Building industry cowboys on the way out

23 April 2006 NEWS RELEASE

Building industry cowboys on the way out

“The days of cowboys in the building sector are clearly numbered,” says the Chairman of the NZ Construction Industry Council, Mr John Pfahlert.

Commenting on the proposed builder licensing regime, he said it represented the next step toward improved construction standards in New Zealand.

Details of the regime were announced by the Hon Clayton Cosgrove, Minister responsible for Building Issues, at the Registered Master Builders annual conference in Queenstown today.

Mr Pfahlert said: “I’m sure the public will welcome the news that after 2009, when the regime is implemented, there will be an architectural designer or engineer taking responsibility for the design of every new house, and one licensed builder taking responsibility for the construction work.

“The new regime will hold designers and builders of houses accountable in a manner which will ensure that higher standards of construction are achieved.

He said the industry was still concerned that the new regime could potentially allow for substantial modifications to be made to a house by a “do it yourself” builder without any supervision.

“The new regime will, however, require a licensed professional to oversee all new home construction, and most major additions to existing houses, which together account for the vast majority of construction activity,” said Mr Pfahlert.

“The Construction Industry Council is still looking for a firm government commitment that soon after 2009 it will become mandatory for all builders to hold a qualification in building suited to their area of expertise. This step will cement a culture of professionalism and ongoing education into the sector – something that has missing for some years.” - Ends

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