Pathways to compliance: For products, building designs and methods

All building work must comply with the Building Code, under Section 17 of the Building Act 2004, regardless of whether or not building consent is needed for that work. 

This guide illustrates some of the pathways you can take to show that your product, building design or method complies with the Building Code, including using MultiProof and CodeMark.

Download this guide as a chart [PDF 101 KB]

Gather evidence

To demonstrate New Zealand Building Code compliance, including for a building consent, you need evidence. First, gather your technical information, which could be supported by:

• Acceptable Solutions
• Verification Methods
• Standards
• Independent assessments
• Industry-based schemes
• Appraisals

Also, in some cases getting a CodeMark certificate and/or MultiProof certification will help to demonstrate compliance and streamline the consent process. You can read more about these options below.

Off-site construction has information about evidence for components and buildings constructed away from the final building site.

CodeMark 

CodeMark is a product certification scheme for building methods and products.

Why would I use CodeMark?

If your product is innovative, complex, new to the market, or if you are having difficulty proving that it complies.

How does CodeMark help?

CodeMark certification provides assurance that a product is ‘deemed to comply’ with the New Zealand Building Code.

CodeMark certification must be accepted by building consent authorities (BCAs).

What do I need to do?

To apply for CodeMark:

• Gather evidence to show how your product meets CodeMark requirements.
• Consider using a product technical statement, or similar, to present that evidence.
• Find a product certification body to assess your application.

If requirements are met the product certification body will issue a certificate, which will be listed on MBIE’s public register.

Find out more at CodeMark.

MultiProof

MultiProof is a statement by MBIE that a set of plans and specifications for a building complies with the Building Code.

MultiProof is for a whole building – check the eligibility page for more information.

Why would I use MultiProof?

If you are planning to replicate the same, or similar, building design at least 10 times in two years.

How does MultiProof help?

BCAs must accept a MultiProof certificate as evidence of compliance.

BCAs must process a building consent application that has a MultiProof certificate attached within 10 working days (rather than the standard 20).

What do I need to do?

• Ensure you have sufficient evidence to complete an application. Get in touch with MBIE to help you prepare.
• Complete an application form.
• MBIE has up to 40 working days to either approve or decline your application.

Find out more at MultiProof.

Hint: Your MultiProof application could include a CodeMark certified product.

Apply for building consent using supporting evidence

Hint: When applying for building consent, engage early with your BCA to help smooth  the process. 

Apply for building consent with your building consent authority (BCA).

Present your evidence of compliance, including any CodeMark or MultiProof certifications, as part of your application for building consent.

A product technical statement can help you to present your evidence clearly to a BCA. MBIE’s product technical statement tool can help you prepare your statement.

One building consent application can cover work on-site and any off-site construction.

The consent is usually best granted by the BCA in the area where the final building is located.

Off-site construction has more information.

Hint: Providing quality assurance information can help to demonstrate compliance and could streamline the consent process.

All guidance related to Product assurance and certification schemes