Smarter Regulation Leads to Quality Construction

PRESS RELEASE: 27 August 2009

From: Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ®)

Smarter Regulation Will Lead to Productive and Quality Construction

The announcements today by Minister of Building and Construction - Maurice Williamson, are fully supported by Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ). “For a government determined to cut regulation and red tape these announcements represent a pragmatic approach. This is a good example of only applying regulation where there is a clear and direct benefit – smart regulation”. Says CBANZ CEO Derek Baxter

‘By confirming and streamlining the Licensed Building Practioner (LBP) scheme the pathway is now clear for good tradesmen to have their competence acknowledged. This will provide greater confidence to the consumer and the authorities. The LBP scheme also places a requirement for tradesmen to maintain their skills” he says.

“Making the scheme qualifications based from 2015 is a clear message to those wishing to enter our industry that the pathway for them is to learn their craft properly. This emphasis on skills requirements will lead to gains in productivity.” Baxter says.

‘The DIY policy is another example of the pragmatic approach. For the industry this issue was never about true DIY but ensuring smart regulation to ensure that rogue builders, not skilled enough to get a license, aren’t able to operate any longer.

‘Construction is a partnership of design, products, trades and regulation, in announcing the Building Act Review Maurice Williamson has clearly signalled a requirement for greater alignment in the partnership. ‘CBANZ is committed to working with the government to achieve that.” Baxter says

“The terms of reference for the review clearly spell out an expectation of competence and accountability. A risk based approach to construction where qualified tradesmen, ply their craft and are held accountable to produce quality homes. Playing to the referee is not an acceptable approach in the construction industry. The balanced proposals outlined today should provide a regulatory framework to allow productivity improvement while maintaining building quality.

“CBANZ is pleased to be invited to participate on the Sector Reference Group and will be supporting and encouraging our builders through the licensing process, once the streamlining consultation is completed.

Background.
Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ) is an association of trade qualified builders. All members must have completed a formal qualification in construction.
CBANZ has over 1500 companies that operate mostly in the residential and light commercial parts of the construction industry.
It is estimated that CBANZ members have a combined turnover of over $2billion which is approximately 20% of the residential construction market.

ENDS

© Scoop Media