Government Transparency Initiative Accelerates Building Consent Processing Times
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. […]
Government Granny Flat Proposal Draws Unprecedented Public Response
A record-breaking 1,970 submissions have been received on the Government’s proposal to simplify the construction of granny flats, announced RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. The initiative, part of the National-NZ First Coalition Agreement, seeks to exempt granny flats up to 60 square metres from resource and building consent […]
Trusted building professionals able to self-certify
The Government is proposing further significant action to reform the building and construction sector to support more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a construction sector that is firing […]
New Report Unveils Construction Sector’s Productivity Stagnation
A recent report by the New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association, highlighted by Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk, reveals significant productivity challenges in New Zealand’s construction sector. Despite technological advancements since 1985, productivity levels have not improved. The report underscores the sector’s importance, contributing $99 billion in sales in 2023 and indirectly supporting 20% […]
Granny Flats: The Future of Affordable Housing in New Zealand?
The government has recently announced a significant step towards making it easier to build granny flats across New Zealand.
