Government introduces a new approach to building approvals! Opportunity or hidden risk? A closer look at the pros and cons of self-certification in construction

This is more than a move to ease regulatory requirements: it is a comprehensive reshaping of the building consent system, intended to let “trusted professionals” manage their own work with adequate safeguards in place. The changes have raised industry hopes while also prompting a clash of views.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk

 

The government’s reform plan:

Fewer cumbersome inspections, faster approvals

 

 

Penk said the current building consent system takes a “one-size-fits-all” approach, failing to distinguish between building professionals with different levels of expertise. Speaking to The Post, he said: “Some trusted professional builders should be able to get on with their work without being subject to those cumbersome inspections.” Penk further stressed that the traditional consent system had increased construction costs and generated many unnecessary inspections without materially improving quality control.

At the heart of the reform is a new “self-certification” mechanism: a selective scheme allowing reputable builders, plumbers and other professionals working on low-risk building projects to certify their own work. Penk explained: “Under this scheme, eligible building professionals can sign off and certify their own work, backed by professional associations. This is more practical than simply relying on council inspections.” Through this measure, the government hopes professionals will take responsibility for building consent compliance, easing the burden on councils and ratepayers.

Master Plumbers chief executive Greg Wallace strongly supported the reform, saying: “During the construction boom over the past eight years, we have spent too long waiting for inspections. In some areas, the wait has been as long as 20 days.” He added: “It is reasonable to place the risk with professionals. They should be responsible for the work they do.”

Support: the first private company joins the approval process, breaking councils’ monopoly

The reform goes beyond simplifying processes, also allowing private companies to participate in building consent and compliance certification. Christchurch company Building Consent Approvals has become the first accredited non-government entity. Its director, Ian McCauley, said: “The work of the past 18 months has finally paid off. I believe we are the first non-government entity to be approved.” Industry expert Mike Blackburn called it a “groundbreaking change”, saying it would break councils’ monopoly on approvals.

Mike Blackburn further noted that accredited private companies would initially enter the market in January next year. This would have a profound impact on New Zealand’s building approval processes and could usher in more efficient competition. He called it a “game-changing” step and predicted greater efficiency and flexibility for the construction industry.

Opposition: the policy’s potential risks and pitfalls

However, this innovative reform has also generated considerable controversy. Home Owners and Buyers Association of New Zealand (HOBANZ) president John Gray expressed concern about the scheme: “This policy may work for some projects, but some builders cannot be fully trusted.” Gray said that while self-certification could ease pressure on approvals, a lack of effective oversight could lead to safety and quality problems. He stressed: “The government must ensure that breaches face tougher penalties when the new policy is implemented. Otherwise, its introduction could affect building quality and even create potential safety hazards.”

Labour’s building and construction spokesperson Arena Williams also shared her views. In July, she said councils were already carrying out remote inspections in some areas, and the government should support this innovation rather than simply reduce inspection steps. Williams said: “As climate change becomes increasingly apparent, rapidly changing geological conditions require more careful inspections. Otherwise, the risks and costs further down the track will be higher.”

 

How can quality be protected through reform?

A crucial test for the building consent system

 

 

Undeniably, the New Zealand government’s move aims to give the construction industry more flexible options as it faces the twin challenges of housing shortages and approval backlogs. However, improving efficiency while maintaining quality remains a major challenge for policymakers and industry professionals. As Minister Penk said: “We need to reduce unnecessary approval steps while also ensuring buildings meet quality standards.” Gray likewise stressed that efficiency must not come at the expense of quality, and that breaches under the future policy should face tougher penalties to uphold industry standards and protect the public interest.

There is reason to believe that, with the government and industry experts working together, New Zealand’s building consent reforms are gradually moving towards greater efficiency and flexibility. If the government can strike the best balance between efficiency and risk management, the reform will provide further positive impetus for the development of New Zealand’s construction industry. However, ensuring self-certification and compliance inspections develop alongside each other will remain crucial to the reform’s success.