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Building Controls Update: No.99 - backcountry huts

In late 2008, the New Zealand Building Code was amended to exempt Department of Conservation backcountry huts from the requirement to have:

  • smoke alarms and emergency lighting
  • access and sanitary facilities for wheelchair users
  • drinkable water supply and artificial lighting.

The Department of Conservation manages a network of more than 800 backcountry huts throughout New Zealand. The huts offer a unique experience for domestic and foreign visitors alike, emphasising self-reliance and providing only basic services. Many backcountry huts will be coming up for replacement in the next few decades. The simplified Building Code requirements will ensure that the Department of Conservation is able to undertake this task without undue costs and difficulties.

Under the amendments, the Director-General of Conservation will specify those huts deemed to be “backcountry huts”

The Department of Building and Housing has published a Compliance Document for backcountry huts, which is intended to supplement the Building Code amendments. The document is available for download  [PDF 74 KB, 12 pages].