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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2024/056: An authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix in relation to building work at a residential property

Note: This determination is subject to appeal.

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix in relation to several items of building work.

The determination considers whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain a building consent.

The determination also considers the remedies in the notice to fix, and other points raised relating to the notice to fix provisions in the Building Act.

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2024/055: An authority’s decision to refuse to grant a building consent for dam upgrade works under section 71

This determination considers an authority’s decision to refuse to grant a building consent for upgrade works to a dam under section 71 of the Building Act 2004. This matter turns on whether the threshold in section 71(1) is met.

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2024/054: The building code compliance and a failure to issue a notice to fix in relation to two tiled showers

This determination looks at building work to install two tiled showers to an existing dwelling.

The matter being determined is whether there was a failure to issue a notice to fix in relation to this work.

The determination considers if there was a requirement to obtain building consent before carrying out the work and whether the completed work complies with the requirements of Building Code Clause E3 Internal Moisture.

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2024/053: An authority’s decision to grant a building consent under section 72 on land that is subject to a natural hazard

This determination considers the authority’s decision to issue a building consent under section 72 for alterations to a dwelling on a property that is subject or likely to be subject to the natural hazard of inundation by flooding.

It considers whether adequate provision to protect the land for flooding has been made.

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2024/052: Regarding the issue of a dangerous building notice for a residential dwelling, water tank, deck and stairs

This determination concerns an authority’s decision to issue a dangerous building notice for a dwelling, water tank, deck and stairs following a landslide at the property.

The determination considers whether the buildings were dangerous, including whether unprotected falls from the lower deck and walkway makes those dangerous.

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2024/051: Compliance of roof cladding on a house with clause E2 External moisture

This determination considers whether a roof cladding system as installed on a house complies with Building Code Clause E2 External moisture.

Specifically, the determination considers how the perimeter edges of the profile metal cladding have been finished where it overhangs the gutters, along with the associated eaves flashing.

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2024/050: Regarding compliance with the Building Code and the issue of a code compliance certificate for building work associated with a new dwelling

This determination considers the decision to issue a code compliance certificate for a building consent to construct a dwelling.

The determination also considers compliance with the Building Code of a deck, surface water drainage system in the vicinity of that deck and the foundation walls with Clauses B1 Structure, B2 Durability, E1 Surface Water and E2 External Moisture.

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2024/049: An authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for a small detached building

Note: This determination is subject to appeal​.

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix in relation to a small, detached building. The notice to fix alleges the owners have carried out building work without a building consent and that some of the building work does not comply with Building Code Clause B1 Structure. The determination considers the authority’s grounds for issuing the notice to fix, and the form and content of the notice.

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2024/048: Regarding an authority’s decision to grant a building consent

This determination considers an authority’s decision to grant a building consent regarding building work associated with the relocation of an existing dwelling. The authority believes it granted the building consent in error, and that decision should be reversed, due to concerns that have subsequently arisen with the designs for the onsite surface water and foul water disposal systems.

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2024/047: An authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for a change of use of a house.

This determination is subject to appeal​.

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix. The determination considers whether a change of use has occurred, the remedies in the notice, and whether section 167 of the Building Act applies.

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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: