The Government is advancing several key initiatives to better protect New Zealanders and their properties from fire hazards, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced today. These initiatives include a full review of the fire safety provisions in the Building Code and legislative changes designed to enhance safety and accountability in building management.
“Following the tragic Loafer’s Lodge fire in 2023, 37 boarding houses across the country were assessed, and I am pleased to report that all fire safety recommendations from that review have now been completed," said Minister Penk. "This is a significant milestone that will help reduce the risk of such tragedies occurring again.”
The Loafer’s Lodge fire, which led to multiple fatalities, underscored the need for improvements in fire safety measures across New Zealand's building sector, particularly in high-risk environments like boarding houses. As a response, the Government has now prioritized a full review of the fire safety provisions in the Building Code, marking the first comprehensive review in over a decade.
The newly released discussion document highlights areas that need attention to ensure that the Building Code aligns with modern construction methods and urban design trends. “The way we build has changed significantly in the last decade,” Penk explained. “New products and technologies are making buildings more complex, and this has implications for fire safety and firefighting strategies."
The review aims to address these evolving challenges while ensuring that any new fire safety requirements are cost-effective, meet public expectations for safety standards, and are fully supported by the construction industry.
In addition to the Building Code review, a Bill currently before the select committee introduces several new measures aimed at improving fire safety. The Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Bill includes provisions to increase accountability among building professionals and owners, such as:
A new offence and penalties for independently qualified persons who negligently certify that a building owner or agent has met all inspection, maintenance, and reporting requirements in the compliance schedule.
Clarification that an independent qualified person must only certify a specified system if it meets the requirements of the building's compliance schedule.
Amendments to regulations to increase fines for building owners who fail to supply or display a valid Building Warrant of Fitness.
These legislative changes are part of a broader Government initiative to improve the safety of New Zealand’s built environment. “With several initiatives underway, we are moving quickly to ensure that Kiwis and their properties are better protected from fires,” Penk said. “Our commitment is to improve fire safety standards across the board so that New Zealanders can live, work, and play in safe, high-quality buildings.”
As the review progresses and the Bill makes its way through the legislative process, the Government is expected to implement further measures designed to strengthen fire safety, ensuring that buildings across New Zealand are equipped to prevent and mitigate fire risks effectively.