A new private company has become the first fully independent residential building consent authority in New Zealand, aiming to speed up the consenting process and provide an alternative to local councils.
Building Consent Approvals (BCA), a privately-owned national provider, has been accredited and registered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) under the Building Act. It is the first independent entity of its kind to gain this status, having been assessed by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
The company plans to focus on low-risk residential projects such as single-storey homes and aims to issue building consents within 10 working days for eligible applications. It also has full civil liability coverage for its work.
Tony Sewell, chair of Building Consent Approvals, said the company was offering a faster, simpler and more cost-effective option for consenting residential developments.
“Our approach is designed to support the quicker delivery of homes in high-growth areas like Selwyn and Christchurch,” he said.
Sewell has held various leadership roles in the development sector, including serving as President of the Property Council and as the inaugural Chief Executive of Ngāi Tahu Property.
The Building Act has allowed independent providers to become Building Consent Authorities since 2004, provided they meet accreditation and registration requirements. BCA’s entry into the market is expected to offer more choice to builders and homeowners.
Selwyn District Council Chief Executive Sharon Mason said that while the council would continue processing more complex consents, additional providers could help manage demand during busy periods.
“Private providers will help alleviate pressure, especially during building booms like Selwyn has experienced in recent years,” she said.
Jon Sanders, Managing Director of Today Homes, said reduced waiting times could improve the pace of projects and delivery to clients.
BCA has also committed to several performance targets, including:
- Issuing consents within 10 working days for standard applications
- Approving replicated designs within two working days
- Completing 30 percent of inspections remotely
- Issuing Code of Compliance Certificates within two working days
The company said its operations would help reduce pressure on local council consenting teams, which in some regions have faced challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff.
According to BCA, consumers can expect consistent levels of oversight and risk management whether using a council or independent provider, as all Building Consent Authorities operate under the same legislative framework.
