7 April 2003 Media Statement
Government strengthens BIA accountability
The Building Industry Authority (BIA) will be disestablished and its functions moved into a government department when
the new Building Act comes into force, Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel announced today.
The Authority is currently a Crown entity run by an independent Board appointed by the government, and the decision to
move its functions to a government department is designed to improve accountability, Lianne Dalziel told a Public Sector
Governance and Accountability Conference in Wellington today. The change will be implemented through the Building Act
Amendment Bill which is expected to be introduced to Parliament by the end of July 2003.
“The public reasonably expects the government to address the regulatory failure highlighted by recent weathertightness
problems, but the arm’s length relationship between Ministers and a Crown entity means that we as a government, have had
little direct influence. A departmental structure will strengthen the accountability of the regulatory body to the
responsible Minister, and in turn strengthen accountability to the public.
“This is another step in reforming the regulation of the building sector. The BIA has been given significant additional
resources and is reorientating itself to become a much more proactive regulator,” Lianne Dalziel said.
Proposals for a stronger building control system were released last month as part of a discussion paper. Consultation on
the proposals is underway, with final decisions by government expected in May.
The Minister said she had confidence in the Building Industry Authority.
“This decision does not reflect on the performance of the Authority members. I am very impressed with the way in which
the Authority has responded to the challenges it currently faces, and I expect to work closely with all members over the
next few months on designing the departmental model,” she said.
Some Authority members are likely to join a reference group to provide advice on the new regulatory system.
ENDS