9. STEVE CHADWICK (Labour—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister for Building Issues
What reports, if any, has he received on the review of the building code?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Minister for Building Issues) Link to this
I have received a number of reports supporting the Government’s review of the building code. The Construction Industry Council said the review will “ensure that New Zealanders get what they want from their buildings.” The Registered Master Builders Federation of New Zealand “welcomed the review.” The Auckland City Council also welcomed the review for “the opportunity it provides to bring in new standards and targets which are better suited to the modern building environment and sustainable development.” I have seen one other commentator, however, clearly still in denial over the terrible consequences of the building industry deregulation in the 1990s, who claimed falsely that building regulations would ban “the do-it-yourself builder.” That is wrong; they are protected. That commentator, of course, was the National Party building issues spokesperson, Nick Smith.
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
The existing building code is over 15 years old and reflects that which I spoke about—the attitudes of the 1990s. The new code will set out a modern performance-based set of rules and standards for building design and construction so our homes and workplaces are built right the first time. It will have an emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, to reflect what people expect from their buildings in the 21st century. I encourage people to get involved in the review—if the members opposite can swallow their pride and admit they were wrong, I am happy for even them to submit.