Master Builders Support the Minister’s Proposal

Media Release
27 August 2008

Registered Master Builders Support the Minister’s Proposal

The Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF) agrees in principle to the programme of work for improving the building and construction industry that was announced today by the Minister for Building and Construction Hon Maurice Williamson.

CEO of RMBF Warwick Quinn says that overall the intent behind of the Minister’s announcement is positive and addresses a number of issues that have been holding the industry back for quite some time.

“It’s clear that the Minister has put a lot of time and effort into identifying the areas that need fixing in the sector and that he clearly sees the value of our industry to New Zealand’s economy” says Mr Quinn. “We appreciate the effort he has gone to, to have Cabinet agree to introduce licensing as this is more Government intervention but it opens the door for a considerable reduction in red tape once it is introduced.

“The results he’s looking for in the Building Act Review are welcomed but we need to better understand what he means by ‘shifting responsibility back toward builders’, builder’s self certification, the role of home warranty insurance and how the proposed changes will be co-ordinated. However, we expect these to be teased out through the consultation,” Mr Quinn says.

“We have always been supportive of a Licensed Building Practitioner scheme and have, as an organisation, been working with Government for a number of years to make sure we have the right regime for our industry. We agree, in principle, with the proposed definition of Restricted Building Work and the Owner Builder Exemption but would need to be assured of robust monitoring to ensure the system can’t be manipulated.

“We support what the Minister is proposing to put in place and look forward to being part of the consultation process that’s about to get underway,” says Mr Quinn.

ENDS

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