News and Media Releases
Please see below for news and media releases relating to Building Officials.
If you have any suggestions for items you think should feature here please contact marketing@boinz.org.nz.
27 February 2026
Interview on RNZ with Karel Boakes (BOINZ President) and Bill McKay (School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland).The Government’s new rules for building a granny flat, or ‘minor standalone dwelling’ will likely save plans from being clogged up at council level, but they’re still complex, full of restrictions which homeowners would need to be aware of.
Read the article and hear the interview:
12 February 2026
RNZ Interview on Granny Flats with Karel Boakes
Following Karel Boakes' article earlier this week, she was interviewed on RNZ discussing the risks homeowners need to know when building a granny flat.
Karel highlights that under the Government's new rules, responsibility has shifted from councils to homeowners.
Click here to listen to the interview.
9 February 2026
Granny flats: easier to start – far easier to get wrong
The Government’s new granny flat rules, in force from 15 January 2026, have been promoted as a simple, low-cost way to add housing.
But for many property owners, the reality is far more complex.
While some consent requirements have been removed, the risk hasn’t disappeared – it’s shifted.
20 November 2025
BOINZ is proud to have partnered with New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) to develop a new course - The NZ Building Code & Compliance for Builders.
This online, self-paced course gives NZCB members a basic, practical understanding of how the Building Code shapes everyday construction work in New Zealand.
20 August 2025
Building surveyors are welcoming Minister Chris Penk’s new reform announcements on 18th May.
- Liability now falls on those responsible – no more “last man standing” costs for ratepayers
- Stronger accountability for builders and subtrades
- Support for voluntary BCA amalgamation, not forced restructuring
- Better outcomes for investors, homeowners & the economy
12 August 2025
24 July 2025
Reforming the building consent system? Let’s fix the real problem.
As the Government prepares to announce big changes to our building consenting system, BOINZ CEO Nick Hill says loud and clear: the system isn’t broken — the problem is the quality of building and design work.
Read the article here: Building consenting reforms should target the problem, not the system | The Post
23 June 2025
On 23 June 2025, BOINZ made a submission on the Building Product Specifications consultation. This consultation covers product specifications in structure, enclosure, interior, finishes, services, and fire characteristics of building products.
You can find the document on our submission webpage here: Industry Call for Submissions
16 June 2025
2025 BOINZ Board of Directors Appointments
The 2025 Board elections for the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand (BOINZ) have been held, for more information please click here.
30 April 2025
The New Zealand Government has announced a new initiative to speed up home construction by allowing trusted builders to self-certify their work and that BCAs will be required to complete 80% of inspections within three working days to cut costly delays.
Industry leaders have raised concerns over quality control and sector readiness, with Nick Hill, CEO of the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand, stating: “Putting a target on an application is ambitious given that the current status of the sector is well below what we would consider ideal, particularly with ... 50% of inspections failing. I don't see how that sort of target can work in reality when we've got an immature building design and building sector.”
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