Building consent exemptions for work designed and reviewed by an engineer

Last updated: 22 October 2025

Hillside retaining wall in a rural zone

Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act there are several projects that can be carried out without needing a building consent exemption if they are designed or have the design reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer, who is registered under the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Act 2002.

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: