Happy holidays from the Building Consenting team!

The front counter is closed from 25 December and will re-open on Monday 5 January 2026.  If you require any building advice during this period, we still have our friendly staff available to respond to any queries you may have. Email us at dutybco@ccc.govt.nz or call the duty phone on 03 941 8999 from 7.30am–4pm. 

Even though the statutory clock is on hold from 20 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, we're still processing applications during this period.

Pre-application meetings holiday schedule

Pre-application meetings resume the week of 19 January 1026.  Visit our website for more on pre-applications.

Building sector reform (and more!)

Inspection wait time requirements
We are now required to complete 80% of building inspections within three working days after the date the inspection is requested for. To prevent on-site delays, please schedule inspections ahead of time and only book those you are fully prepared for.

We have daily limits on how many inspections can been booked. The limit fluctuates depending on inspector availability. If we don’t have enough inspectors available on the day you’ve requested, you can ask to join our waitlist.

If a space becomes available on your requested inspection day, we’ll assign inspections from the top of the waitlist. We’ll contact you if this happens so that you can be ready.

Granny flats
The Government has passed legislation which will make it easier to build small standalone dwellings – commonly known as granny flats. 

The new building consent exemption for granny flats is on track to commence in early 2026 following the passage of the related amendment bill and supporting regulations.

Until the law changes, building consent is still required for these sorts of dwellings. Read more.

Changes to liability settings
In August 2025, the Government agreed to change liability rules in the building and construction sector. Legislation expected to take effect in 2027 will shift from joint and several liability to proportionate liability, meaning each party will only pay for their share of any defective work.
These changes are designed to make the system fairer, more accountable and safer for everyone involved. Find out what's changing and when.

Changes to H1 energy efficiency
MBIE has updated the settings for compliance with the energy-efficiency requirements of clause H1 of the Building Code. Targeted changes have been made to the acceptable solutions and verification methods for H1 Energy Efficiency to improve clarity, flexibility and affordability for designers, builders and homeowners. Read more.

Building product specifications published
The first version of the Building Product Specifications and new editions of 16 acceptable solution and verification method documents have been published by MBIE.

This first edition of the Building Product Specifications contains specifications and standards for building products that are already known and used in the industry (such as windows, timber and cladding). 

Its purpose is to:

• Provide more choice of building products for use in building code compliant work.
• Incorporate a wider range of New Zealand and international standards into building compliance pathways (acceptable solutions and verification methods).
• Make it easier and faster to add, update and modify building product standards in the building code system.

Read more.

Easing restrictions on garden sheds
The Building Act has changed to make it easier for homeowners to build a small shed or garage closer to their property boundary, or another building, without a building consent. Homeowners can now:

• Build certain single storey detached buildings (between 10 and 30 square metres in floor area) one metre away from any boundary or another building without a building consent.
• Build certain single storey detached buildings under 10 square metres up to the boundary or another building without building consent.

Read more.

Self-certification of building work
Options for new opt-in self-certification schemes are part of the Government’s wider programme to streamline our building system to make it faster and easier to build in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Government is continuing to explore options, and we will keep you informed with any updates.

Fence first – fun follows
Every year, young children are at risk around pools – especially portable and temporary ones. Whether it’s a spa pool, portable pool or a larger above-ground pool, any pool that holds 40cm or more of water must have a compliant physical barrier. 

To help homeowners stay compliant and keep young children safe, MBIE has developed a pool barrier inspection checklist for homeowners.

For more information on residential pool barriers please visit safety guidance for pool owners.
 

We wish you all a safe and happy holidays! 

Any questions? Get in touch, we are here to help!

For more information on Building Consents, head to our website or email DutyBCO@ccc.govt.nz or call 941 8999.