The latest news from Licensed Building Practitioners scheme.
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Kia ora
Welcome to the latest edition of the LBP newsletter. In this issue, we’re continuing our focus on supporting your professional development and upholding the standards of the LBP scheme.
You’ll find 2 new Skills Maintenance articles to help you keep up to date with industry best practices and regulatory expectations. These are a great way to keep your knowledge sharp and make sure you’re meeting your ongoing licensing requirements.
We’re also sharing the outcome of recent complaint decisions made by the Board. These decisions highlight the importance of maintaining professional conduct and compliance on the job.
Have your say – LBP survey coming soon
In the coming weeks, you’ll receive a separate email with a link to our LBP survey, which we run every two years. This is your opportunity to provide feedback on how the scheme is working for you and where we can improve. Your insights help shape the future of the LBP scheme, so I strongly encourage you to take some time to complete it.
Thank you for your continued commitment to quality building practices. Your work plays a vital role in maintaining trust and safety in the building industry.
Ngā mihi,
Duncan Connor
Registrar of Licensed Building Practitioners
LBP skills maintenance
Why it's crucial to have a building consent issued before work starts
LBPs are legally required to ensure consent is in place before starting any work that requires it. Failing to do so can have serious consequences for the practitioner, the client, and the wider community.
Understanding clause E2 of the NZ Building Code: A critical guide for LBPs
Clause E2 of the Building Code is key to keeping buildings dry, safe, and healthy.
LBPs must understand and apply E2 and its Acceptable Solution (E2/AS1) to ensure weathertight construction.
LBPs need to read the LBP skills maintenance (Codewords) articles relevant to their licence class, and complete a short quiz for each one.
Complete your skills maintenance requirements on the LBP Portal
Building news for LBPs
Building emergency management
MBIE provides support for communities affected by severe weather through its emergency building management framework.
This system helps protect people and guide decisions about repairs or relocation.
ConstrucTrend Survey
It’s designed for qualified carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and their employers to share insights on the skills that matter most. The 10-minute survey helps shape future training—and you could win one of five $500 Prezzy cards.
Building Code insulation requirement changes
MBIE is removing the Schedule Method from the H1 insulation standards to simplify compliance and reduce costs. The change takes effect by the end of 2025, with a one-year transition period and online tools available to support the shift.
Updated MBIE guide: replacing plasterboard after flooding
LBPs should follow this advice to ensure safe, compliant, and durable repairs. The guide covers key areas like hidden damage, moisture checks, building consent, and plasterboard’s role in bracing and fire protection.
Recent determinations
Determinations are legally binding decisions made by MBIE. They are for matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work outlined in the Building Act and the Building Code.
Complaint decisions
This month, the Building Practitioners Board have published 7 complaints covering negligent work, records of work and disreputable conduct.
