction. It regulates the construction, alteration, demolition and maintenance of new and existing buildings throughout New Zealand. It sets standards and procedures for people involved in building work to ensure buildings are built right first time. It covers how work can be done, who can do it, and when it needs to be inspected.

This means:

• more clarity on the standards we expect buildings to meet
• more guidance on how those standards can be met
• more certainty that capable people are undertaking building design, construction and inspection
• more scrutiny in the building consent and inspection processes
• better protection for homeowners through the introduction of mandatory warranties.

Some measures in the new legislation will be implemented over 3 to 5 years, others came into effect on 30 November 2004 and 31 March 2005.

To support the introduction of the Building Act 2004 the Department is working closely with territorial authorities (as co-regulators) and industry to support having an effective regulatory system. The design, development and implementation of the new regulatory schemes is being undertaken using a collaborative framework, with the support of reference and advisory groups involving territorial and regional authorities and industry as appropriate. The Department is also providing guidance to consumers on the new Act.