

Building disputes now being resolved much more quickly
There's been a massive reduction in building determination wait times, resulting in fewer delays in homes being built.
The average time taken for the processing of building determinations fell from 516 days in September 2023 to 111 days in November 2024, according to Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.
He attributed the 78% reduction in processing times to “following a clearer focus on the basics” during the assessment process.
“These improvements have also been achieved with an increased number of applications received, and while there is still more work to be done to reduce these times further, these improvements mean Kiwis can get on with building,” he said.
“MBIE [Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment] has made a number of recent changes to drive improvement, including finding efficiencies in their processes and targeting the oldest cases, which are often very complex with multiple issues. The building and construction sector has a central part to play in rebuilding the economy and that’s why this Government is laser focused on reducing delays across the board.”
Less red tape, more homes
Minister Penk said processing delays were not only frustrating, but also created uncertainty, reduced confidence and increased costs, all of which impeded the building of new homes.
“New Zealand has a persistent shortage of houses. Making it easier and quicker for new homes to be built will not only mean more Kiwis can enjoy the benefits of a warm dry home, but it will also grow the economy and create well-paying jobs,” he said.
“If a builder disagrees with a council decision, they can apply for a determination from MBIE to resolve the issue and make a legally binding decision on whether the building work complies. These decisions are critical to support innovation in construction practices like the use of new building products, along with providing guidance for builders, designers and councils in cases that are more complex.”