National targets red tape in building sector

National Party Leader Don Brash has appointed Nelson MP Nick Smith as the party’s spokesman on Building and Construction.

“The Government is saying it wants to create an ownership society yet is making home ownership more difficult through increased fees and excessive regulation,” says Dr Brash.

“Labour has just increased fees for building by 203% which, alongside additional council costs, will add $1000 to a typical home. The Government has further undermined home ownership by excessive new regulations on the Kiwi do-it-yourselfer.

“The new Building Act, which comes into effect from April, is a mess that, alongside Labour’s Resource Management amendments, is going to drive up housing costs and make home ownership even less affordable,” says Dr Brash.

Dr Smith has a PhD in civil engineering and a background in the construction industry. He has successfully sponsored new subcontractor laws and the Chartered Professional Engineers legislation through Parliament.

“National’s approach to building issues will provide relief from Labour’s ballooning bureaucracy and red tape. We will instead put the focus on increasing skills in the sector,” says Dr Brash.

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