A nationwide transparent and systematic system of quality assurance across the broad spectrum of the building industry which ensures that accountability can be sheeted home to those responsible for failures is essential in the current leaky homes environment, according to the New Zealand Building Industry Federation.
Acting Federation chief executive Bruce Kohn says the alternative, as highlighted by the Waitakere City court decision (see previous page), may well be an ongoing financial blood bath for ratepayers under the “last man standing” liability system.
“The encouraging factor is a great deal of work going on within territorial authorities, industry and departments to structure a system that provides a greater deal of assurance to home buyers that they will get what they consider they have paid for,” Mr Kohn says.
“It is essential that the system that emerges from these activities provides for assurance that building products and systems are fit for purpose, that appraisers, testers and builders are well qualified for the tasks they undertake and that territorial councils, as Building Consent Authorities (BCAs), and industry have a transparent and consistent system within which to operate.
“Accountability and responsibility can be sheeted home much more easily if failure at any link in the quality assurance chain of product and system, tester and appraiser, builder and local authority consenter can readily be identified.”
Mr Kohn says it is becoming increasingly apparent that a nationwide system operating under the same procedures is required so that there is consistency of process.
“The Government may need to show some flexibility in its approach if there is not to be confusion among product suppliers and builders, varying appraisal and test requirements among BCAs, and widely differing costs in the approval process which will eventually find their way into the market.
“The Minister of Building Issues has shown a commendable willingness to tackle difficulties arising in the change process. We look to him to ensure the required transparency and consistency.”
