Protection from Fire and Backcountry Huts

Changes to C/AS1-C/As7 (Amendment 3), C/VM2 (Amendment 4) and BCH/AS1 Amendment 1

2 July 2014

After consultation with the sector earlier this year, MBIE has implemented practical solutions to remedy compliance issues that designers and councils were finding when they applied C/AS1-C/AS7 and C/VM2 to building designs.

These changes will simplify construction and reduce compliance costs but will not reduce fire safety.

• Read the updated Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods for Protection from Fire »

• Read a summary of the key changes to the Acceptable Solutions C/AS1- C/AS7 and the Verification Method C/VM2 »

The Acceptable Solution for Backcountry Huts, BCH/AS1 has been updated to reflect changes that came into force with the 2012 Building Code clause amendments to C1-C6 Protection from Fire.

• Read the updated Acceptable Solution for Backcountry Huts »

Current Events

Code Fit Fire Series - enrolment in this 2026 online series is now open

17 February 2026 - 17 November 2026 8:00 am - 10:00 am

The Code Fit Fire series aims to increase knowledge and practice with Protection from Fire, focusing on C/AS2 and stepping learners through this Acceptable Solution and associated topics. The series also aims to increase confidence and ability to ask good questions. The series is led by Saskia Holditch of MBIE with input from other specialists.

Click here for more information on the series and for individual enrolments in the full series. Contact training@boinz.org.nz to ask about an Organisation Pass for the series.

Code Fit Team Talks 2026 - For annual pass email training@boinz.org.nz to enrol

27 February 2026 - 25 November 2026 8:00 am - 10:00 am

A series of two-hour facilitated and interactive presentations/discussions on a range of building controls topics, held via zoom each month February to November. Click here for the 2026 programme and series enrolment details.

Intermediate E2 Weathertightness - Online Zoom - Contact Training for Face to Face option

7 October 2026 - 8 October 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This course will provide an understanding of the mechanics of water and the application of these principles to ensure buildings are weather tight and comply with Building Code Clause E2 External Moisture.

Foundation Level - H1 Energy Efficiency - Online Zoom

8 October 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This entry level course will provide an understanding of the mechanics of heat transfer and how to provide insulation of various types to ensure a building provides a safe and warm environment that is energy efficient and meets the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC). It includes the amendments bought in by MBIE in November 2021.

Code Fit Fire Session 9 (October)

20 October 2026 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Click here to enrol in session nine (October) only of Code Fit Fire which will focus on series revision and practical application.

Foundation Level - Plumbing and Drainage - online Zoom

20 October 2026 - 22 October 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This course provides the ability to identify different systems and approaches, consent and inspect these installations, and recognise unsafe installations to ensure compliance with the Building Code.

Code Fit Team Talk October - Structure topic tbc - for individual spots

22 October 2026 8:00 am - 10:00 am

A two-hour facilitated and interactive presentation/discussion on Structure (specific topic tbc). This is the ninth in the 2026 series of Code Fit Team Talks on a range of building surveying and controls topics, held via zoom each month February to November.

Intermediate 3-day Plumbing and Drainage Compliance - Online Zoom - Contact Training for Face to Face option

28 October 2026 - 30 October 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This is a 3-day condensed version of the 5-day course. It covers plumbing and drainage for multi-storey buildings.

Section 112 alterations to existing buildings - online

4 November 2026 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

This course from the 2025 Advanced Series is designed to help participants increase understanding, apply consistently and avoid common pitfalls with Section 112 - one of the most applied sections of the Building Act 2004. The course covers: triggers, escape from fire and access upgrading requirements, the ANARP test, meaning of 'continue to apply', Section 112 (2), balancing benefits and detriments and 'what not to do-s'.

Section 115 Change of Use - Online Zoom

4 November 2026 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

This half-day course helps TA/BCA staff make clear, consistent and well-recorded section 115 decisions when a building, or part of a building, is proposed to be used differently. It focuses on the practical decision pathway: identifying the real-world intended use, translating that use through the correct regulatory lens, deciding whether sections 114 and 115 are triggered, identifying the section 115 assessment areas, applying ANARP, requesting the right information, and recording the written decision.

Advanced Fire - Online Zoom

6 November 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This course provides a more advanced view of the NZ Building Code clauses for Protection from Fire and C/VM2. This advanced course is suitable for anyone dealing with designs beyond the Acceptable Solutions or with alterations to existing buildings.

Intermediate Building Controls - Online Zoom - Contact Training for face to face option

9 November 2026 - 11 November 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This course will give participants an understanding of the ‘Big Picture’ in terms of the building environment, local government and private sector building controls, agencies, the people and the language and how as a Building Official they fit into the picture.

NZHHA Solid Fuel Heating - online - Contact training for face to face training

10 November 2026 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

BOINZ and the New Zealand Home Heating Association have partnered to bring a training course which will ensure attendees are aware of the latest product and technical developments, the all important installation requirements and common areas of installation non compliance.

Code Fit Fire Session 10 (November)

17 November 2026 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Click here to enrol in session ten (November) only of Code Fit Fire which will focus on series revision and practical application.

Foundation Level Fire Documents - Online Zoom

17 November 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This entry level course focuses on C/AS1 in relation to R1-R3 Residential Buildings. The course includes Fire Separations and Means of Escape and involves working through a case study.

Intermediate Remote Inspections - online

18 November 2026 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

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The course demonstrates practical techniques for adapting inspection skills to a remote environment, including effective site navigation, maintaining spatial awareness, gathering suitable evidence and recognising the limitations and risks associated with remote inspections.

Attendees should have a dual-screen setup (three screens preferred) and be reasonably confident using digital technology. The course is intended for experienced Residential 2 and Residential 3 inspectors.

Satisfied on Reasonable Grounds - Online Zoom

19 November 2026 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

This workshop uses case studies and applies examples as it introduces the concept of satisfied on reasonable grounds, sets out the legal framework and standards, and addresses: reasonableness and objective evaluation, evaluating evidence, credibility, challenges and limitations, best practices and documentation, and the importance of transparency. This workshop was first run in the 2024 Advanced Learning - Workshop Series.

Natural Hazards - Online Zoom

19 November 2026 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Making robust decision when a building consent is subject to a Natural Hazard can be challenging. This workshop/course will highlight tools and considerations to help you determine:

The use of your policy, procedure and systems
Whether a natural hazard exists
When to engage input from a third party
The use of other relevant legislative requirements and tools
How best to document and record decisions.

Advanced Compliance Schedules - Online Zoom

23 November 2026 - 24 November 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This 2 day course is designed as refresher/supplementary course to the existing 3-day Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) and Specified System course. Click here for course content.

Foundation Ethics - Online Interactive Learning

24 November 2026 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

This course provides participants with the information to understand and explain: what is ethics; the six ethical lenses, preparation for ethical decisions; decide what’s right; testing ethical decisions; personal responsibility, and reflection.

This course can be used to demonstrate competency with Regulation 10(3)(e) and 10(30(f)

Intermediate Specified Systems - Online

26 November 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This course provides a valuable opportunity for BCA and TA staff to refresh and strengthen technical consistency, competency and confidence across compliance schedule and BWOF functions. This one-day course covers three key parts of the compliance schedule process: High-level Compliance Schedule Framework and Performance Standards, Specified Systems Inspection and Compliance Verification, and BWOF Auditing and Ongoing Compliance.

Intermediate Fire Documents - Online Zoom

1 December 2026 - 2 December 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This comprehensive two-day workshop provides participants with a thorough understand of Fire Documents C/AS1 and C/AS2. Day two brings the learnings to life with a practical component. This is the next step in fire design looking at commercial building focusing on C/AS2 as the pathway to compliance and introduces C/VM2 and alternative solutions but not in detail.

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