In April, the Building Performance team published a checklist of the proposed conditions that must be met when using the small standalone dwellings building consent exemption. This exemption is expected to be in force by early 2026.

In this new series of blog posts, Professor Anthony Hōete looks at the results of ModelDocs — a BRANZ funded research programme that delves into NZ’s building consent process to seek behavioural transformation.

First up: How long is it taking for consents to be processed? And why so many annoying RFIs?

Looking at our 2024 Specifier Insights research from a survey of 1,499 architects, designers and builders, we can see that cost is a growing concern. 

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?

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?

Looking at our 2024 Specifier Insights research, we can see that the shape of architectural practices has changed over the past two years — there appear to be more architectural practices than ever before, with more architects now working solo, and more practices diversifying by taking on commercial projects.

LBP Skills Maintenance, February 2025 — for all LBPs | Small standalone dwellings, also known as ’granny flats’ have been a hot topic in the industry recently, beginning with an announcement that the Government was seeking feedback on options to make them easier to build.

LBP Skills Maintenance, February 2025 — for all LBPs | A recent Building Practitioners Board decision has highlighted the link between consumer protection and a licensed building practitioner’s obligations under the LBP Code of Ethics.

Shane Brealey of Simplicity Living discusses how reducing paperwork and red tape can help the industry focus on building faster, more affordably and more sustainably.

The LCA Team at MyImprint discuss Life Cycle Assessments, Carbon Footprint of Products and Environmental Product Declarations, and how architects, designers and product suppliers can take advantage of these tools to quantify environmental impacts.