New Zealand Ministry to Review Building Consent Rules for Low‑Risk Home Improvements

Regulation Minister David Seymour and Building and Construction Minister Simon Watts announced that the Ministry for Regulation will conduct a review of building consent exemptions. The review will examine whether low‑risk, routine work such as installing windows, building a small garage or upgrading a bathroom could be carried out without a building consent and whether existing exemptions are clear and consistent. The scope includes the Building Act 2004 Schedule 1 and its interface with Schedule 1A for small standalone dwellings, inconsistencies in the exemption framework, and opportunities to improve clarity for homeowners, builders and territorial authorities. Stakeholders such as builders, homeowners, industry groups and local councils are being consulted. Recommendations are expected in early 2027.