Statement of Intent 09/12

Date: Published in May 2009

Minister's foreword

This Government is determined to be efficient, can-do, and practical, and we are committed to delivering frontline services that New Zealanders want. I can't think of a better sector in which to deliver on that commitment than the building, construction and housing sector.
Building and construction people are practical people working on practical things. They bring a can-do attitude to their work, and it is the Government's task to ensure that leads to economic activity, jobs and skill retention.

It is critical we drive down the regulatory costs associated with building, but not by compromising building quality. Unnecessary regulation that adds cost and delivers little benefit will be removed.

Government priorities for 2009 are to reduce regulatory and compliance costs through streamlining and simplifying the consenting process; to make builder licensing and building consent authority accreditation more efficient; and to give greater impetus to product certification. We also intend to focus more strongly on providing information to enable consumers and building and housing professionals to make well-informed decisions and to resolve issues themselves. Where necessary, we will support them to resolve disputes. Reviewing the liability framework for the building sector, and looking at Home Warranty Insurance, is a key part of this.

We want to develop an alternative approach to weathertightness that focuses more on getting properties repaired and fit for purpose again, rather than on attributing blame and litigation.

We aim to remove the barriers that are slowing urban development and affordable housing supply, particularly in Auckland. We want to see more effective use of the state rental housing asset and will be expecting high quality advice from the Department on the performance of Housing New Zealand Corporation.

These are our immediate priorities. More long term, we wish to see productivity and performance across the building and construction sector improve. We will be working with the sector to lift skills and training so that it can contribute more to New Zealand's economic performance and prosperity.

These priorities are set out in this Statement of Intent. We aim to be a practical government that delivers, and we have a practical programme that will assist the building and construction industry to deliver on behalf of all New Zealanders.

Hon Maurice Williamson
Minister for Building and Construction