Key findings of the review

15 - Relationships with building certifiers and other territorial authorities

Purpose

To identify any specific issues arising from the Council's dealings with private building certifiers and other territorial authorities.

Background

Building certifiers are not operating within the current legislative framework. For this reason aspects of these terms of reference are no longer relevant.

Initial review

The Council did not have formal policy or procedures for dealing with consent applications lodged by private building certifiers. It was recommended that the Council ensure:

• all staff are aware of the Council's responsibilities under the Building Act for consent and certification work involving private building certifiers
• appropriate planning is undertaken regarding possible increases in work volumes if work is passed from certifiers to the Council if they decide to exit the industry.

Findings and conclusion

All private building certifiers had exited the New Zealand market by late 2005. However, the Department found that the Council still receives calls regarding work that was approved by private building certifiers, but does not have any written procedures for dealing with queries regarding building certifier projects.

The Department found that the Council had a positive and interactive relationship with its neighbouring Auckland territorial authorities, with meetings between authorities held on a regular basis. While this is considered a good initiative, the Department encourages the Council and its neighbours to use this as an opportunity to develop consistency of good practice across the Auckland region.