Different ways to comply with the Building Code
Last updated: 28 January 2026
Flexibility is a key advantage of a performance-based building code. You are not required to use named products or designs. You can also benefit from developments and innovation in building design, technology and systems.
Acceptable solutions and verification methods
The New Zealand Building Code states, in general terms, how the completed building must perform in its intended use. It does not tell you how to build it. You can demonstrate building code compliance through different means listed in section 19 of the Building Act 2004.
One means of demonstrating compliance is to follow an acceptable solution or verification method. MBIE publishes acceptable solutions and verification methods, but it is not mandatory to use them.
Acceptable solutions and verification methods provide information about materials, construction details and calculation methods. If followed, they must be accepted by a building consent authority as complying with the related Building Code provisions.
- Acceptable solutions – specific construction methods, such as for simple residential buildings that, when followed, are deemed to comply with the Building Code.
- Verification methods – methods of testing, calculations and measurements that, when followed, are deemed to comply with the Building Code.
Acceptable solutions and verification methods
In July 2025, MBIE introduced the Building Product Specifications. The Building Product Specifications contains specifications for building products in relation to their manufacture, fabrication, testing, quality control, physical properties, performance, installation, and/or maintenance.
Acceptable solutions and verification methods may cite the Building Product Specifications to include relevant product specification information. Where this occurs, the Building Product Specifications forms part of the acceptable solution or verification method.
The Building Product Specifications cannot be used in isolation to demonstrate compliance with any requirement of the Building Code. Acceptable solutions and verification methods outline how the product is used in building work. Building products conforming to the Building Product Specifications must be used with the scope, limitations, and other applicable requirements set out in the relevant acceptable solutions and verification methods.
NZS 4121 Design for access and mobility
Building consent authorities must also accept building work that follows NZS 4121 Design for access and mobility - Buildings and Associated Facilities as complying with the Building Code. Section 119 of the Building Act 2004 specifies that NZS 4121 is to be taken as an acceptable solution.
New Zealand Standard NZS 4121:2001 – Design for access and mobility: buildings and associated facilities [PDF]
Alternative solutions
Many buildings, particularly more complex projects or renovations, rely on alternative solutions to demonstrate compliance with clauses of the Building Code. This is where all, or part, of the building design is out of scope or differs from an acceptable solution or verification method, and other means are used to show how building work still complies with the Building Code. When applying for a building consent using alternative solutions, designers will need to provide sufficient evidence to satisfy building consent authorities on reasonable grounds that the proposed building work will comply with the Building Code.
Determinations
Building consent authorities must accept any determinations MBIE makes on a particular case as binding in relation to the rules that apply to buildings, how buildings are used, building accessibility, health and safety. The decisions they provide can be used by councils and others as a guide when faced with a similar problem, but it is important to note they are only binding for the case in question.
Product certificates and other means to comply with the Building Code
There are other means to comply with the Building Code that, if followed, must also be accepted by a building consent authority (BCA) as showing how building work will comply with the Building Code.
Product certificates
CodeMark is a voluntary product certification scheme that provides a way to show a building product or building method meets the requirements of the Building Code.
A CodeMark certificate must be accepted by BCAs as meeting the requirements of the Building Code provided the certificate is current and the product or method is used in accordance with details noted on the certificate.
Approved Products Certified Overseas also provide ways that product certificates can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code. Recognised products are deemed to comply with the Building Code and must be accepted for use by BCAs when they are used as intended, including complying with any conditions or limitations of recognition, and supported by the required technical information.
Approved Products Certified Overseas
Energy work certificates
Energy work certificates show that certain electricity and gas work has been carried out lawfully and safely by qualified and licensed people. These certificates can also be used to demonstrate compliance with relevant provisions of the Building Code, and must be accepted BCAs.
MultiProof
MultiProof is a statement by MBIE that a set of plans and specifications for a building complies with the Building Code.
MultiProof is intended to speed up the consenting process. It does not give the right to carry out building work that requires a building consent. BCAs must process building consents faster when a MultiProof design is used. A building consent is still needed each time a MultiProof design is used. BCAs will assess site specific details and any other requirements that are out of scope of the MultiProof approval. They may also inspect the building work as it is carried out.
BuiltReady
BuiltReady is a voluntary offsite manufacturer certification scheme to support innovative and efficient building methods.
Manufacturers certified and registered under the BuiltReady scheme can design or produce modular building components that comply with the Building Code. BCAs must accept certificates for modular components that are issued by manufacturers as evidence of compliance with the Building Code, provided the certificate is current and valid and the modular component is used in accordance with the scope and limitations as defined on the certificate.