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Centralised supermarket building consent service to boost grocery competition

Posted: 26 November 2025

consult consent system
A new centralised building consent service for supermarket developments is set to streamline the building consent process and encourage greater competition in New Zealand’s grocery sector.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Christchurch City Council (CCC), establishing a nationwide service for consenting new standalone grocery stores and related infrastructure.

Read the Government press release for the announcement - beehive.govt.nz

Why the change?

The Government is working to make it easier and more attractive for grocery retailers to enter and grow in New Zealand, to improve competition and benefit consumers.

This initiative responds to concerns about inconsistencies, costs, and delays in building consents for grocery developments. By centralising the process, MBIE and CCC aim to deliver a more predictable and efficient pathway for new entrants seeking to establish standalone supermarkets, particularly those outside the major regulated grocery retailers.

More information on government’s work to improve grocery competition - mbie.govt.nz

How Christchurch City Council was chosen

Christchurch City Council was selected as the preferred provider following a closed competitive sourcing process. CCC’s proven capacity and skills positioned it to deliver a nationwide service.

What’s covered?

Scope

The building consent service covers new standalone buildings (minimum 500m2) for grocery businesses that are not regulated grocery retailers – (Foodstuffs North Island, Foodstuffs South Island, or Woolworths NZ). Supermarket developments referred via the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 will also be eligible (including those by the regulated grocery retailers).

Exclusions

Mixed-use or mall developments, fitouts or conversions of existing buildings, and substantial renovations are excluded.

How it works

Christchurch City Council will provide an end-to-end building consent service, including pre-application advice, building inspections, and code compliance certificates. Developers can choose to use CCC’s service or continue with their local BCA as usual. For in-scope projects accepted by CCC, other BCAs are not expected to process these applications but may be contacted for information or for coordinating services.

Next steps

MBIE will facilitate introductions between developers and CCC and monitor uptake of the service.

For further information, BCAs and stakeholders should contact us at building@mbie.govt.nz 

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This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: