Government proposes new scheme for trusted professionals and businesses.
The New Zealand Government is introducing a self-certification scheme for trusted building professionals and accredited businesses to carry out low-risk work. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says the move aims to support more affordable homes and a stronger economy.
The current building consent system requires multiple inspections, adding cost and time to the build process. On average, it takes 569 days for a home to be built and consented, hindering Kiwis' dream of homeownership during a housing shortage.
Under the proposed scheme, qualified professionals will be able to self-certify their own work on low-risk builds, similar to electricians and gasfitters. Businesses with a proven track-record can also go through a streamlined consent process.
To ensure quality and safety, the scheme includes additional safeguards such as strengthened qualification requirements, clear pathways for customers to remedy poor work, and strict disciplinary actions for careless or incompetent self-certifiers.
The scheme will be restricted to low-risk basic residential dwellings, allowing inspectors to focus on complex developments. This model is expected to incentivize better quality work and lower liability risk for ratepayers.
The Government will consult with stakeholders in the new year to make detailed policy decisions, including the role of Building Consent Authorities in the self-certification scheme.