The launch of New Zealand’s second private Building Consent Authority (BCA) will add competition and capacity to the building consent system, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.
“Easing the paperwork burden and cutting red tape out of our famously unproductive building consent system is a key part of this Government’s efforts to make it easier, faster and more affordable to build the homes and infrastructure Kiwis need,” Mr Penk says.
“We’ve committed to changes that will take lower risk building work out of council hands and back into the hands of trusted tradies, including the introduction of self-certification schemes and a now effective consent exemption for granny flats.
“On top of this, it’s encouraging to see competition and capacity growing in the building consent system, with Farsight NZ Limited Partnership now approved as a private Building Consent Authority.
“Farsight is the second standalone private BCA to get the green light, following Building Consent Approvals Limited in May last year.
“Farsight will handle all key building control tasks for its client Summerset, including processing and approving consents, inspecting work during construction, issuing code compliance certificates, and taking enforcement action if required.
“Summerset is one of New Zealand’s largest residential builders, and having its own BCA will bring greater consistency and certainty in how the Building Code is applied across its developments nationwide, helping speed up the delivery of much-needed retirement homes for Kiwis.
“By covering a substantial number of building projects, Farsight will also take pressure off council Building Consent Authorities that would otherwise have undertaken the work, allowing them to focus on other projects, which over time can lead to faster approvals across the wider system.
“Consumer protections remain strong because all BCAs, public or private, must meet the same legal requirements. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) only approves those that are fully accredited, run by ‘fit and proper’ persons, and able to manage the liabilities of their role.
“This Government is fixing the basics and building the future. Approving providers like Farsight strengthens the building consent system, giving New Zealanders more choice, better service, and faster, more efficient results.”