Mayor Takes Initiative To Resolve Weathertightness Issues

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis had a positive meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. George Hawkins, at Parliament today to find a way forward for homeowners and the building industry on weather-tightness issues.

“I’ve suggested to the Minister that the Building Industry Authority could increase its levy on building consents to provide a future fund to cover any justifiable costs determined by the Government’s proposed mediation. The level of increase would have to be determined by the Building Industry Authority after the extent of the problem has been ascertained,” said Sir Barry.

“While there are a number of initiatives underway, I was particularly concerned to impress upon the Minister the need for private building certifiers to retain their role in the building consent process. At the moment, I understand their future is under a cloud because insurers may exclude cover to certifiers for weathertightness,” he said.

“There needs to be a carefully thought through proposal for insurance cover to provide private certifiers with the opportunity to continue in their work.”

Sir Barry has called a meeting tomorrow morning of all building certifiers in the region together with local authorities and officials to promote a workable solution.

“Council wants to assist Minister Hawkins and the Building Industry Authority to manage the present problems and ensure the continuation of high-quality housing in the rapidly growing Auckland region,” said Sir Barry.

Sir Barry says the whole issue has been the subject of considerable media hype and is now threatening housing construction in Manukau City and the Auckland region.

“20,000 building consents have been issued by Manukau in the last five years and only 14 have been the subject of moisture related claims. Of these, eight have been resolved without litigation,” said Sir Barry.

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