A recurring theme in complaints to the Building Practitioners Board is Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) using Building Consent Authorities (BCA) as quality control. This is a misunderstanding of the regulatory framework and could lead to disciplinary action. The Building Act is quite clear on the responsibilities of the various parties involved in the building construction process.

Post-tensioned concrete slabs, with their associated steel tendons, are a common construction technique in New Zealand for elevated slabs, residential buildings, and warehouses. These flooring systems, along with the building's other structural elements and services, can penetrate the slabs and fire cells, so each penetration needs to be treated to stop the spread of fire.

A look at how changing processes can save time — both in the morning, and on building sites. 

Waterproof membranes are provided under porous surfaces in wet areas or splash zones to prevent subsurface moisture from escaping the area. This moisture must be carefully managed and given the opportunity to evacuate the environment below the finished surface by way of a leak control flange.

As 2025 draws to a close, the EBOSS Pulse Report offers a detailed snapshot of New Zealand’s construction landscape: where we’ve come from, what’s underway, and what lies ahead. By examining the data through four lenses — Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, and Future — the report paints a clear picture of a sector finding its footing again after the Covid curveball.

I’ve highlighted the major takeaways from each section and what they mean for the year ahead.

Not long after we started YourQS I remember working with a Tauranga builder. They said, “the client loves the design, but I’m worried about their budget”. They had $400,000. We estimated the build; it was $1.3m. No wonder they loved the design if they thought that they were going to get it for $400k.

This year’s EBOSS architect sentiment report highlights that the industry continues to struggle but some businesses are starting to see improvements — and are even looking to hire new staff in the next 12 months. Could these positive signs mean we are at, or close to, the bottom of the cycle? 

A look at how the three new pathways for recognising overseas building products and standards work, including Approved Products Certified Overseas — a new deemed-to-comply-pathway that has just opened with a first round of recognition notices covering approximately 92,500 WaterMark plumbing and drainage products.

A thorough passive fire survey is essential. Identifying non-compliant penetrations allows for planned, rather than reactive, remediation.

This year major industries have been having significant difficulties with electricity pricing under the current market-driven pricing arrangements. With the growing number of Data Centres being established, the country needs to have a serious and comprehensive discussion on where and how our finite electricity supply is developed and used.