Building Act Review
We welcome the proposed reforms to the Building Act announced on 26 February by the Minister, Maurice Williamson.
Certainly the current laws are too costly and prescriptive but we are concerned that some of the easy options may get implemented while the hard choices are ignored - and that's not going to improve the situation long-term.
But we are happy to see ideas on the table to streamline the consent process, give consumers more rights and put the responsibility for the quality of buildings on builders, manufacturers and designers. It's simply not fair for councils, and our ratepayers, to bear the brunt of the cost for other people's bad practice or incompetence, and Government needs to look at this issue.
Ultimately, these reforms could raise questions about the role of councils in this or even other regulatory areas. We are open to change, but will be working hard to make sure it's a good change.
This reform is overdue, but all the different components involved need to be advanced together. We will be consulting with our members from early March and putting forward a robust submission to help Government deliver a regulatory system which is fair and equitable.
Lawrence Yule
President, Local Government New Zealand
Posted 2 March 2010
