Labour papers over cracks in building bureaucracy

“I find it laughable that Shane Jones is talking about reducing red tape in the building industry when less than 12 months ago he told Parliament that the consent process was going ‘swimmingly well’,” says National Party Building & Construction spokesman, Nick Smith.

“The excessive bureaucracy Mr Jones says he has been getting an earful over was created by his own Labour Government and the passage of the clumsy and complex Building Act 2004.

“It is fantasyland stuff to claim that he has cut down red tape, when over the past couple of weeks we’ve been hearing about new regulations for shower heads, hot water cylinders, and lighting.

“Labour’s legislation, and the numerous patch-up amendments, have added $30,000 of unnecessary costs to the consenting and building of a house, according to the Master Builders Federation.

“Wellington City Council highlighted the growth in red tape, noting the ten-fold increase in pages and four-fold increase in plans that builders are required to file.

“I simply don’t believe that this Minister has woken up to the bureaucratic nightmare he has unleashed on the building industry. Given half a chance the red tape will be back with a vengeance.

“National has long been committed to addressing the bureaucracy that is crippling the building industry. That is why we opposed the Building Act 2004.

“National will cut back on the excessive red tape and drive quality by encouraging warranties, better standards and improved skills,” Dr Smith says.

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