Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced significant improvements in building consent processing times, attributing progress to enhanced transparency measures introduced earlier this year. Since April 2024, when the Government mandated quarterly reporting by councils, 92% of building consent applications are now processed within the statutory 20-day timeframe—up from 88% in the first quarter.
Data Transparency Drives Progress
“In the face of a housing crisis, every delay matters. We’re laser-focused on streamlining the building process to get Kiwi families into safe, affordable homes faster,” Minister Penk stated. “Publishing consent processing data has driven accountability, with 42 of 69 Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) showing marked improvement since reporting began.”
The initiative, part of broader reforms to unclog New Zealand’s housing pipeline, follows longstanding industry frustration over inconsistent timelines. Prior to April 2024, no nationwide data existed to track consent efficiency.
Persistent Challenges Highlight Need for Reform
While progress is evident, Minister Penk acknowledged systemic hurdles. BCAs frequently “stop the clock” by requesting additional information, inflating real-world processing times. A recent report revealed:
- In Auckland, average consent processing spans 55 days when delays are factored in, despite a statutory 20-day target.
- Tauranga faces similar challenges, with actual processing times nearing 40 days.
- Nationally, these delays cost over $1 billion annually and waste 500,000 productivity days.
“These delays are unacceptable. While incomplete applications from designers contribute to the problem, we’re digging deeper to address root causes,” Minister Penk said. “Officials are investigating solutions to reduce delays while maintaining rigorous standards.”
Balancing Efficiency and Quality
The Minister emphasized the Government’s dual focus on speed and safety. “Streamlining consents doesn’t mean cutting corners. We’re committed to a system that’s both efficient and trustworthy,” he noted.
The reforms align with the Government’s ambitious plan to overhaul building productivity, including adopting digital tools and standardized practices. A BRANZ report, Transforming Building Consenting Behaviour for Better Housing, underscores the need for systemic change, citing inefficiencies in current processes.
Next Steps
Minister Penk reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to sustained improvement: “This data proves transparency works. But we won’t stop here. Further innovations and policy adjustments will ensure New Zealand’s consent system becomes a global benchmark for efficiency.”
Building consent processing data is publicly available at MBIE’s website.
