The Ministry for Regulation, working with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), is reviewing building consent rules to identify more low-risk, minor or routine building work that could be carried out without a building consent.
The review follows feedback from homeowners and the building sector that some lower-risk work faces the same requirements as more complex projects, and that existing consent exemptions can be difficult to understand and apply.
The review is expected to report back to Ministers with recommendations in early 2027.
While the survey is primarily focused on building consent exemptions, the survey also invites feedback on other areas of the building system that may need improvement, providing a valuable opportunity for MBIE to hear directly from you about wider issues and potential changes.
Have your say by 26 October
Author | Sandamali Ambepitiya
Celebrating the people shaping the South Island
Certain building consent rules under review
Sustainable finance taxonomy: Construction and Buildings consultation now open
On the Move | October 2026
Opinion | Energy Supply: Back to Basics
