One option considered is for building consent authorities to use remote inspections by default
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has opened a consultation on potentially increasing the use of remote inspections in the building inspection process to improve efficiency, productivity, and affordability.
The MBIE aims to collect insights on the possible benefits and costs of remote inspections for individuals and organisations alike.
Specifically, the consultation is requesting comments on a range of options, including whether it should require building consent authorities to use remote inspections by default or to maintain the systems and capability needed to perform such inspections.
The MBIE is also seeking feedback in relation to using non-regulatory initiatives to boost productivity and creating an offence to discourage deceptive behaviour during remote inspections and to ensure that authorities can be more confident when inspecting remotely.
The consultation is also asking for opinions on increasing the use of accredited organisations to conduct inspections. These private organisations – accredited under the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2006 – are authorised to process building consent applications on the authorities’ behalf.
The MBIE noted that using more remote inspections may assist in reducing the delays associated with on-site inspections, removing the requirement to travel, enabling inspectors to conduct inspections in other regions, increasing the number of inspections per day, and promoting flexibility in the workdays of inspectors and building professionals.
More broadly, the MBIE suggested that increasing the uptake of remote inspections may help cut costs, eliminate regulatory barriers, and make it faster, cheaper, and easier for Kiwi families to build healthy, safe, and durable homes.
While some building consent authorities already utilise remote inspections, uptake has been low and practices tend to vary across New Zealand, the MBIE said. It urged the public to participate in the consultation and provide feedback by 29 November, 5pm.
Minister weighs in
Chris Penk, New Zealand’s building and construction minister, acknowledged the lack of innovation within the building and construction sector.
“According to a recent report, productivity levels have remained unchanged since 1985, which is staggering given technological advancements since that time,” said Penk in a news release of the New Zealand government.
Penk identified New Zealand’s building consent system as a hindrance to boosting productivity due to its complexity, unpredictability, and costliness.
“In most instances obtaining a Code Compliance Certificate relies on a council officer physically inspecting building work on-site to check it complies with the building consent,” Penk said in the government’s news release.
Penk encouraged councils and the general public to give their comments to help the government arrive at “a solution that provides homeowners and buyers with assurance about the quality and safety of buildings, while also delivering important efficiencies.”
