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?

In 2024 the Minister for Building and Construction, the Hon. Chris Penk, “… instructed MBIE to review the recently implemented H1 energy efficiency standards to ensure that the compliance costs were not unreasonable and were well balanced with the health and efficiency gains.”

In secure units there are specific requirements for drainage fixtures, and the nature of the unit will determine the type of product selected. Words such as 'anti ligature' and 'tamper proof' are relative to the security requirement of the facility and will often work together to protect the occupant and staff from self harm or ability to use the receptacles for storing of items or use as weapons.

Our first article highlighted the challenges we currently face, regarding the current passive fire compliance system and each stakeholder's role in it. Today, I’d like to present an approach that aims to offer a long-term solution that addresses the real issue on multiple levels.

Anything that involves humans introduces the chance of errors. Be it from assumptions, inattention, incompetence, misunderstandings, negligence, lack of knowledge, distraction, or just plain brain fade. So how can we eliminate this in our businesses?

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.

There has been a lot of talk about the impact of AI on all sectors including construction. Declaration: I’m classing myself as sceptical advocate. It is easy to get on board and imagine all these wonderful “what if AI could….” scenarios, but what I’m really concerned with is the reality of what AI can deliver.