The Government has announced a new scheme that would allow some building firms, plumbers and drainlayers to sign off on some of their own work, and will set a mandatory target to deal with building inspection wait times.
The opt-in self-certification scheme, which will see legislation introduced by the end of the year, would allow approved building firms, plumbers, and drainlayers to check their own work on a “simple residential dwelling”.
The inspection targets for Building Consent Authorities will come into force later in the year.
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said “even simple, single-storey homes must go through around 12 inspections before they’re finished, with costly delays when demand is high”.
“At a time when many Kiwis are locked out of the housing market, that’s simply not good enough.”
It was hoped the changes would see around 3000 homes built each year without delays from approvals or inspections – with BCAs free to focus on high-risk complex builds.
“Reputable building companies delivering large numbers of near-identical houses each year will be able to proceed without the need for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to approve a building consent and carry out inspections,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said.
“Giving qualified plumbers and drainlayers the ability to self-certify their work puts them on equal footing with electricians and gasfitters, who’ve had that flexibility for years. It’s a common-sense change backed by Master Plumbers and delivers on a National Party campaign promise.
“Kiwis should have confidence that their homes are built to a high standard. That’s why only proven professionals who meet strict criteria will be eligible for the scheme – and only for simple residential dwellings.”
The definition of an eligible simple residential dwelling is set down in the regulation following industry consultation.
Penk said the scheme would be open only to proven professionals who met strict criteria.
The Government also announced it would require BCAs to complete 80% of inspections within three working days.
“We regularly hear from builders frustrated by the disruption to project timelines and the uncertainty it creates for homeowners,” Penk said.
“Wait times sometimes stretch up to a week – having a knock-on effect which can add about $400 for every day a project is held up.
“Updated guidance will be issued to BCAs, outlining practical strategies to boost efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and help authorities better prioritise their workloads.”
BCAs would still be required to provide a nominal consent for simple homes where tradies are self-certifying their work.
‘A smart, targeted reform’
Master Builders welcomed the new scheme, calling it a “long-overdue response to a system that hasn’t kept pace with the sector”.
“We’ve heard from members time and time again that the current inspection system simply doesn’t work for how building sites operate. Builders often require several inspections in quick succession but can’t book the next until the first is completed,” Master Builders chief executive Ankit Sharma said.
“This often leads to two or three week delays that have serious consequences on the ability to plan for work whilst also increasing costs, and frustration for clients who don’t understand why their build has suddenly stalled.”
Sharma said the Government’s commitment to completing 80% of all inspections within three days was a “positive step” that would benefit those working onsite.
“This is a smart, targeted reform. It means low-risk, residential builds can progress more quickly when they’re in the hands of proven, trusted professionals, without compromising on quality or consumer protection.”
Sharma said the new scheme would be about “rewarding professionalism”.
“Trusted builders and tradespeople who consistently deliver high-quality homes shouldn’t face the same level of red tape as those who don’t.
“At the same time, this frees up council resources to focus on the more complex projects where closer oversight is needed.”
It comes after the Government announced earlier this month that it would allow granny flats of up to 70 square metres to be built without consent.
‘Opens door for cowboys’ – Labour
Labour’s local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere said that while his party supported building more homes at a pace, the reforms could compromise public safety and leave tradespeople to “carry all the risk”.
“We have lived through the cost of building failures before. We must not repeat the mistakes of the leaky homes era by lowering standards in the name of speed,” he said.
“Without transparency, enforceable accountability, and a clear process for redress, the public cannot have confidence in a self-certifying model.”
He said trust in the building system depended on independent checks and worried that cowboy builders could slip through the cracks.
“The Government is talking about a high threshold for builders to be deemed trusted, including insurance and quality assurance requirements. But we have not yet seen how that will work in practice.
“Trust in the building system depends on strong independent checks which are the reason families can feel confident their homes are safe and durable.
“The Government’s decision to advance legislation that allows plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers to self-certify is worth spending time to get right. We need to ensure construction cowboys don’t slip through the cracks.
Labour would engage “constructively” with the proposal, but not support what it described as “shortcuts” that could increase risk for homeowners or undermine public confidence.
“We will listen to industry submissions, but extending self-certification to builders for what is considered low-risk residential housing is a much more significant step, and one that deserves close scrutiny,” Utikere said.
