MEDIA RELEASE

Extension practical solution for accreditation process

For immediate release on Sunday 18 May 2008

“Allowing an extension of the timeframe for councils to be accredited and registered as building consent authorities to 31 March 2009 is a pragmatic solution by the Government”, Local Government New Zealand’s President Basil Morrison said today.

“The extension allows those councils not already accredited to continue offering building services while they work through the accreditation and registration process.

Mr Morrison said that the accreditation and registration process, required under the Building Act 2004, has taken longer to implement and been more complex than originally envisaged.

“This exercise had been a major challenge for councils and for the Government agencies involved. We congratulate those councils who have so far been accredited. This extension will allow those councils who haven’t gained accreditation to work towards it or decide to make alternative arrangements for their building services.

“The Department of Building and Housing will be working closely with these councils to ensure they meet the new deadline of 31 March 2009,” said Mr Morrison.

ENDS

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