Statement of Intent 09/12
Nature and scope of operations
Our role
The Department of Building and Housing was established in November 2004, bringing together building and housing sector policy and related regulatory functions, and dispute resolution services from across a range of government agencies.
The consolidation of the Government's building and housing related activities is to:
- ensure an effective and efficient regulatory system for the building and housing sector
- deliver good quality advice to the Government
- improve the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of services to the public.
Our responsibilities
The Department has responsibility for:
- ensuring an effective and efficient regulatory environment for the building and housing sector, including the residential rental housing market, that ensures public safety
- providing policy advice on housing and building issues, including emerging trends and issues
- delivering timely, cost-effective and accessible information, advice and dispute resolution services to the building and housing market
- providing purchase and monitoring advice to the Government on Housing New Zealand Corporation
- administering the State Housing Appeals Authority
- managing occupational licensing within the building sector.
The Department works with Housing New Zealand Corporation in:
- meeting the Government's priorities for social housing and the housing market
- analysing the housing environment, including monitoring the supply, quality and affordability of housing
- ensuring effective use of state housing assets, appropriate return on the Government's investment in social housing and overall performance of the business
- working with other agencies to influence and promote delivering the Government's outcomes for the building and housing sector.