Council on track for accreditation

Christchurch City Council has made substantial progress improving its building control functions and is on track to gain accreditation as a Building Consent Authority before Christmas.

That’s according to initial feedback provided to the Building Control Group by assessors from International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ).

“We received some positive comments from the IANZ team, who were impressed with the programme of change we've implemented,” says Dr Karleen Edwards, the Council’s Chief Executive Officer.

“They noted the commitment and skill level of staff in the Building Control Group, especially around their inspection decision-making.”

A large team from IANZ assessed the Council’s systems and processes between Tuesday 8 July and Friday 18 July. The assessment was to see if the Council complies with the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2006 and meets the standard for accreditation as a Building Consent Authority.

IANZ Chief Executive Dr Llewellyn Richards says the assessment team noticed a distinct change in the culture at the Council.

“Since the loss of accreditation last year our team noticed a considerably different atmosphere and energy among staff. There is no question over their dedication.”

Dr Karleen Edwards says initial findings have confirmed some areas where further work needs to be done before the Council can be granted accreditation.

“The things the IANZ team identified came as no surprise. Most had been identified through our own investigations. I am confident we have the systems and skills in place to address them and gain accreditation as a Building Consent Authority by the end of the year as planned.”

The Council will provide more information once it has reviewed the final IANZ report, which is due in about 10 days.

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