Let builders build: ACT’s Cameron Luxton

New Zealand’s economic growth depends on a functioning building and construction sector. Every road, house, water pipe, power connection, and digital network requires skilled tradespeople and contractors to deliver it.

The current regulatory environment, however, makes building slower, more expensive, and less predictable than it should be.

ACT’s focus is on reducing unnecessary compliance costs, attracting private investment, and ensuring infrastructure decisions are driven by need rather than politics.

Anyone working in construction knows that New Zealand pays more to build than it should. One contributor is our closed approach to building products.

ACT has already made progress here – through the Overseas Building Products Amendment Act, MBIE has now issued recognition notices covering more than 128,000 products approved under Australia’s WaterMark scheme, meaning Building Consent Authorities must accept them as compliant.

Previously, builders had to individually demonstrate compliance for each product when applying for consent. This added cost and time for no good reason.

Every dollar saved in compliance is a dollar that can come off the price of a new home for a Kiwi family.

One of the most common frustrations in the sector is time lost waiting on inspections for straightforward work.

ACT is backing changes that would allow approved plumbers and drainlayers with a proven track record to certify their own work, which is the same approach electricians and gasfitters have had for years.

With around 16,000 standalone houses consented in 2024, freeing up that bottleneck makes a real practical difference.

Alongside this, we’re strengthening the disciplinary and complaints processes across licensed trades, so that as more responsibility shifts to practitioners, there are clear standards and accountability to back it up.

Consenting remains a significant constraint, too. The Resource Management Act has contributed to delays, uncertainty, and higher costs across the sector.

ACT is working toward a property-rights-based replacement that provides clearer rules and faster decisions.

The principle is that development should be able to proceed where it doesn’t harm others’ property or the environment.

Regulation also needs to keep up with how construction is changing. Modern methods including prefabrication, modular housing, minor dwellings, and compact homes can contribute to addressing the housing shortage.

Where builders are using safe, proven, and cost-effective methods, the regulatory system should not put unnecessary barriers in the way.

The building and construction sector contributes enormously to New Zealand, and it deserves a policy environment that reflects that.

ACT’s focus is on reducing the friction that drives up costs and slows delivery, so the people who actually build this country can do their best work.