The government is set to broaden a scheme that would let certain tradespeople approve parts of their own work once it becomes law, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced.
The self-certification scheme, first announced last year, will allow approved building firms, plumbers, and drainlayers to sign off on their own work for “simple residential dwellings.”
The proposed scheme moved through the select committee stage in November and is now due for its second reading.
However, Penk has now confirmed the scheme will be widened to include more types of residential work, as well as some commercial projects.
“Trusted tradespeople want to get on with delivering the homes and infrastructure New Zealanders need, but too often they are slowed down by lengthy inspection delays that hold back productivity, pushing up the cost of building.
“The government is progressing the Self-Certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers Bill to put responsibility into trusted tradies’ hands. It will speed up building by allowing approved plumbers and drainlayers with a proven track record to certify their work is consistent with the building consent.”
Penk said the building sector had responded “strongly positively” to the proposed scheme, adding that the select committee process had also allowed the government to hear directly from tradespeople and businesses about how to strengthen the benefits, and it had made changes based on that feedback.
“Where the scheme originally focused on straightforward residential plumbing and drainage, such as installing a basic bathroom, it will now cover the majority of plumbing and drainlaying work in a home, along with some commercial jobs, including installing a kitchenette in a small office staff room.”
Penk also said the changes would provide better support for rural communities, as the scheme would include common on-site systems such as septic tanks and stormwater retention tanks, which are used in both rural and urban settings.
Penk said the scheme is designed to make the building consent system simpler and more practical while still keeping responsibility firmly with qualified practitioners to ensure consumers remain protected.
Penk said that while it will take time to “get the settings right,” the scheme is still expected to be introduced to Parliament before the election.