24 March 2008
Opportunity for Councils to Reduce Building Consent Delays
“Initiatives announced today to remove some of the current red tape, provide a great opportunity for Councils to reduce
consent delays” says Certified Builders CEO Derek Baxter.
“The proposals outlined will provide greater freedoms for councils to streamline their processes, if this reduces
delays, it should slow the bureaucracy driven increases we currently face.”
“Builders biggest frustrations have been inconsistent interpretations and variable timeframes for processing consents.
Builders can’t plan at the moment and if they have staff sitting around waiting for consents that drives prices up.”
Baxter says.
“The real challenge with this package will be striking the balance where the Structural Integrity, Weathertightness and
Safety are maintained while freeing up time for council staff to focus on more complex plans. Councils must use this
extra time efficiently.” He cautions.
A great move is the possibility of competent people being able to certify certain aspects, this puts responsibility back
where it should lie. If a registered plumber moves a toilet why does it need a PIM, Consent, Inspection and fees that
often cost more than the cost of the project in the first place?
“In our view to make the ‘competent person’ idea work considerable thought will have to be given to clearly defining
restricted building work – the work that will require a licensed builder to oversee it. If this is to be tied to builder
licensing a major step in providing more comfort to councils will be the day that to get a license a builder actually
has a trade qualification.” Baxter says.
“I do give credit to Shane Jones for quickly identifying some problem areas and today focusing his department on
solutions to them. The exact detail is still to be worked through but I think the minister has managed to find some key
areas where a difference can be made quickly.”
ENDS
Background.
Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ) is an association of trade qualified builders. All members must
have completed a formal qualification in construction.
CBANZ has over 1500 companies that operate mostly in the residential and light commercial parts of the construction
industry.
It is estimated that CBANZ members have a combined turnover of over $2billion.
All CBANZ members are required to offer the Homefirst Builders Guarantee on new residential construction. This 10 year
guarantee covers loss of deposit, guaranteed completion and structural warranties. Other guarantees are available for
additions and alterations, and labour only construction.