New Zealand’s building rules are going through their biggest change in about 20 years. Alongside the consent exemptions for small sheds that came in during October 2025, a Building Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament in mid-2026. Here’s what it proposes and what it could mean if you’re planning a farm, lifestyle or commercial building.
This is a moving scene. This post reflects the Bill as introduced, and it may change before it becomes law.
What the Bill proposes #
Proportionate liability. At the moment, if a building turns out to be defective, one party can end up paying for everyone’s share of the fault. The Bill would change this so each party pays the share that matches its contribution.
Mandatory insurance for designers. Designers such as architects and engineers would have to carry professional indemnity insurance.
Home warranties. New houses, smaller multi-unit buildings and larger consented renovations would need warranty cover: at least 1 year for defects and 10 years for structural defects. This applies to residential work, not sheds or commercial buildings.
Faster PIMs. Councils would have to process project information memorandums in 10 working days instead of 20.
A fast track for some homes. Eligible homes with solar or other sustainable features would get a 10-working-day consent decision.
Councils working together. It would be easier for councils to share or combine their building consent services, which should make rules more consistent from one district to the next.
Research funding. A new building levy structure and research fund would replace the current funding system, with BRANZ staying independent.
What it means for farm, lifestyle and commercial buildings #
- Faster PIMs help everyone, because a PIM is often the first step in finding out what the council knows about your site.
- Proportionate liability puts more weight on each party getting its own part right, so expect more attention to who designed, supplied and built what.
- Insurance for designers means engineers and architects on your project must be insured. Ask anyone designing your building what cover they carry.
- More consistent councils should, over time, mean fewer surprises when the same building is consented in a different district.
What hasn’t changed #
You still need building consent for most steel buildings over 30 m², and the Building Code requirements for structure, fire, durability and energy efficiency are the same. The Bill changes the system around consents, not the standard buildings have to meet.
Where Steelspan stands #
We already carry $1 million of professional indemnity insurance, along with public liability cover, and our buildings are engineer-designed for each site, with producer statements and inspections recorded for consent.
From our point of view, proportionate liability doesn’t change much. We work alongside our clients to make well-informed decisions early, so problems don’t arise down the track, whether we supply a kitset or deliver the whole building.
Talk to Steelspan #
If you’re wondering how the changes affect a project you’re planning, ask us. Use our Easy Shed Quote or call 0800 787 726.
