Annual Report 2007/2008
Chief Executive's overview
This has been a year of significant achievement for the Department of Building and Housing. Our work programme for 2007/08 was ambitious. Working together with the sector and other government agencies has enabled a lot to be achieved.
We made substantial progress in the implementation of the Building Act 2004 and on proposals to streamline the building design and consenting process, to remove barriers to volume residential building and encourage, and reduce costs for, building ‘starter homes' as part of the Government's housing affordability work. Key achievements for the year include completing the review of the Building Code, launching the voluntary Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme and assisting 53 councils to become accredited, or cleared for accreditation, under the Building Consent Authority Accreditation and Registration Scheme. The Product Certification Scheme is also well advanced.
On the legislative front we have seen the passage of the Building Amendment Bill into law, the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill and Unit Titles Amendment Bill introduced into Parliament, we have also implemented legislative change to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service.
We have been working with the building sector on a wide range of initiatives including promotion of energy efficiency, sustainable buildings in the context of a sustainable built environment and urban design, improved technical standards and technical guidance for building practitioners.
The benefits of the changes we continued to make to the delivery of tenancy services became apparent, with increased online applications and resolution of disputes, a high level of client satisfaction, and better connection to communities to reach landlords and tenants.
Within the Department we have continued to build our organisational capability and develop and align the organisation so it can perform well and deliver value to clients, stakeholders and government. A strong focus going forward will be on providing advice on emerging issues and trends that are likely to impact on, or are critical to the performance of the building and housing sector in New Zealand. Considerable investment has been made in our people through our leadership development programme and team leader training.
I would like to thank the sector, fellow government agencies and the staff of the Department for their contribution during the past year. Many individuals and organisations within the sector contributed to our activities and our success. We look forward to continuing to work together. We 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. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the substantial efforts of all our people in 2007/08, and know these will continue in the year ahead.
I am pleased to present the Annual Report of the Department of Building and Housing for the year ended 30 June 2008.
Katrina Bach
Chief Executive