Chief Executive's overview

2006/07 has been a significant year for the Department of Building and Housing. We have made substantial progress in the implementation of the Building Act reforms. We have also been working with the sector on a wide range of other initiatives including energy efficiency and improved services to help people resolve weathertightness problems.

Key achievements in the past year have been:

• putting in place the requirements for the operation of the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme due to commence in November
• reviewing the Building Code with a strong focus on setting clear performance requirements, improving building quality and lifting performance in relation to energy efficiency and sustainability, to ensure the Code stands the test of time in terms of what we want of our buildings
• overseeing the implementation of the Building Consent Authority Accreditation and Registration Scheme, with councils now being assessed against standards to improve their building control functions and customer service
• developing a suite of energy efficiency initiatives for homes and buildings
• improving the effectiveness of the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service and assistance to those affected and working with the Ministry of Justice in establishing the new Weathertight Homes Tribunal on 1 April 2007
• providing comprehensive consumer guidance and information on weathertightness to ensure better understanding and assistance to those who need it
• extending and enhancing the services we provide to landlords and tenants through better online access, new products and increased presence across a wider range of communities and locations.

At the same time, we have:

• completed reviews of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and the 35-year-old Unit Titles Act, to better reflect the realities of today's rental housing market and the realities of multi-unit developments
• continued our involvement in the steering group overseeing the New Zealand Housing Strategy
• continued to update and make improvements to the Building Code and Compliance Documents
• provided technical standards and guidance to the sector with 135 determinations issued on questions or disputes about the rules applying to buildings.

The Department has been reconfigured to better align functions and structure to deliver on the outcome we are working towards: The people of New Zealand have access to quality homes and buildings that meet their needs, reflect our environment and contribute to a sustainable New Zealand. We are working to build an integrated organisation that delivers value to the Government, to sector stakeholders, clients and consumers.

The new structure is focused on core parts of the Department's role - Sector Policy, Building Quality, Service Delivery and Sector Capability. These are supported by Corporate and Organisational Development and Strategy. I am pleased with the way the transition process has gone and at how the new structure is coming together. The Department will continue to evolve as the new structure beds in and the Deputy Chief Executives align their respective areas of responsibility to deliver on the Department's priorities and strategies.

In September 2006 we welcomed the Electrical Workers Licensing Group.

Underpinning all our work, particularly the Building Act reforms, has been working with sector stakeholders, clients and consumers to help identify critical issues, to plan and develop workable solutions, to test our thinking and to get feedback on proposals so we can do our job well and provide well-informed advice to Government.

I thank the many individuals and organisations that contributed to our work during the year under review and look forward to your ongoing assistance in helping us strive to meet our vision.

We also work in close collaboration with other government agencies towards achieving the Government's goals. I am grateful for the relationship we share with these agencies.

We had an ambitious work programme for 2006/07 which continues in 2007/08. We have achieved a lot and there is more to do. In some areas timeframes have been revised to accommodate work priorities or in light of further information and work required.

I thank the staff of the Department and acknowledge their substantial efforts and contributions to our achievements and progress made throughout 2006/07.

I am pleased to present the Annual Report of the Department of Building and Housing for the year ended 30 June 2007.

Katrina Bach
Chief Executive