Property owners can now build granny flats of up to 70 square metres without applying for a building consent, after new legislation championed by New Zealand First minister Shane Jones passed through Parliament.
The law change, which amends the Building Act, passed its third and final reading yesterday with unanimous support from MPs.
Shane Jones said the reform delivers on a long-standing New Zealand First pledge to make it easier and cheaper for families to build small dwellings.
“For whānau who live in extended family situations, this is an affordable option,” Jones said. He said it was an advantage for companies that provide accommodation for staff, and for New Zealand’s outlying islands, like the Chathams and Great Barrier.
Jones, who first pushed for consent-free detached buildings of up to 30 square metres during his earlier ministerial term, said the new rules go further than originally promised.
“We committed to 60 square metres, but we over-delivered — 70 square metres is now the limit,” he said. “This is another commonsense policy from New Zealand First.”
Under the new system, homeowners must still notify their council at the start and end of construction, and the buildings must comply with the Building Code and be constructed by authorised professionals.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop said simplifying the process would help increase housing supply and ease living costs.
“It’s been far too hard to build the homes New Zealanders need, with even the simplest dwellings requiring complicated and costly consents,” Bishop said.
Building Minister Chris Penk said the change would also boost productivity in the construction sector.
“We expect roughly 13,000 additional granny flats over the next decade — more work for builders, and less time wasted on unnecessary red tape,” Penk said.
Jones said the move was a “win for pragmatism” and proof that New Zealand First’s influence in government is producing tangible results.
