News and updates
Keep up to date with news from the Board.
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Complaint decisions – December 2025
The Building Practitioners Board has recently issued a number of disciplinary decisions involving Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs). These decisions highlight the importance of compliance with the Building Act 2004 and the Code of Ethics. They act a
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Determinations – December 2025
Determinations are legally binding decisions made by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). They are for matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work outlined in the Building Act and the Building Code.
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Proportionate liability – changes coming to accountability for defective work
In August 2025, the Government agreed to change the liability rules in the building and construction sector.
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Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill
The Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill (the Bill) will change 3 laws: the Building Act 2004, the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, and the Electricity Act 1992. The Bill had its fir
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Upcoming changes: granny flats building consent exemption
The law is changing for small standalone dwellings, also known as granny flats. We have prepared new guidance and updated forms to help you get ready.
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October disciplinary decisions
The Building Practitioners Board has recently issued a number of disciplinary decisions involving Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs). These decisions remind LBPs of the standards they must meet and what consequences may occur if they don’t.
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Seismic resilience modules now live
New modules on seismic resilience requirements are now available through the LBP learning portal.
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New Building Consent exemptions: What builders need to know
Changes to Schedule 1 of the Building Act commenced on Thursday 23 October 2025.
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Building requirements and conditions for granny flats – What LBPs need to know
The new building consent exemption for granny flats is on track to commence in early 2026. The exemption includes specific requirements that Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) need to be aware of.
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Determinations – October 2025
Determinations are legally binding decisions made by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). They are for matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work outlined in the Building Act and the Building Code.
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Earthquake-Prone Building System review announcement
Aotearoa New Zealand is updating its approach to managing seismic risk in existing buildings, and these changes will directly impact how Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) engage with seismic remediation projects.
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Suspended building practitioner convicted, fined $10,000
Lucy Walsh has been sentenced in the Alexandra District Court after being convicted of 2 offences under the Building Act 2004 and one offence of forgery under the Crimes Act 1961.
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Building Code insulation requirement changes
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) is making it easier to follow insulation rules by removing the Schedule Method from the H1 standards.
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Determinations – August 2025
Determinations are legally binding decisions made by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). They are for matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work outlined in the Building Act and the Building Code.
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Complaint Decisions – August 2025
The Board looked at complaints about building consents, records of work, and accepting payment and not doing the work.
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Reminder: updated MBIE guidance on plasterboard replacement after flooding
Licensed Building Practitioners should use the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) updated guidance on the repair and replacement of plasterboard in flood-damaged buildings.