The Department of Building and Housing
The Department of Building and Housing (the Department) was established in November 2004, bringing together building and housing sector policy and related regulatory functions and dispute resolution services from across a range of government agencies.
The consolidation of the Government's building and housing-related activities is to:
- ensure an effective regulatory system for the building and housing sector
- deliver good-quality advice to the Government
- improve and streamline services to the public.
Our Responsibilities
The Department has responsibility for:
- ensuring an effective regulatory environment for the building and housing sector
- regulating the building sector and the rental housing sector
- delivering effective information, advice and dispute resolution services (including Tenancy Services and the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service)
- providing purchase and monitoring advice to the Government on Housing New Zealand Corporation
- administering the State Housing Appeals Authority
- providing policy advice to the Government on the building sector and residential tenancy market, including emerging trends and issues
- providing policy advice on housing and building regulation
- providing advice on regulating the residential rental market
- managing occupational licensing within the building sector.
The Department works with Housing New Zealand Corporation in:
- defining housing outcomes for the sector
- analysing the housing environment, including monitoring the supply, quality and affordability of housing
- influencing the wider government sector to ensure it meets the Government's goals for housing
- working with other agencies to influence and promote delivering the Government's outcomes for the building and housing sector
- undertaking specific initiatives under the New Zealand Housing Strategy Programme of Action.