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Three Key Ways We Can Speed Up the Building Consent Process

Professor Anthony Hōete shares three recommendations from ModelDocs — a BRANZ funded research programme that delves into NZ’s building consent process to seek behavioural transformation.

What can LBPs, architects and BCOs do better to reduce consenting timeframes?

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23 June 2025
23 June 2025

Modelling the Passive Thermal Performance of Dwellings

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In my opinion it is only by analysing Terrace and Apartment housing developments with the use of Dynamic Simulation computational modelling processes that an objective evaluation can be made of the potential for passive summer over-heating to occur in the most likely vulnerable units.

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23 June 2025

From Reaction to Response: Why Constant Fire Fighting On Site is Not Helping Us Fix the Problem

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In our first article, we laid the foundation for change in the construction industry by introducing systems thinking as a shared responsibility for every stakeholder. Today, we focus on how we can improve the safety and quality of our built environment by examining the role and responsibilities of main contractors.

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23 June 2025

Housing Affordability is Not Just a New Zealand Problem

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Similar challenges are occurring in Australia and the United States.

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23 June 2025

FAQs for Passive Fire Systems

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Ten frequently asked questions that can help with general understanding and challenges that are regularly faced in the New Zealand construction industry.

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16 June 2025

Retention Money Part 2

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In LBP skills maintenance 124 we gave a general overview of retention money, what it is for and what contractors should look out for if they choose to retain it as part of a commercial contract. This month, we’re looking at retentions again from the point of view of a subcontractor who is having retention money withheld from them. 

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16 June 2025

Being Prepared for Building Inspections

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Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) play a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity and weather-tightness of New Zealand’s residential buildings. However, recent data and industry commentary suggest that a significant number of LBPs are not adequately prepared for building inspections, leading to concerning failure rates. These failures often stem from issues such as non-compliance with the Building Code, incomplete documentation, or work being carried out beyond the LBPs scope of competence.

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26 May 2025

Poor Documentation for B1 and E2 is Slowing Down the Building Consent Process

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Professor Anthony Hōete shares the results of ModelDocs — a BRANZ funded research programme that delves into NZ’s building consent process to seek behavioural transformation.

One of the key findings is that B1 and E2 represent over half of all RFI line items related to NZBC clauses. So, what can we do to reduce those RFIs?

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26 May 2025

Bridging the Gap: Aligning Design and Reality in Passive Fire Remediation

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Remediation projects present unique and complex challenges that go beyond traditional design scopes. We want to show how this can lead to unfavourable outcomes if not addressed early on by the designers and specifiers on the project.

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26 May 2025

How Can We Design Thermally Efficient But Cost-Effective Homes?

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The key to improving the cost of NZ homes is about making lots of small improvements that will add up to a significant cost reduction.

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26 May 2025

Surface Water Solutions at Garages

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Understanding the applicable NZBC clauses for a durable, functional and compliant drainage system at the garage door.

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