News and updates
Keep up to date with news from the Board.
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Licensed Building Practitioner feedback on use of Building CodeHub website
MBIE’s Building Performance is doing research to help improve the Building CodeHub website. Licensed Building Practitioners are key users of this site.
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Recent determinations — April 2026
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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Recent BPB decisions — April 2026
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 as
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Getting it right the first time
Getting the work right early can save time and avoid extra work later.
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Update on the Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill
The Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill proposes changes across several occupational licensing schemes, including the Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) scheme.
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Understanding the Role of the Building Practitioners Board
The Building Practitioners Board (the Board) plays a central role in maintaining the quality, professionalism and accountability of New Zealand’s Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) scheme. Established under the Building Act 2004, the Board operates inde
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Recent determinations – February 2026
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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Recent BPB decisions – February 2026
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.
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MultiProof eligibility expanded for faster consenting
More developers can now apply for a MultiProof to speed up building consents for standardised designs.
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Granny flats building consent exemption becomes law
The granny flats (small standalone dwelling) building consent exemption commences on 15 January 2026.
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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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ConstrucTrend survey
ConstrucTrend is a survey about skills that help tradespeople succeed in their job.
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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.
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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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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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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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Determinations – June 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 – June 2025
The Board looked at complaints about negligent work, records of work and disreputable conduct.
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Building Practitioners Board – new member sought
There is an opportunity to apply to become a member of the Building Practitioners Board. As a member of the Building Practitioners Board, you would play an important role in overseeing the Licensed Building Practitioners scheme. A key function of the Boa
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Webinar and consultation on pathways for overseas building products
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is developing three new pathways for building products to be used more easily in Aotearoa New Zealand following the passing of the Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certificatio
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Seismic resilience modules
Seismic resilience is the ability of structures, communities, and households to resist, absorb, recover from, and adapt to the impacts of earthquakes.
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An opportunity to become an LBP assessor
We have recently released a procurement opportunity to individuals or organisations who would be interested in providing assessment services for the LBP scheme.
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Launch of ‘Work Should Not Hurt Foundation’ Toolkit
Want to prevent and manage strains and sprains in your Construction business? Introducing the free online CHASNZ ‘Work Should Not Hurt Foundation’ toolkit!
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New opt-in self-certification schemes for building professionals
New opt-in self-certification schemes for trusted building professionals have been agreed by the Government and are expected to be operational by late 2026.
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Complaint Decisions – April 2025
The Board looked at complaints about negligent work, records of work and disreputable conduct.
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An opportunity to become an LBP assessor
Occupational Regulation, the administrator of the licenced building practitioners scheme at MBIE, is finalising a procurement opportunity to individuals or organisations who would be interested in providing assessment services for the LBP scheme.
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Determinations — April 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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Codewords issue 124
The Codewords articles for April are out now.
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Update on building consent for small standalone dwellings
Work is underway to enable small standalone dwellings to be built without a building consent. This is targeted to take effect in 2026.
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Upcoming licensing changes for Licensed Building Practitioners
Yesterday the Government announced improvements to occupational licensing that applies to Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) and the work they do.
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Codewords issue 123
The Codewords articles for February are out now.
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Consultation closing soon — have your say on insulation requirements
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is seeking feedback on the Building Code H1 Energy Efficiency requirements. MBIE is specifically looking at insulation settings and improving flexibility of building designs to reduce upfront cost
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Complaint decisions — February 2025
The Board looked at complaints about negligent work, records of work and disreputable conduct.
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Determinations — February 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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Codewords issue 122
Codewords issue 122 includes information on complaints not upheld and options for self-certification.
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Have your say on insulation requirements
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is seeking feedback on changing the Building Code H1 Energy Efficiency requirements for insulation in homes and other buildings to help building designers and to reduce costs and maintain energy e
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The 1-year transition period for the 2023 Building Code update has ended
In November 2023, MBIE published updated acceptable solutions and verification methods which support plumbing and drainage work, and protection from fire. These changes came with a 1-year transition period where the previous versions of the documents co
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Determinations
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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Summary of granny flats consultation feedback
Read the summary of the feedback received during the recent granny flats consultation in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) report.
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New series to help businesses unmask cyber crime
Small businesses are the target for nearly half of all cyber crime in Aotearoa, with one in three experiencing at least one cyber attack. But less than half of business owners say they are prepared for an online incident.
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Codewords issue 121
Codewords issue 121 includes information on Satisfied on reasonable grounds and Minor variations.
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Complaint Decision – September 2024
A complaint was made against DAVID DRIVER who is licensed in the veneer and structural masonry areas of practice in the Brick and Blocklaying licence class. The complaint was in relation to a deck and retaining wall that he built.
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LBP Rules Amendment 2024
To improve relicensing rates, the late fee is changing so it is only charged if you renew your licence after your digital identification ID card expires. The first LBPs to benefit will be those with identification ID cards expiring at the end of October.
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Have your say on streamlining the building consent system with remote inspections
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is seeking feedback on a range of options to increase the uptake of remote inspections and improve efficiency and productivity in the building inspection process.
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LBP Amendment Rules 2024
The Licenced Building Practitioner Rules have been amended to: change the late fee charge to be due if a licence is not renewed on or before the digital licence ID card expiry date update Schedule 2 which lists the recognised qualifications for licence classes. The change to the late fee applie...
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Satisfied on reasonable grounds
MBIE has just released a guidance document on Satisfied on reasonable grounds. This is primarily for BCAs to help improve understanding of what ‘satisfied on reasonable grounds’ means and how to apply it.
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Prosecution of an unlicensed person – Jimmy Carson
Between September 2021 and July 2022, Jimmy Carson, sole director of Carson Design and Co Ltd, forged the names and signatures of two licensed builders while working on three properties in Mt Maunganui, East Taieri and Tauranga.
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Codewords issue 120
Codewords issue 120 includes information on Supervision and Remote inspections.
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Complaint Decisions – August 2024
Summary of 6 cases: In 6 recent cases the respondents failed to provide a record of work on completion of restricted building work. All respondents were fined $1000 and ordered to pay costs of $500. These cases are a good reminder that the record of building work form must be completed by all LBPs...
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Codewords issue 119
Codewords issue 119 includes information on Records of Work and Resolving disputes in building projects.
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Complaint Decisions – June 2024
Case 1: The Respondent failed to provide a Record of Work on completion of Restricted Building Work. He is fined $1,000 and ordered to pay costs of $500. The disciplinary finding will be recorded on the public Register for a period of three years. Case 2: The Complaint was made by a main contract...
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Skills Maintenance 115 Quiz Correction
What the building product information requirements mean for Licensed Building Practitioners
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Complaint decisions – April 2024
The Building Practitioners Board hear and investigate complaints made against Licenced Building Practitioners (LBPs) about unsatisfactory work or breaches of the LBP code of ethics. The outcome of each complaint is published on the LBP website at lbp.govt