New regime for building consents processing

The reforms come in the wake of problems such as the consenting of leaky homes and substandard building work.

In October last year Building and Construction Minister Clayton Cosgrove announced a $3 million assistance package to help local authorities prepare to meet the accreditation standards.

This comprises $2.3 million available in the period to 30 June 2007, with the remaining $700,000 to be spread across the following two years.

Later this month, each local authority will be offered the services of a Department of Building and Housing adviser to help them prepare for accreditation. In March and May 2007, two rounds of workshops for local authorities are planned to further clarify and assist with the process.

Councils will also be sent information packs detailing eligibility criteria for project assistance and other funding details. Various funding rounds will be available from next month, with the designated advisers able to assist.