Priority work programmes
A brief overview of the priority work programmes within the MBIE Building System Performance branch.
Seismic Work Programme
MBIE's Seismic Work Programme is working to manage the seismic risk to New Zealand’s buildings.
The Seismic Work Programme is responsible for ensuring the building system adapts to new knowledge around building performance. Building Performance is responsible for managing New Zealand's central regulatory system for building. This includes being responsible for, and making changes to, building legislation and regulations to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs.
Learn more about the Seismic Work Programme
Changes to small standalone dwelling (granny flat) building consent rules
The Government is making it easier to build small standalone dwellings known as 'granny flats', improving affordable housing options and ensuring Kiwis have safe, healthy and durable homes to live in.
Giving New Zealanders more housing options, such as high-quality smaller homes, means we can:
- support families with different housing needs and budgets
- cater for Aotearoa New Zealand’s changing population and ways of living.
Learn more about Changes to small standalone dwelling (granny flat) building consent rules
Building consent system reform
The Government is working to identify the best way to deliver building consenting services in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A clearer, more consistent building consent system will benefit everybody no matter where in Aotearoa New Zealand they are. It will mean homeowners, builders and designers will know what to expect with less variability and confusion.
Learn more about Building consent system reform
Maintaining the Building Code
The Building Code update is a maintenance programme created to ensure effective management of the Building Code and its documents. This can include updates to the Building Code regulations, Acceptable Solutions, Verification Methods and published guidance information. Updating the Building Code regularly helps ensure it keeps pace with modern construction methods.
Learn more about Maintaining the Building Code
Improving occupational licensing to help homeowners
Improvements to occupational licensing for licensed tradespeople and the work they do are underway with them expected to take effect in 2026.
The improvements to occupational licensing ensure that trusted professionals undertaking building work can be held accountable if the work is not done right the first time.
Learn more about Improving occupational licensing to help homeowners
Climate Change Work Programme
MBIE's Climate Change Work Programme is working alongside the building and construction sector on initiatives that align with the Government's overall climate change strategy. These initiatives will support voluntary action and more informed decision making to reduce emissions and increase the climate resilience of our built environment.