Building is set to become cheaper and easier.

This week, the New Zealand government announced changes to building product legislation. The changes involve loosening the current restrictions around which products and systems can be approved for building consent. Currently, designers and builders are restricted to using products pre-approved by NZ building authorities. While it's possible to use overseas products not NZ-certified, it's a time-consuming and costly process. The changes would allow access to products that have been certified in other countries with similar or higher building standards than New Zealand. Access to these products will significantly improve the cost, diversity, and efficiency of the current design and build process in NZ.

The Monopoly

Due to the limited range of approved products in New Zealand, there is currently a slight market monopoly. Companies such as James Hardie, Gib, and Colorsteel have primarily dominated the NZ building market for a long time. Yes, there are options out there, but if these 'trusted' brands are being recommended, are the easiest to get hold of, and will have no issue with building authorities, then there doesn't seem like a choice. Without any significant competition, these products can be priced however they see fit without fear of customers looking elsewhere. Plus, if you have driven past any new housing developments within the last 10 years, then you will have noticed housing looking surprisingly similar, particularly in the mid-level price bracket.

Why not?

I am personally all for these changes. There are thousands of high-quality, beautiful products across the world that are tested and proven building solutions. We have been starved of access due to quality concerns for far too long. There has always been a narrative of concern that overseas products won't handle New Zealand's conditions. Although there is some merit to this concern, in my experience, the currently approved products often don't perform as they should anyway. Experimenting and being afforded the choice of product is the only true test.

What next?

The legislation is set to be introduced to parliament later this year. If done right, the prospect of a more saturated product market is exciting. It would offer added choices for designers, builders, and clients, fostering more competition among current suppliers and, hopefully, resulting in more competitive pricing.

Is it the saving grace that will fix the New Zealand building industry? No, probably not. But it's a start."

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