Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk confirmed changes. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The country's building consent system is about to have its biggest shake up in more than two decades.
The government signalled it was investigating options for major reform to make it easier and cheaper to build in late 2024.
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has now confirmed changes will be announced at Monday's post-Cabinet media conference.
"This will be the biggest change to the building consent system since the Building Act came into force in 2004," Penk said.
Building Industry Federation chief executive Julien Leys told Midday Report he is hoping for a big review of broader liability settings.
"Anything where we can address costs and delays is welcome," Leys said.
"So, I say, bring it on."
Penk would not make any further comment on exactly what will be announced but the government has previously identified its options.
1. Voluntary consolidation - allowing councils to group together to deliver building control functions. There are already a number of councils who are pooling some resources but barriers exist to full integration. This approach focuses on removing these barriers.
2. Regional BCAs - establishing a smaller number of relatively large regional Building Consent Authorities to replace the current 66 district and city council BCAs. This approach focuses on improving consistency and forming entities with the critical mass to drive economies of scale.
3. Single point of contact - setting up a single point of contact for builders to submit plans to. Building inspection may be contracted out to existing BCAs or private consenting providers, creating competition and encouraging specialisation.
The changes to the Building Act will be heavily scrutinised after warnings the government risks another leaky homes crisis if reform is not properly handled.
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