Master Builders Welcomes Government’s Consenting Reform Announcement
29 September 2024
Master Builders strongly supports the Government’s announcement to reform the current Building Consent Authority (BCA) structure. The proposed reforms aim to streamline and standardise consenting processes, reducing inefficiencies and addressing long-standing issues within New Zealand’s building sector.
Chief Executive Officer Ankit Sharma applauds the Government and Minister Chris Penk’s commitment to addressing these critical issues.
“This announcement is a positive step in the right direction. For too long, the fragmentation of New Zealand’s 67 BCAs has created inconsistencies and delays, which have had significant consequences for builders, developers, and homeowners alike. Reforming the consenting process is essential to ensure we can build quality homes more efficiently and affordably,” says Sharma.
In the lead-up to the general election, Master Builders called for urgent reforms to the consenting process. Master Builders has consistently advocated for a centralised, nationally aligned consenting system that reduces unnecessary red tape and streamlines approvals.
“Our members have highlighted the challenges of working across multiple BCAs, each with its own processes and interpretations of regulatory standards. This not only delays projects but also increases costs. A nationally aligned consenting system will go a long way to addressing these inefficiencies and providing greater certainty to the building industry,” Sharma added.
According to a recent Master Builders survey, 80% of members deal with multiple BCAs, with 66% reporting delays in the consent process. These delays often result in project hold-ups, increased costs, and strained client relationships. BRANZ research shows that variations in how BCAs interpret regulations can add up to 10-15% in additional project costs for builders working across multiple regions.
“A more consistent and streamlined consenting system is critical to addressing New Zealand’s housing supply challenges. The current process is a bottleneck, contributing to the country’s housing affordability issues.
“As technology, materials, and information continue to evolve, it is crucial that our consenting processes also evolve to remain fit for purpose. This reform will help create a more efficient, predictable, and effective system that benefits builders, developers, and, ultimately, all New Zealanders,” says Sharma.
Master Builders looks forward to working closely with the Government to develop these reforms and ensure they deliver meaningful improvements for the building industry.