*ARCHIVE* - Summary of BIA activity on weathertightness concerns up to October 2002.
April 2001 - BRANZ Steering Group begins considering anecdotes of potential weathertightness issues. No evidence that these are not simply isolated incidents. BIA is represented on this Group.
August 2001 - BIA Chief Executive concludes that an information vacuum is preventing progress via the BRANZ Steering Group. BIA concludes that an independent report is needed to investigate the extent of the suggested problem and inform remedial action. At this time there had been no communications from territorial authorities or building certifiers suggesting a problem requiring a regulatory response. All indications were (and continue to be) that the majority of buildings were being constructed in a sound and compliant manner.
October 2001 - CEO authorised to begin process of identifying a suitably qualified independent person. During course of drawing up a work brief for the independent person, it becomes clear that a panel of more than one individual will be needed (the Weathertightness Overview Group). Progress reports delivered to BIA in November and December.
November 2001 - Don Hunn identified as a suitable Chair for the Overview Group. However Mr Hunn not available for immediate start.
February 2002 - Further members Ian Bond and David Kernohan identified, and OG formally appointed February 18.
April 2002 - On the basis of preliminary feedback from the OG, BIA briefed Minister by letter of 30 April ahead of preliminary OG report.
May 2002 - Preliminary report received and released.
August 2002 - Public warnings about the dangers of potentially unsafe balconies issued immediately following advice from the OG.
Final report of OG received 30 August and released a few days later. A key conclusion of the report is that the extent of the problem remains unknown and further investigation is required.
October 2002 - Building Industry Summit held in Auckland to discuss the industry's response to the OG report.