Builders Agree on Need for Consumer Protection

Press Release

April 16 2009

Minister and Builders Agree on Need for Greater Consumer Protection

Registered Master Builders share the Minister for Building and Construction Hon Maurice Williamson's view on a need for greater consumer protection on building and housing projects.

Speaking today at the at the Registered Master Builders (RMBF) conference in Blenheim the Minister said the Government is looking for a system that will provide warranty type products to consumers to ensure a transparent resolution for all parties involved in a building project should something go wrong.

Warwick Quinn CEO of Registered Master Builders Federation said: "We agree that this is necessary for our industry. We have had a product in the market with our Master Build Guarantee for 19 years that does exactly this for our members' clients. We look forward to more details on the Government's plans on how this will work."

The Minister also said he was looking for a speedy resolution of the weathertightness issue that has been plaguing the industry and country for too long.

Mr Quinn said builders and consumers have had enough of the lack of action with the current system.

"We feel that it's high time the Government stepped in and helped bring it to an end. New Zealanders including homeowners and builders deserve a solution, not more litigation," says Mr Quinn.

RMBF President Brent Mettrick also agreed with the Minister's call for a reduction of the bureaucracy and red tape that has been weighing down the building industry and consequently increasing costs.

New Zealand's top builders gathered in Blenheim today for the 3-day 109th Annual Registered Master Builders Federation Conference. The theme is "Smart Moves for Success" aimed at providing ideas and tools for thriving not just surviving the struggling building and construction industry.

ENDS

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