2011 News
Media releases and other news updates from the Department.
Updated guidance for the repair and reconstruction of homes in Canterbury published
9 December 2011; The Department has published updated guidance on the repair and reconstruction of houses in earthquake-affected areas of Canterbury. It includes information for the repair and reconstruction of homes, including foundations, in green zone technical categories 1 and 2 (TC1 and TC2).
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics November 2011
07 December 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for November 2011 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the latest statistics »
New barrier guidance document
21 November 2011: The Department has published Guidance on Barrier Design.
The guidance aligns with the current Standards, incorporating loadings from AS/NZS 1170. It also covers the range of materials now being used, like glass, metal and concrete.
Acceptable Solution B1/AS2, which provides a solution for timber barriers only, is being withdrawn on 1 February 2012. B1/AS2 is based on loadings in the superseded NZS 4203:1992.
The guidance was developed by a working group of structural engineers and specialists from the design, manufacturing and construction industries, in consultation with a number of industry participants.
Confirmation of changes to seismicity and foundation details for Canterbury
17 November 2011: The Chief Executive of the Department of Building and Housing has confirmed the urgent changes made to the Building Code’s supporting documents for Structure (B1) on 19 May 2011.
The changes were made under urgency in May so that Canterbury building owners could commence rebuilding or repair work with certainty as quickly as possible.
Consultation, required by the Building Act 2004 after urgent changes, showed very strong support for the 19 May amendment.
The changes increased the minimum seismic hazard factor for the Canterbury earthquake region (defined by the boundaries of Christchurch City, Waimakariri and Selwyn District Councils) and required stronger foundations for buildings.
The changes are contained in Amendment 10 of the B1 Compliance Document.
New Code Watch publication out now
09 November 2011: Code Watch is the Department’s new update publication on changes to the Building Code and its documents. Issue one is out now and features changes to the B1 Structure and E2 External Moisture documents.
These changes were introduced on 1 August. They affect important documents like E2/AS1 and B1/AS1 which now references NZS 3604:2011 (with modifications).
Code Watch includes links to information sheets, also new, which give more detail about the key changes.
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics September 2011
04 November 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for August 2011 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the latest statistics »
Market rent - 1 May 2011 - 31 October 2011
04 November 2011: Market rent is described (in the Residential Tenancies Act) as what a willing landlord might reasonably expect to receive, and a willing tenant might reasonably expect to pay for the tenancy, in comparison with rent levels for similar properties in similar areas.
New foundation design categories for Canterbury
28 October 2011: The Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery and the Minister for Building and Construction today announced three new categories for residential foundation design required for repairing and rebuilding homes in Canterbury following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.
Technical Review for Invercargill City Council released today
27 October 2011: The Department reviews the performance of territorial authorities and building consent authorities in relation to their functions under the Building Act. Read the latest review for the Invercargill City Council »
Licensed Building Practitioner numbers reach 10,000
25 October 2011: A national building competency scheme established to ensure that buildings and homes are designed and built right the first time is this week celebrating licensing 10,000 tradespeople. Find out more »
Building Controls Update No.123: Product Certificate issued to MCL Stucco Rite
25 October 2011: Auckland-based company Mineral Coatings Ltd has gained a product certificate for its MCL Stucco Rite. Read more »
Technical Review for Nelson City Council released today
19 October 2011: The Department reviews the performance of territorial authorities and building consent authorities in relation to their functions under the Building Act. Read the latest review for the Nelson City Council »
Updated references to Standards cited in the Verification Methods and Acceptable Solutions
11 October 2011: Read about the updated references to Standards cited in the Verification Methods and Acceptable Solutions »
Consulting on the Proposed variations to the Retirement Villages Code of Practice 2008
10 October 2011: The consultation document Potential variations to the Retirement Villages Code of Practice 2008, was released today by the Department of Building and Housing and the Retirement Commission.
Consultation will be open from Monday, 10 October until Monday, 21 November
Part one of the consultation, from the Retirement Commissioner, asks for views on the three sets of proposed variations from:
- The Association of Residents of Retirement Villages (Auckland Region)
- The Retirement Villages Association
- The Department of Building and Housing
Part two is a discussion document from the Department of Building and Housing, which asks for views on the issues discussed and the wording proposed by the Department.
Consultation on changes to seismicity and foundation details for Canterbury
10 October 2011: Consultation is underway on urgent changes made on 19 May 2011 to the Building Code’s supporting documents for Structure (B1). The changes increased the minimum seismic hazard factor for Canterbury and required stronger foundations for buildings.
The changes being consulted on now were made immediately in May so that Canterbury building owners could rebuild or repair with certainty as quickly as possible.
The changes, contained in Amendment 10 of the B1 Compliance Document, took effect in the local Council areas of Christchurch City, Waimakariri and Selwyn.
Have your say. Industry feedback makes a valuable contribution to our thinking and we welcome your comments. Submissions close on 31 October 2011.
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics September 2011
06 October 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for August 2011 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the latest statistics »
Market rent - 1 April 2011 - 30 September 2011
04 October 2011: Market rent is described (in the Residential Tenancies Act) as what a willing landlord might reasonably expect to receive, and a willing tenant might reasonably expect to pay for the tenancy, in comparison with rent levels for similar properties in similar areas.
Technical Investigation report released
30 September 2011: Read the Department's media statement about its technical investigation into three large multi-storey Christchurch buildings - Pyne Gould Corporation (PGC), Forsyth Barr and Hotel Grand Chancellor buildings.
Practice Advisory 13: Egress Stairs: Earthquake checks needed for some
30 September 2011: A new Practice Advisory about concerns regarding potential stair collapses in some buildings in Christchurch CBD, in the 22 February 2011 Aftershock.
Guidelines for Documenting Fire Safety Designs September
26 September 2011: Read the new guidelines for documenting fire safety designs published by IPENZ and the Department.
Building and Construction Outlook quarterly report — September quarter
22 September 2011: The Building and Construction Outlook report for the September quarter has been published. Read the September quarter report »
The Villager - Issue 3
19 September 2011: The latest edition of the Villager, a quarterly bulletin providing important information for those involved with retirement villages is now available. Read issue 3 »
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics August 2011
9 September 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for August 2011 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the latest statistics »
Market rent - 1 March 2011 - 31 August 2011
08 September 2011: Market rent is described (in the Residential Tenancies Act) as what a willing landlord might reasonably expect to receive, and a willing tenant might reasonably expect to pay for the tenancy, in comparison with rent levels for similar properties in similar areas.
Repairing Leaky Homes - workshops for builders available in most main centres
31 August 2011: Due to overwhelming demand, ITM in conjunction with the DBH are pleased to provide another round of workshops.
Ministerial Advisory Panel on social housing reforms
31 August 2011: Housing Minister Phil Heatley has announced the appointment of a new four-person panel to monitor the progress of social housing reforms.
Chaired by Brian Donnelly, the Ministerial Advisory Panel (MAP) will advise Ministers on how well the reforms are progressing, the results being achieved, and any major issues that arise.
"We have a very important programme of change underway in social housing, the role of the MAP is to ensure Ministers know exactly how the SHU and social housing reforms are progressing," says Mr Heatley.
The Panel members are:
- Brian Donnelly, Chair
- Andrew Body
- Rau Hoskins
- Lisa Woolley
Read the Minister’s statement in full: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/interim-social-housing-unit-director-appointed
BCA Update August 2011
30 August 2011: The Building Consent Authority update for August 2010 has been published. The update contains information about the Changes to Structure and External Moisture Building Code Documents, Waivers and Modifications Form, Simpler System for Structural Timber Framing and more. Read BCA Update August 2011 »
Guidance on Building Code compliance for retrofitting insulation in external walls
29 August 2011: A useful guide on Building Code requirements for retrofitting insulation in external walls is now available from the Department of Building and Housing.
Retrofitting wall insulation requires a building consent, unless a council specifically exempts it. The Guidance will help building consent authorities (BCAs) decide whether wall insulation projects should be exempt from a building consent or to approve or decline applications for retrofitting wall insulation.
It will assist designers and installers who want to check the relevant Building Code requirements for retrofitting insulation. It is not a guide to retrofitting insulation; New Zealand Standard (NZS) 4246 covers the practical aspects of insulation and can be downloaded free of charge from the EECA website .
Each retrofit will be different so BCAs, designer and installers need to look at the specific characteristics of the project when deciding whether the building is suitable for retrofitted wall insulation.
The Guidance includes information on the following:
- Why a building consent is required for retrofitting insulation in exterior walls
- Complying with the Building Act and Building Code
- Risks with retrofitting wall insulation
- Appendices explaining:
a. Building Code performance criteria relating to retrofitting insulation
b. How retrofitted insulation can affect the way a house performs
Read the Guidance on Building Code compliance for retrofitting insulation in external walls »
Interim Director appointed to head new Social Housing Unit
29 August 2011: Michael Pead’s appointment as interim Director of the new Social Housing Unit was announced today by Katrina Bach, Chief Executive of the Department of Building and Housing.
The Unit was set up in July to increase the supply of social and affordable housing for New Zealanders. It allocates funding and facilitates partnerships with organisations that provide social and affordable housing, including land transfers and sale or lease of surplus state housing stock.
Michael Pead has extensive commercial experience in the private and public sector, Ms Bach said.
‘Michael’s appointment means the Social Housing Unit can make progress while we recruit a permanent Director,’ she said.
Biography: Michael Pead
Michael is a senior consultant with a deep and broad mix of private and public sector experience. Throughout his 20-year career he has gained a strong understanding of the interface between the public and private sector, and is highly regarded for his strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills.
Michael joins the Unit from Francis Group Consulting Limited, where he is a principal advisor. He was previously founding owner and project director of former consulting company Saha International Limited and provided specialist infrastructure advice to the energy, resources and transport industries, from 2001 to 2010.
Michael has also been a Principal at Ernst & Young, and has worked at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Telecom New Zealand and at Treasury.
Michael has a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Otago, and is a Chartered Accountant.
Building Controls Update No. 117: Two new guidance documents supporting changes to Building Code for Structure (B1)
22 August 2011: The Department has produced guidance documents on
- Reinforcement for concrete slabs-on-ground in New Zealand
an alternative solution for the reinforcement of concrete slabs-on-ground for use throughout New Zealand.
- Using NZS 3604 construction on ground with potential for liquefaction
for homeowners building outside Canterbury, on potentially liquefiable soils, who may choose to use foundation details which are more robust than those in the Acceptable Solution.
Read BC Update No. 117 »
Estimated building costs update
8 August 2011: The Department provides estimated building costs to help territorial authorities estimate values when questioning a job value provided with a building consent application. The latest 6-monthly overview of estimated building costs, to July 2011 have been published »
Changes to Structure and External Moisture documents
1 August 2011: Changes to the Building Code’s supporting documents for Structure and External Moisture take effect today.
Acceptable solution B1/AS1 now references the updated NZ3604:2011. There are modifications. All concrete slabs must be reinforced and tied to perimeter foundations; unreinforced concrete slabs are not an option. The definition of ‘good ground’ in the Canterbury earthquake region excludes ground subject to liquefaction or lateral spread. The weathertightness Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 and Verification Method E2/VM1 have also been amended.
Other changes include the referencing of new standards for light steel-framed buildings and the seismic performance of engineering systems, and the introduction of a new Acceptable Solution for the weathertightness of concrete and concrete masonry construction.
There will be a transition period until 31 January 2012 when both the new and the previous versions of the documents can be used as Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods.
The out of date Acceptable Solution for timber barriers, B1/AS2, will be withdrawn at the end of this period. A design guide for barriers of a range of materials is due to be published shortly.
The new B1 Structure and E2 External Moisture documents can be viewed here »
Read the BC Update »
Read the Questions and Answers »
Weathertight e-news Issue 13 - 28 July 2011
28 July 2011: The latest issue of Weathertight e-news is now available. Read Issue 13 »
Repairing Leaky Homes - workshops for builders starting July in most main centres
21 July 2011: These one day workshops are written by a builder for builders.
Reinforcement for concrete slabs-on-ground in Christchuch
18 July 2011: The Department has produced guidance on an alternative solution for the reinforcement of concrete slabs-on-ground in the Canterbury earthquake region. this guidance is valid until 30 September 2011. The guidance can be viewed here »
Market rent - 1 January 2011 - 3 June 2011
11 July 2011: Market rent is described (in the Residential Tenancies Act) as what a willing landlord might reasonably expect to receive, and a willing tenant might reasonably expect to pay for the tenancy, in comparison with rent levels for similar properties in similar areas. Find out the weekly rent being charged in different regions »
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics June 2011
5 July 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for June 2011 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the latest statistics »
New Social Housing Unit
1 July 2011: A new Social Housing Unit is being established as a semi-autonomous body within the Department of Building and Housing.
The Unit aims to increase the supply of social and affordable housing for New Zealanders.
It works with organisations that provide social and affordable housing, including not-for-profit, iwi, and private sector providers. The Unit allocates funding and facilitates partnerships, including land transfers and sale or lease of surplus state housing stock.
Up to $40 million was set aside to grow social housing as part of the 2011 Budget.
Visit the Unit’s website: www.socialhousingunit.govt.nz
Updating Standards consultation
22 June 2011: Consultation is underway on updating references to 60 cited Standards, closing 11 July 2011.
The Department wants to ensure that its Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods reflect the latest research and building practices. The proposed changes to update, replace or withdraw references to 60 cited Standards are part of this work.
Have your say. Industry feedback makes a valuable contribution to our thinking and we welcome your comments.
Unit Title Act 2010
20 June 2011: The Unit Titles Act 2010 comes into force today. Our Publications section has been updated with a number of information sheets and prescribed forms to support unit owners, bodies corporate and sector professionals. The Act makes several changes, updating and modernising legislation that has been in force since 1972.
A Quick Guide to Unit Title Developments is also available for download. It includes important information about:
- Bodies corporate
- Fees
- Maintenance
- Meetings
- Buying and selling units
- Dispute resolution
For more information, please phone us on 0800 864 884 or email info@dbh.govt.nz
New Social Housing Unit from July
17 June 2011: A new Social Housing Unit is being established from July 2011, to grow the volume of social, affordable and niche housing provided by the third sector.
Funding of $40 million was set aside for this purpose in the Budget, with a further $5 million held in reserve for the Tamaki Transformation Project.
The Unit will be a semi-autonomous Unit within the Department - read the Minister of Housing’s media release.
Building and Construction Outlook quarterly report - May quarter
10 June 2011: The Building and Construction Outlook report for the May quarter has been published. Read the May quarter report »
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics May 2011
9 June 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for May 2011 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the latest statistics »
Market rent - 1 December 2010 - 31 May 2011
9 June 2011: Market rent is described (in the Residential Tenancies Act) as what a willing landlord might reasonably expect to receive, and a willing tenant might reasonably expect to pay for the tenancy, in comparison with rent levels for similar properties in similar areas. Find out the weekly rent being charged in different regions »
New Board to take Tamaki Transformation Programme forward
A new Board is set to take the Government and Auckland Council’s aspirations to transform Tamaki forward.
Chaired by Dr Lee Mathias the Interim Tamaki Transformation Board (ITTB) will move the Tamaki Transformation Programme, a 15 to 20 year project aimed at redeveloping the Tamaki area, to its next phase.
View the media release from the Minister of Housing.
Unit titles: Regulations to support the Unit Titles Act 2010 have passed
27 May 2011: The regulations accompanying the Unit Titles Act 2010 have now been passed, which means that the Act will come into force on 20 June 2011. Read more about the lastest Unit Titles updates »
Statement of Intent 2011/14
20 May 2011: The Department's Statement of Intent has been released. Read more »
Immediate changes to seismicity and foundation details for Christchurch
19 May 2011: Immediate changes to the Building Code’s supporting documents for Structure take effect today. The changes increase the seismic hazard factor for Christchurch and require stronger foundations for buildings in that area.
The changes take effect on Thursday, 19 May 2011, so Chrischurch can rebuild or repair buildings with certainty and as quickly as possible.
The new documents for Structure, detailing the changes can be viewed here »
The Department has also produced an information sheet on the changes.
View the media release from the Minister for Earthquake Recovery and the Minister for Building and Construction
Read the BC Update »
New guides for fixing leaky homes
10 May 2011: Two new, practical guides have been published to help assessors and designers diagnose and repair leaky homes.
Weathertightness: Guide to the Diagnosis of Leaky Buildings and Weathertightness: Guide to Remediation Design provide high-level processes and advice to ensure remediation of leaky homes is efficient and cost-effective. The guides were developed by the Department and BRANZ.
Weathertight e-news Issue 10 - April 2011
29 April 2011: The latest issue of Weathertight e-news is now available. Read Issue 10 »
Contract awarded for portable dwellings in quake hit Canterbury
14 April 2011: Contracts to roll out portable dwellings if and when needed across Canterbury have been awarded to preferred suppliers. Portable dwellings will provide further temporary accommodation for people whose homes were badly damaged as a result of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Estimated building costs update
14 April 2011: The Department provides estimated building costs to help territorial authorities estimate values when questioning a job value provided with a building consent application. Here is the latest 6-monthly overview of estimated building costs, to January 2011 »
Unit titles: Quick guide to Body Corporate Living available now
12 April 2011: The Department of Building and Housing today released a booklet to help existing and intending unit owners get to grips with upcoming changes to the Unit Titles Act. Read more about the lastest Unit Titles updates »
Guide to plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting that does not require a building consent
8 April 2011: This guide provides information about plumbing and drainlaying (building work) that does not require a building consent under the Building Act 2004 (the Building Act). The guide has been written to assist certifying plumbers and certifying drainlayers to understand and be able to identify exempt building work. It will also be of interest to building owners who are responsible for determining if proposed work is exempt and ensuring all work complies with the Building Code.
Investigation of key building performance
7 April 2011: The Department has engaged leading New Zealand engineering companies to assist with the investigation. It has also appointed a panel of experts who will provide guidance on the methodology of the investigations and peer review the findings.
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics March 2011
7 April 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for March 2011 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the latest statistics »
Technical review
24 March 2011: The Department reviews the performance of territorial authorities and building consent authorities in relation to their functions under the Building Act. Read the lastest review for the Southland District Council »
Simplification of timber treatment
14 March 2011: Treatment to protect timber from decay and insects will be simpler from 4 April, Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson says. Read the Minister for Building and Construction’s media release . A single timber treatment class, H1.2, is being introduced for nearly all enclosed framing through an amendment to the Acceptable Solution for Durability (B2/AS1). Read the neChristchurchw Acceptable Solution in the B2 DlatestChristchurchuralatestbility Compliance Document.»
Market latestrent - 1 September 2010 - 28 February 2011
4 March 2011: Market rent is described (in the Residential Tenancies Act) as what a willing landlord might reasonably expect to receive, and a willing tenant might reasonably expect to pay for the tenancy, in comparison with rent levels for similar properties in similar areas. Find out the weekly rent being charged in different regions »
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics February 2011
2 March 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for February 2011 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the latest statistics »
Construction Contracts Act 2002 consultation summary of submissions
18 February 2011: A total of 31 submissions to the discussion paper were received. The submissions were very informative and reflected a wealth of knowledge and experience. Read more »
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics January 2011
4 February 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for January 2011 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the statistics to 31 January 2011 »
Market rent – 1 August 2010 - 31 January 2011
4 February 2011: Market rent is described (in the Residential Tenancies Act) as what a willing landlord might reasonably expect to receive, and a willing tenant might reasonably expect to pay for the tenancy, in comparison with rent levels for similar properties in similar areas. Find out the weekly rent being charged in different regions »
The Villager Issue 2
3 February 2011: The latest edition of the Villager, a quarterly bulletin providing important information for those involved with retirement villages is now available. Read issue 2 »
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics December 2010
5 January 2011: New Weathertight Services statistics for December 2010 have been published by the Department of Building and Housing. View the statistics to 31 December 2010 »