New Bills Streamline Building Consents and Raise Standards Across Sector

Penk says the current system has become slow, overly bureaucratic, and increasingly frustrating for both tradespeople and homeowners.

Two major pieces of legislation aimed at reducing delays, cutting red tape, and lifting professional standards in the building and construction sector have passed their first readings in Parliament. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says the reforms signal a significant shift toward a more efficient, accountable and responsive building system—one capable of supporting New Zealand’s housing and infrastructure needs.

Self-Certification to Speed Up Plumbing and Drainlaying Work

The first Bill, the Self Certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers Bill, will allow qualified professionals with strong compliance histories to sign off on their own work for straightforward residential plumbing and drainage tasks. The change comes after years of advocacy from the industry and aims to ease pressure on local Building Consent Authorities (BCAs), which have long struggled with inspection wait times and workforce constraints.

Penk says the current system has become slow, overly bureaucratic, and increasingly frustrating for both tradespeople and homeowners. “Even straightforward plumbing and drainlaying jobs are delayed by lengthy inspection wait times, leading to frustrated tradies and homeowners who end up bearing the cost of lost time,” he said.

Under the proposed system:

• Only approved plumbers and drainlayers who meet new competency requirements will be eligible.

• The scheme will be voluntary.

• Self-certification will apply only to low-risk, straightforward residential work.

• BCAs will continue to handle complex or high-risk projects to maintain public safety.

The changes are expected to have a substantial impact on the construction pipeline. Around 16,000 standalone homes were consented in 2024, most of which included plumbing and drainage work that could qualify for self-certification—unlocking potential savings in time and administrative effort.

The approach also aligns plumbing and drainlaying with the practices of electricians and gasfitters, who have long held the authority to certify their own work.

Second Bill Aims to Strengthen Accountability and Professional Standards

Alongside the self-certification reforms, Parliament also advanced the Building and Construction Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes Amendment Bill, which focuses on boosting professional accountability and ensuring the public has confidence in those undertaking building work.

As more responsibility shifts from councils to individual tradespeople, Penk notes that the system must support transparency and robust disciplinary processes. High-profile cases of substandard workmanship have contributed to public concerns, despite the majority of practitioners operating to high standards.

Key features of the Bill include:

• Strengthening the disciplinary tools available to the Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) Registrar.

• Publishing the names of practitioners who have been suspended, adding transparency for consumers.

• Improving complaints processes for electricians, gasfitters, plumbers, and drainlayers, making it easier for Registrars to initiate investigations.

• Introducing Codes of Ethics across multiple occupations to reinforce expectations of professionalism, integrity, and safety.

Penk says these measures will offer clear safeguards for consumers and provide reassurance that tradies who take pride in their work will be backed by a strong regulatory system.

Supporting Growth, Improving Efficiency, and Building Confidence

Together, the two Bills represent a major step toward modernising New Zealand’s building system. By reducing unnecessary delays, supporting skilled practitioners, and improving regulatory oversight, the Government aims to:

• Speed up residential building projects

• Reduce bottlenecks in the consent process

• Support workforce retention by reducing administrative burden

• Build public trust in building professionals

• Enhance efficiency in delivering new homes and infrastructure

Penk emphasised the broader goal: ensuring the building sector can keep pace with the country's housing needs while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

“With these two Bills, we are backing tradies who take pride in their work, reducing unnecessary delays, easing pressure on the consent system, and giving Kiwis confidence that the people working on their homes are supported by clear checks and balances,” he said.

Both Bills will now proceed to select committee, where industry leaders, local authorities, and the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback before further stages of Parliament.