Nick Smith MP
National Party Building & Construction Spokesman

17 October 2008

Jones confused on hot water and shower rules

National’s Building and Construction spokesman Nick Smith is calling on Shane Jones to explain the status of new rules that would regulate shower flows, and put restrictions on the size of hot water cylinders.

“Shane Jones is now saying the nanny state rules are not happening. If that’s correct why did he issue a statement on April 27 saying these regulations would be in place by December?”

The media statement, which is still on the Government’s website http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/lower+hot+water+bills+way says: ‘From December 2008, all new domestic hot water systems in either new or refurbished homes will need to meet more stringent energy efficiency standards’.

“Mr Jones needs to tell New Zealanders whether this statement was wrong, or whether he was confused, or whether he’s now trying to bury these unpopular changes until after the election.”

The new regulations amend the Building Code and limit the size of an electric hot water cylinder to 180 litres for smaller homes and 315 litres for larger homes. The new regulations come into effect on 1 February for new or refurbished homes as part of the Labour Government’s home energy efficiency strategy.

“Industry advice is that the new limit on hot water cylinder size will most adversely affect people in the South Island, where the recommended installation is 250 litres, but will now be limited to 180 litres.

“It is not credible for the Labour Government to dismiss these concerns by saying these are only proposals open to consultation. These have been approved by Cabinet and announced by Minister Shane Jones. The Department of Building and Housing has advised industry that:‘Changes to the NZBC clause H1 have now been made and come into force on 1 February 2009’.”

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