Mayor supports government decision on B.I.A.

“The Building Industry Authority was inept and I support any decision that will see it reconstituted in order to bring back confidence,” Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis says.

“I don’t believe the B.I.A. ever fulfilled its watchdog role. It had lost all credibility in the eyes of the public and I was amazed at how out of touch it was with the building industry.

“I compliment the government in taking immediate action to rejuvenate the role of the B.I.A. but caution the need to take account of the public consultation currently underway. It will also be vital to ensure whatever future form and function the Authority has, that it be backed up with the appropriate means and resources,” Sir Barry says.

Despite the hectic pace of building within Manukau City there have been relatively few cases of “leaky building syndrome”. The city council processes 4000 building consents each year. Since 1997 it has issued approximately 20,000 consents and only had 14 claims relating to weathertightness issues. Eight of those were settled without legal action. A further 28 cases for both Council and certifier consents have been referred to the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service.

“As we work toward a solution I will continue to lead the regional discussion forum on weathertightness related issues which contains the top players from

the building industry bodies as well as representatives from each local authority in Auckland,” said Sir Barry.

Manukau City Council will be making a submission to the discussion document on weathertightness problems recently released by Ministry of Economic Development/Manatuu Ohangato.

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