In this newsletter:
We are pleased to announce that we will be moving from Objective Build to a new provider in the market to a system called ConsentIt.
What this means for you
The Objective portal will be removed and the Simpli portal will return. Many of you will remember using the Simpli portal previously.
By way of background, Objective Corporation advised some time ago that they would stop supporting GoGet. This was later confirmed as a full shutdown at the end of June this year.
Objective also introduced a fee to transition to their new system and, at the same time, changed their per‑consent fees from a fixed rate to a sliding scale based on consent value.
These changes required Council to review alternative options. Following this review, we found the ConsentIt system to be a significantly more cost‑effective solution. We also consider its behind‑the‑scenes functionality to be better aligned with our approach to consenting and inspections.
How the transition will work
- From day one, no new applications can be lodged through the Objective portal.
- All new applications must be made through the Simpli portal (much the same as before).
- The Objective portal will remain operational for one month to allow existing applications lodged before the cut‑off to be processed and completed.
- After that one‑month period, any consents still on suspend or in vetting on suspend will be refused, and a new application will need to be submitted.
In most cases, this is unlikely to affect many people, as we typically find applicants respond promptly to requests for further information.
Inspection system change
Our inspection tool will also change from GoGet to Zyte. At present, Zyte is only used for remote inspections—this will now apply to all inspections. As a result, inspection records and reports will look slightly different when you receive them.
As with any system change, there may be some initial disruption while things settle. If you experience any issues, please let us know and we will follow them up.
Importantly, the same friendly team at Carterton remains in place. You’re always welcome to pop in, give us a call, or get in touch if you have questions.
Stats: Consents and Certificates
Other Matters
Lead in taps
Don’t forget the amount of lead in taps and fittings etc is changing soon. You will need to provide information on the specific taps brands etc and lead content when that change comes about. This will need to be included in your building consent documentation.
For the plumbers out there, where the owner provides the taps etc, you will need to check that the taps meet the lead requirements before installing them. Theres a better than fair chance you will find yourself unable to instal owner supplied fittings. In particular where the owner has imported the fittings direct from overseas.
Self Certification
Self certification for prescribed work is currently working its way through legislation channels. The general gist is that prescribed people who presumably can show competence ( we don’t know decides on that ( hopefully not us) – maybe a space for the site license ) They will also likely need suitable insurance ( this is often referred to a adequate means.
Keep an eye on this one.
Small stand alone dwellings
The new provisions for small stand‑alone dwellings (often called granny flats) are now live. Fortunately, we haven’t received any applications yet: South Wairarapa and Masterton haven’t been quite as lucky.
At present, building work cannot begin until a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) has been issued. Under the new rules, the PIM effectively acts as permission to build a granny flat.
It’s important to understand that this exemption applies to a house — albeit a small one — meaning it includes a kitchen, bathroom, laundry and bedroom(s). It does not apply to garages or sheds.
As discussed with a number of people at the front counter:
“Yes, you can build a whole house without a building consent, but you cannot build a garage without one.”
There is some discussion nationally about extending this scheme to allow pre‑built (likely overseas‑built) small houses to be installed under the same provisions. We’ll wait and see how that develops.
A more complex issue for both councils and homeowners will be what happens if the work is not completed within two years. At this stage, it appears councils will deal with that at the two‑year mark.
The current thinking is that owners would need to apply for a building consent for the remaining work, and potentially a Certificate of Acceptance for work already completed.
The key message is: once you have your PIM, get stuck in, follow the process, and finish the work in a timely way. Avoid the “I’ll get around to it” approach — that’s where things could quickly become messy.
Also, don’t forget the Building Act requirements around contracts and related obligations.
For anyone considering the granny flat process, we strongly recommend speaking with your bank and insurer early, before getting too far down the track.
Earthquake prone buildings:
This is another piece of legislative change going through governement process.
We have a very few number of building owners that havent fixed their buildings in the 16 odd years the legislation has been around.
Its appears that the main difference between the current legislation and the proposed legislation is the the people who havent fixed their buildings yet will be able to remove the sticker from the front window then they can wait another 14 odd years for us to contact them and start the process again.
Liability settings
You will be aware that governement are reviewing the liability settings for people in the construction industry. This includes capping councils liability ( which we are happy about -well done mbie).
It appears that the gap that councils have traditionally filled because of joint and several liability will now need to be filled by trades people and their insurances.
I suggest you discuss this with your insurers etc now. If you belong to national organisations, I suggest you talk to them about what this means for you.
Building application forms:
Recently the three Wairarapa Councils met with with mbie to discuss new reporting standards.
This likely involves changing the prescribed forms such that MBIE can extract more data to help them better understand the sector.
Their current plan is to change the forms to include fields of data that mbie want, Then the companies who provide building control computer systems will be able to extract that information and give it to mbie without involving us.
All three Councils have expressed concerns about the cost of doing this and the impact this could have on all building consent applicants.
We were informed that the cost of this work for our providers is not a matter for the current policy work. Lets see what happens
It would be a shame if you have to pay for mbie’s need to extract data. Especially as Council are constantly under pressure from government to reduce costs. It often seems we are being blamed for consenting costs all while Governement add more behind the scenes.
Pool inspections
Council have restarted our pool inspection cycle. The legislation requires a 3 yearly cycle for pool inspections to ensure that they remain compliant.
We come and have a look and check the various features. If alls well we will see you in another three years.
If you have a pool, you can ring and book an inspection otherwise we just turn up.
Fee’s apply to this inspection.
We suggest that owners check their pools barriers (fences) to ensure all gates and latched ets are working and any doors or window giving access to the pool are properly secured.
Keeping up to date
Government have a very ambitious path of legislative change before the election.
Its important that you keep up to date.
MBIE do regular updates, webinars and guidance.
It important you sign up to get these updates.
Don’t rely on other people to keep you up to date.