Building Consent Reform Is Underway – What It Could Mean for all of us
The government is currently reviewing the building consent system in an effort to bring more consistency, certainty, and efficiency across the board - for both councils and the wider building industry.
Led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), this reform is still in its early stages. The aim is to redesign how consenting services are delivered to better support Kiwis and the building community. The system, as it stands, is falling short - and change is overdue.
What’s the Problem With the Current System?
Councils (building consent authorities) are regularly impacted by staff shortages, training gaps, and inconsistent processes. This has created a patchwork of consent handling across New Zealand, where the outcome and timeframe of your application can vary dramatically depending on your location.
From where we sit, the consent process has become increasingly complex and, in many cases, appears more focused on generating revenue than ensuring safe, compliant construction outcomes.
What Could Reform Achieve?
Reform offers an opportunity to:
Standardise how consents are assessed and issued across different councils
Reduce uncertainty and delays for builders and homeowners
Make the system more transparent, fair, and future-focused
Refocus the process on quality and compliance, not red tape
We’re hopeful that the second half of 2025 will bring opportunities for industry consultation and early steps toward real improvement.
Why This Matters to You
Whether you're a builder, developer, or property owner, a clearer, more consistent consenting system would mean:
Less confusion
Fewer delays
Lower costs
Better support for industry growth
This reform has the potential to shift the focus back to what matters most: safe, compliant, and high-quality construction outcomes—not just form-filling and box-ticking.
Stay Informed
To learn more and follow official updates, head over to the MBIE Building Performance website where announcements and consultation opportunities will be shared.
