23 April 2006
Building industry cowboys on the way out
“The days of cowboys in the building sector are clearly numbered,” says the Chairman of the NZ Construction Industry
Council, Mr John Pfahlert.
Commenting on the proposed builder licensing regime, he said it represented the next step toward improved construction
standards in New Zealand.
Details of the regime were announced by the Hon Clayton Cosgrove, Minister responsible for Building Issues, at the
Registered Master Builders annual conference in Queenstown today.
Mr Pfahlert said: “I’m sure the public will welcome the news that after 2009, when the regime is implemented, there will
be an architect or engineer taking responsibility for the design of every new house, and one licensed builder taking
responsibility for the construction work.
“The new regime will hold designers and builders of houses accountable in a manner which will ensure that higher
standards of construction are achieved.
He said the industry was still concerned that the new regime could potentially allow for substantial modifications to be
made to a house by a “do it yourself” builder without any supervision.
“The new regime will, however, require a licensed professional to oversee all new home construction, and most major
additions to existing houses, which together account for the vast majority of construction activity,” said Mr Pfahlert.
“The Construction Industry Council is still looking for a firm government commitment that soon after 2009 it will become
mandatory for all builders to hold a qualification in building suited to their area of expertise. This step will cement
a culture of professionalism and ongoing education into the sector – something that has missing for some years.”
ENDS