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Establishment of the Department of Building and Housing

In establishing the Department of Building and Housing, on 1 November 2004, the government wants:

  • an effective housing and building sector that delivers quality houses and buildings at reasonable cost
  • an effective regulatory system for the housing and building sector that sets and enforces appropriate standards, rights and obligations
  • good policy advice to government on property and rental markets, building systems and standards
  • good quality dispute resolution services for homeowners and builders, for landlords and tenants and appropriate information, education and advice for industry, local government and consumers about housing and building.

The Department complements the role of Housing New Zealand Corporation, which is focused on housing provision and policy advice around access to housing.

In addition, a large number of government agencies have an interest in, or can impact on, building and housing sector outcomes. Decisions taken by other agencies may impact either positively or negatively on the building and housing sector and the achievement of the Department's outcomes. A key focus for the Department is working positively and proactively with other agencies to support having an effective housing and building sector.

The Department's interest and involvement in building and housing is diverse. It covers provision of policy advice, maintaining a system of controls over the building and construction industry, administering the regulatory framework covering landlords and tenants, advising government on building and housing issues, and administering a variety of other building-related legislation and regulation. From 1 July 2005, the Department will incorporate the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service's role of resolving weathertightness disputes. The Department brings all these functions together under one roof for the first time providing a one-stop shop for the building and housing sector.

We will work collaboratively with other government and non-government agencies on the development of policy and service delivery initiatives to support having an effective housing and building sector that meets the needs of New Zealanders.