Statement of Intent 06/09

Date: Published in May 2006

Ministers' Foreword

The Government is committed to continuing New Zealand's transformation into a high-income, knowledge-based market economy and a society that provides a unique quality of life to all New Zealanders.

A well-performing building, housing and construction sector is an important contributor to the economy and to individuals' wealth and wellbeing. The quality and security of our homes and our communities influence our wellbeing and support our families.

The standards and design of our buildings and homes should reflect where we live and how we live as New Zealanders, and provide scope for innovation in design and building technology.

The Government sets the direction and helps shape the overall performance of the sector through its influence on the quality of buildings and the built environment, the performance of the rental housing market and multi-unit dwellings and provision of social housing and other housing initiatives. The Department of Building and Housing has an important role to play through advice to the Government, regulation of building standards and systems and market transactions, and providing information and services to industry and consumers.

The Department has made significant progress since its inception in November 2004. It is continuing to implement a significant reform programme across the building and housing sector and make further improvements to its service delivery to ensure tenants and landlords have ready access to quality services. Changes to the weathertight homes resolution process are also being made to deliver greater ease of access and effectiveness.

A key focus of the Department has been working with the sector to bring about these changes in a way that is practical and achievable without losing sight of the end goals.

There is still much to do, particularly in the areas of the Government's sustainable development and energy efficiency goals - enabling homes and buildings to use energy more efficiently. Improving housing quality and public awareness and confidence in building standards and building performance are also an important part of delivering on the Government's goals for the sector.

We endorse the strategic direction outlined in this Statement of Intent as being aligned with the Government's overall priorities. We confirm that the information it contains is consistent with the Government's policies and performance expectations.

Hon Clayton Cosgrove Minister for Building Issues Minister Responsible for the Department of Building and Housing	Hon Chris Carter Minister of Housing Minister Vote Housing