Window & Glass Association Calls For Urgent Action To Put A Stop To Non-compliant And Fraudulently Certified Products

Concerningly windows, doors, and glazing are being installed in New Zealand homes that do not meet Building Code requirements. The Window & Glass Association is calling for urgent action to put a stop to unsafe and fraudulent products that are putting homeowners at risk.

The Window & Glass Association is calling for urgent government action to address the growing presence of non-compliant and fraudulently certified window products in the New Zealand market.

This year the Association has observed a growing number of windows and doors in New Zealand which do not meet Building Code requirements for structure, performance, durability, or energy efficiency. Anecdotally, the majority of non-compliant windows seem to be either imported or locally built using imported systems and unskilled labour.

Compounding the problem is the increasing incidence of manipulated or false compliance documentation used to pass off substandard window products as compliant to councils and builders.

The Association’s CEO Brett Francis says this is a serious and urgent problem that requires swift action from the government.

“Windows are a fundamental and critical part of delivering safe, compliant, and energy-efficient homes for New Zealanders.”

“The presence of misleading and non-compliant window products impacts homeowners across New Zealand’s built environment, undermining public safety, housing quality, and industry confidence.”

Francis says it is concerning that this widespread issue is also exposing homeowners, builders and councils to liability.

“Homeowners, builders, and councils carry the risk when building products fail, even though there is an expectation that compliance of windows and glass products has been verified at time of purchase. This can lead to not only safety risks but also significant financial losses through costly remediation work down the line.”

“Over the years, there has been little action taken by agencies to enforce standards and prosecute fraudulent behaviour within our sector. It is more urgent than ever before to take action, as we are seeing non-compliant building products increasing exponentially in our sector.”

“New Zealanders deserve to live in safe and compliant homes, and we urge the government to strengthen its enforcement activities such as tightening its certification audits including spot checks, to ensure we have a trusted and robust quality check and compliance process for window and glass products in the New Zealand market.”

About the Window & Glass Association New Zealand

The Window & Glass Association New Zealand is the national association representing the window, door and glass industry. Established in 1965, we are a not-for-profit, independent organisation with the goal to develop and maintain high technical and professional standards and to create a better built environment for New Zealand consumers. For more information, please visit the Window & Glass Association New Zealand website.

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