The latest news from Licensed Building Practitioners scheme.
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Kia ora
Welcome to the final Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) newsletter for 2025.
I want to acknowledge the work of the team that supports the LBP scheme. This has been another busy year.
The statutory non-working days for us are from 20 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. If you apply during this time, we will treat it as being received on 12 January 2026 and get back to you as soon as we can.
In this newsletter you will find information about upcoming changes to the law relating to small standalone dwellings, also known as granny flats.
You will also find information about two potential legislative changes. These changes are either being consulted on now, or have already been consulted on. The proposed changes might impact the work you do as an LBP, so have a read and submit any feedback you have.
I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter and wish you and your whānau a safe and happy summer.
Ngā mihi nui,
Duncan Connor
Registrar of Licensed Building Practitioners
LBP skills maintenance
Building work that does not need a building consent
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 shows the type of building work that can be carried out without a building consent, or, in other words, exempted building work.
Transforming building consenting behaviour
A recent research report, ‘Transforming Building Consenting Behaviour for Better Housing’, looked at how we can improve the consenting system to make it faster, clearer, and more effective.
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
Upcoming changes: granny flats building consent exemption
The law is changing for small standalone dwellings, also known as granny flats. We have prepared new guidance and updated forms to help you get ready.
Building and Construction Sector Amendment Bill
Consultation on the Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill is now open.
Proportionate liability: changes coming to accountability
Liability for defective building work in Aotearoa New Zealand is changing from joint and several liability to proportionate liability. This means each party will only pay for their share of any defective work.
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. Each newsletter, we take a look at determinations of interest to LBPs.
Complaint decisions - December 2025
The Building Practitioners Board has recently issued a number of disciplinary decisions involving LBPs. These decisions highlight the importance of compliance with the Building Act 2004 and the Code of Ethics.
