Council responds to IANZ decision

The Christchurch City Council confirms it will work with the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to regain its accreditation as a Building Consent Authority.

This follows advice to the Council this morning after being advised by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) this morning that its accreditation as a Building Consent Authority will be withdrawn on 8 July 2013.

General Manager Regulation and Democracy Services Peter Mitchell says, "The Council has been informed by MBIE today it can still lawfully receive, process and grant building consents. The Council will also continue other aspects of the building consent process, including inspections and processing code compliance certificates.

"I want to reassure our customers that the Council is continuing to provide the full range of building consent services. We have a very constructive relationship with MBIE who have assured us they will continue to work with the Council to streamline processes and to regain accreditation."

Mr Mitchell says the Council expects to receive a report from MBIE today and will work with them on implementing the findings.

"I am confident that in working with MBIE and IANZ the Christchurch City Council will regain its accreditation."

"Staff have moved mountains recently and we will maintain the momentum we have achieved over the past few weeks. In this time staff have never compromised on the quality of checking consent applications. Protecting people and property through the building consents process is a crucial part of the rebuild."

In the last 14 days the Council issued 632 consents with a combined value of $160 million. Of the original 500 backlog consents which Mayor Parker committed to clearing by the end of the month, 25 remain and these are expected to be cleared today.

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