NZ Halves Building Approval Time for Key Planning Step

Local Government Minister Simon Watts said councils play an important role in supporting development and delivering services that communities depend on.

New Zealand homeowners, businesses and farmers will soon be able to start building projects faster after the Government announced a major reduction in the processing time for Project Information Memorandums (PIMs).

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk and Local Government Minister Simon Watts said councils will be required to process PIM applications within 10 working days instead of the current 20-day timeframe. The move forms part of the Government's wider effort to reduce delays in the building system, lower costs and improve productivity across the construction sector.

Faster Decisions for Builders and Homeowners

A Project Information Memorandum provides essential information about a site before construction begins, helping property owners and builders understand factors such as natural hazards, infrastructure requirements and planning constraints. Under the current system, councils have up to 20 working days to issue a PIM, a timeframe the Government says can create costly delays for projects that are ready to move forward.

Penk said lengthy waiting periods can increase expenses, disrupt project schedules and create frustration for people trying to build homes or develop property. By cutting the processing period in half, the Government expects homeowners and businesses to gain greater certainty and move from planning to construction much sooner.

Changes Expected to Improve Competition

The reform is also intended to strengthen competition within the building consent sector. Private Building Consent Authorities often rely on councils to provide PIMs before they can progress work, creating a dependency that can slow approvals.

Government ministers say reducing the timeframe will encourage councils to process applications more efficiently and remove barriers that may affect competition in the market. The change is expected to benefit a broad range of industries, including housing development, commercial construction, infrastructure projects and trades-related work.

Agriculture Sector Set to Benefit

Farmers and rural businesses are also expected to gain from the shorter approval process. According to the Government, faster PIM decisions will help agricultural operators move ahead with farm developments more quickly while improving investment certainty and reducing project costs. The shorter timeframe could also make it easier for rural businesses to respond to changing market conditions, environmental requirements and operational demands without lengthy administrative delays.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts said councils play an important role in supporting development and delivering services that communities depend on. He said reducing approval times will help remove unnecessary obstacles, allowing projects to begin sooner while supporting economic growth and improving outcomes for ratepayers. The Government says the reform is another step toward creating a more efficient building system that enables development while making construction more affordable across New Zealand.