The Latest Plan to Improve New Zealand’s Building and Construction Sector
The government has recently unveiled its construction policy aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges in New Zealand’s building and construction industry. With a focus on reducing building material costs, streamlining regulatory processes, and addressing workforce shortages, this plan aims to make construction projects more efficient and accessible.
Key Components of National’s Construction Policy
Cheaper Building Materials
National promises to strengthen competition in the building materials market, aiming to reduce costs for builders and consumers alike.
Streamlined Building Consents
The party advocates for a more efficient consent process, including:
- Transferring Category 3 consents (buildings over 10m in height) to dedicated consenting teams.
- Introducing risk-based consenting, which factors in project complexity and builder qualifications.
- Leveraging digital technology, such as video and photo submissions, for remote inspections.
Addressing Skilled Labour Shortages
National plans to support the construction workforce by maintaining apprenticeships and implementing “appropriate” immigration settings to bring in skilled workers.
Review of the Building Code
A comprehensive review of the Building Code is proposed to ensure it meets modern demands while streamlining processes.
Challenges Facing the Construction Industry
The policy comes at a critical time as the construction sector faces several challenges:
- Worker shortages have been a persistent issue, affecting productivity.
- Rising costs and high interest rates have made projects less viable.
- Regulatory hurdles continue to frustrate builders, with 65% of industry respondents identifying central government regulation as a significant problem.
How This Impacts Builders and Developers
National’s policy aims to cut through red tape and provide practical solutions for builders and developers. By addressing cost pressures, simplifying consents, and ensuring access to skilled labour, the party hopes to make construction projects more manageable and efficient.
The introduction of remote inspections and digital record-keeping is the way of the future, as it aligns with global best practices and could result in significant productivity gains.
At Villa Worx Construction, we stay updated on industry changes to deliver top-quality projects.