STATEMENT

Building review piecemeal says LGNZ

12 May 2011

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says the Government’s approach to building reform is piecemeal.

Speaking to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee on the proposed Building Amendment Bill (No 3,) LGNZ said proposed changes lack adequate definition.

“It’s difficult to respond to the proposed changes in the absence of detail and certainty on the outcomes of the wider reform ,” said LGNZ National Council spokesperson and Horowhenua District Council Mayor Brendan Duffy.

Currently the Government is looking to implement reform in the building sector through a series of amendments to the Building Act.

Mr Duffy says LGNZ wants a single draft Bill for an integrated approach.

“LGNZ seeks clarity on the issue of liability. For too long local authorities have carried this burden and been unfairly relied on to meet homeowner expectations for quality building.

“LGNZ understands the proposed amendments in the Bill were intended to rebalance and reallocate responsibility and accountability between homeowners, councils and the building industry. Unfortunately this isn’t the reality. There are real concerns about capability in the building industry. All too often local authorities are the only option for redress when builders leave the industry.”

There are also proposals to change the administration of the Act to central or regional delivery. LGNZ questions why the current system, which local authorities are responsible for administering, is not even being considered as an option.

ENDS

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