Building Amendment Bill introduced to Parliament

30 June 2026

The Government has introduced the Building Amendment Bill 2026, marking the next stage of its programme to reform New Zealand's building regulatory system. The Bill proposes a wide range of changes intended to improve efficiency, strengthen consumer protection, and modernise the building system. You can read the Bill and any supporting documents here.

Key proposals include:

• Building consent reform, including a proposed 10-working-day statutory timeframe for Project Information Memoranda (PIMs) and measures to streamline and consolidate the building consent system.
• Mandatory home warranties for new homes and qualifying residential building work, introducing a new consumer protection framework.
• Proportionate liability, changing how liability is allocated so parties are responsible for damage in proportion to their contribution.
• Professional indemnity insurance requirements for key building professionals to support the new liability framework.
• Building levy and research funding reforms, replacing the separate Building Research Levy with a single Building Levy while modernising how building research is funded.
• Consumer protection enhancements, strengthening protections for homeowners and increasing confidence in the residential building sector.
• Regulatory modernisation, supporting a more efficient, consistent and risk-based building system.

The Bill will now progress through the parliamentary process, including consideration by a select committee.

Master Builders is undertaking a detailed review of the Bill and will prepare a submission on behalf of members. We encourage members to share any feedback, concerns, or practical examples of how the proposed changes may affect your business. Please contact the Advocacy team at advocacy@masterbuilder.org.nz.