Story perspectives

National Party proposes engineers replace councils for building approvals.

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Party proposes that qualified engineers be allowed to approve certain building projects without council inspection.
Spokesman Chris Penk said the plan would remove local councils as Building Consent Authorities for selected work if the party is re-elected.
He noted that current building processes are slower and more expensive than necessary.
Under existing rules, councils issue building consents and code-compliance certificates before construction can proceed.

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Story summary

The National Party proposes that qualified engineers be allowed to approve certain building projects without council inspection.
Spokesman Chris Penk said the plan would remove local councils as Building Consent Authorities for selected work if the party is re-elected.
He noted that current building processes are slower and more expensive than necessary.
Under existing rules, councils issue building consents and code-compliance certificates before construction can proceed.