Priorities for the next few years

In the Department of Building and Housing’s Statement of Intent 08/11, released in May 2008, Chief Executive Katrina Bach sets out the Department’s key priorities from 2008 to 2011.

A well-performing building and housing sector makes a significant contribution to our economy, our wealth and our social wellbeing.  The quality of our homes, our buildings and our built environment impacts on us all – it is part of the fabric of our society and who we are as a nation.

The government interest in the sector is a consequence of the drive to build a sustainable economy, and to sustain family and community living standards.  

The Department will contribute by working to achieve its overall sector outcome that the people of New Zealand have access to quality homes and buildings that meet their needs, reflect the New Zealand environment and contribute to a sustainable New Zealand.

Achieving the following sector outcomes will be important:

• buildings and homes that perform well in the New Zealand environment and contribute to sustainability
• a strong, well-performing sector with skilled building and housing professionals
• well-designed, well-built warm, safe and healthy homes and buildings that meet the changing needs of New Zealanders and contribute to strong, effective communities
• confident building and home owners, tenants and users.

New Zealand’s building and housing environment

The changing environment we live in requires a more integrated approach to building and housing issues than in the past.  Building technology and design is changing rapidly.  Buildings are more diverse, reflecting the changing needs and aspirations of New Zealanders.

Changing housing needs present challenges for the Department and other agencies involved in the sector.  Working together to identify the critical issues and best responses will be important to ensuring success for all New Zealanders.

Key Department outputs for 2008/2009

A large and important part of the work of the Department remains focused on continuing to implement the Building Act 2004.  Regulatory reform will see additional support for key systems put in place since the Act came into effect.  Other outputs include streamlining the building design and consent process, accrediting councils to perform building control functions, and further work on the licence classes for licensed building practitioners.

A review of the Building Code has provided an opportunity to take a fundamental look at how we build, including taking a more holistic approach to the way we build and the way we want buildings to perform; and considering technical, environmental, economic and societal needs together.

Following the review we will consider such issues as what does sustainability mean in terms of buildings and houses; how do we think more smartly about energy, resource use and waste; how do we make our buildings more energy efficient; what are the implications of our changing population for the type of buildings and homes we need; and how do we balance short-term costs with long-term benefits.

As a priority the Department will continue to work closely with territorial authorities that administer the Act, and with industry stakeholders.

We are also working on a range of other issues including:

• improving the services we deliver to landlords and tenants – more accessible, online access, and a broader range of services
• addressing weathertightness issues – it is important that leaky homes are properly repaired and that the risk of them being built in the first place is minimised.

This is an exciting and challenging time for the Department as we work to build an organisation focused on delivering key reforms across the building and housing sector.  We have made significant progress, but there is still much to be done.