Specifying compliant products is central to achieving smooth consenting outcomes and avoiding delays during construction. Clear and reliable evidence of compliance with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) enables Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to assess designs efficiently and reduces the risk of Requests for Information (RFIs). Understanding how product certification pathways operate in practice is therefore critical when selecting and specifying building systems.

In New Zealand, two commonly referenced certification pathways are CodeMark certification and product appraisals. Whilst both support NZBC compliance, their regulatory standing differs in ways that can influence consent timelines and approval certainty.

CodeMark: A prescribed compliance pathway

CodeMark is a government-endorsed product certification scheme established under the Building Act. Where a product holds a current CodeMark certificate covering its intended use, BCAs must accept it as complying with the NZBC, provided it is specified and installed within the conditions of the certificate.

For designers, this offers several advantages:

• A clearly defined compliance pathway
• Reduced need for supplementary technical justification
• Greater consistency across consenting authorities
• Lower likelihood of RFIs relating to product suitability

The certificate outlines scope, limitations and performance claims, allowing architects and designers to reference a recognised compliance mechanism within consent documentation.

Product appraisals: Technical assessment with discretionary acceptance

Product appraisals provide an independent technical evaluation of a product or system against relevant NZBC clauses. They are widely respected and often used by designers and engineers as supporting evidence of performance.

However, appraisals do not carry mandatory acceptance status. BCAs retain discretion to determine whether the evidence provided is sufficient for the specific project. This can sometimes result in additional clarification requests or differing interpretations between jurisdictions.

MiTek’s approach to certification

MiTek has prioritised CodeMark certification for key structural products used across residential and light commercial construction. By aligning structural systems with a recognised compliance pathway, MiTek aims to support clearer specification, streamline consent documentation and assist with consistent inspection outcomes.

MiTek’s CodeMark-certified structural systems are manufactured in New Zealand using locally sourced materials and assessed against relevant NZBC performance clauses. Defined scope and installation requirements help architects, designers and builders demonstrate compliance from the design phase through to construction.

Understanding the distinction between certification pathways enables specifiers to make informed product selections, supporting more predictable consenting outcomes and greater confidence throughout the building process.