Endorsed Standards infographic text description

This infographic outlines how recognised overseas standards for building products will give Building Consent Authorities more confidence when assessing their compliance with the Building Code.

The infographic is structured into four main sections, each accompanied by clear icons and concise explanatory text.

How will these changes make it quicker and easier to build?
A Building Consent Officer will be able to rely on the quality of overseas standards when assessing compliance with the New Zealand Building Code. This reduces uncertainty and speeds up the consent process.

Endorsed Standards
The infographic provides an example of structural bamboo used in flooring, which conforms to a recognised international standard. These standards are part of a group endorsed by the Minister, making it easier for innovative or non-traditional materials to be accepted in building designs.

Contributes to compliance
Recognised standards may be used by Building Consent Authorities to help establish whether a product or design complies with the Building Code. 

New Zealanders can have confidence in these endorsed standards
Before any group of standards or certification schemes is recognised, they must meet robust criteria set out in regulations.

• Manufacturers and suppliers can confidently reference these recognised standards.
• Designers and specifiers must still ensure the product is suitable for its intended use.
• MBIE will monitor and report on the initiative annually and retains the authority to revoke or amend recognitions if necessary.

Visual elements of the infographic
The infographic uses a series of icons to reinforce its messages, including:

• A house design with pen to show the design phase of construction.
• A hand pushing a button representing official recognition.
• Bamboo image to support the use of bamboo in the compliance example.
• A checklist document for regulatory criteria and Code compliance.
• A map outline of New Zealand to emphasise the changes are nationwide.

At the bottom is a footer with Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and its logo on the left and New Zealand Government (Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa) on the right corner.