Previous determinations

Determinations are made by MBIE on matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work. Rulings are legally binding, but only in relation to each case.

Previous determinations may provide some useful guidance for those faced with similar problems, but note that individual circumstances may vary.

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2017/024: Conditions on a consent for independent construction monitoring and certification in regard to recladding of apartments

This determination considers whether there was sufficient information provided in the building consent application and available to the authority as part of its own inspections, without the independent construction monitoring and certificate for the cladding system, to allow the authority to be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the building work woudl comply with the relevant clauses of the Building Code if the building work was carried out in accordance with the plans and specifications.

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2017/021: Decision to issue a code compliance certificate for a then 9-year-old house with earth brick walls

This determination is concerned with the durability of pressed earth brick external walls in a 19-year-old building and considers whether the authority was correct to issue the code compliance certificate.

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2017/016: Decision to issue a building consent for repairs to a multi-storey building

This determination is concerned with the compliance of discrete repairs proposed to the top levels of a multi-storey building. The determination considers whether the authority was correct to issue a building consent for that work, and whether the replacement of a related deck membrane was exempt from requiring a building consent.

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2017/013: Refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for 11-year-old additions and alterations to a house

This determination is concerned with the compliance of an 11 year old house. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusing to issue the code compliance certificate and whether the house complies with the requirements of the Building Code.

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2017/007: Authority's exercise of its powers of decision to refuse to issue a building consent for a new house

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to refuse to issue a building consent on the grounds that it considered the proposed footing detail, which is an alternative solution, did not comply with Clause B1 of the Building Code. The determination compares the proposed footing detail with that set out in the Acceptable Solutions SH/AS1 and B1/AS1 in terms of its flexural and shear capacity.

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2017/006: Refusal to issue a building consent for the change of use from commercial to residential of one level in a multi-level building

Note: This determination is subject to clarification.


This determination discusses the assessment required under section 115 when there is a change of use to only part of a building, particularly in respect of Building Code clause B1 Structure and whether a detailed seismic assessment is required for the whole building.

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2016/061: Regarding aluminium window and door joinery installed to a house

This determination considers the compliance of an alternative solution using imported window and door joinery and the associated fixing and installation. The determination discusses the available technical information and the use of proposed testing to support the building consent amendment application.

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2016/059: Regarding the compliance of uPVC window and door joinery installed to a house

This determination considers the compliance of a substituted uPVC joinery product that is the subject of an application to amend a building consent. The determination discusses the evidence base and consequences of failure.

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2016/055: Regarding the refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for a 14-year-old house with EIFS cladding

This determination concerns the compliance of a 14-year-old house with EIF cladding. This determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusing to issue the code compliance certificate, and whether the house complies with the requirements of the Building Code.

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2016/054: Regarding the decision to issue a code compliance certificate in respect of earthquake repairs to a house

This determination considers a request by the authority to reverse its decision to issue a code compliance certificate; the authority became aware that the building work was not compliant with the building consent or with the Building Code. The determination discusses the scope of the authority's powers in respect of withdrawing code compliance certificates, and concludes that this can only be done through a determination.

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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: