Statement of Intent 07/10

Date: Published in May 2007

Ministers' foreword

The Government has embarked on a cohesive suite of ambitious and far-reaching reforms of the building and housing sector that will benefit our people, our economy, and our environment.

Many of these reforms, designed primarily to restore the sector's world-class reputation following the results of the ill-thought-out policies of the 1990s, will achieve important milestones this year. These are reforms such as the licensing of building professionals, the auditing and accreditation of territorial authorities, product certification and improvements to the laws affecting such areas as tenancy and unit title ownership.

In the building and construction industry, the Government has a central philosophy - houses and buildings must be designed and built properly the first time.

The comprehensive review of the Building Code, the first in 16 years, will change what we build and how we build. The first public discussion round has shown a desire to lift performance requirements, ensure greater sustainability and energy efficiency, and improve the interface between legislation.

With an eye to greater sustainability, the Government has identified proposals to improve the energy efficiency of homes and workplaces by reducing the amount of energy required to heat new homes, to heat water in new and existing homes, and to light, heat, ventilate and air condition commercial buildings. Residential and commercial buildings consume nearly a quarter of all energy used in New Zealand, and more than half of the electricity New Zealand consumes is used in buildings in some way.

Working closely with key stakeholders across the economy, the industry and community is vital to the success of this extensive reform package. The Government is indebted to the many groups across the building and housing sector, and in the wider community, that have worked hard and cooperatively to refine and achieve these reforms.

We endorse the strategic direction outlined in this Statement of Intent as being aligned with the Government's overall priorities and confirm that the information it contains is consistent with the Government's policies and performance expectations.

Hon Clayton Cosgrove Minister for Building and Construction	Hon Chris Carter Minister of Housing