The government has announced over 120 standards used for building code compliance are now available to be accessed and downloaded for free.

According to Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa, these building standards help demonstrate compliance with the New Zealand Building Code by ensuring buildings and homes are safe and well-constructed.

“They will help building professionals and homeowners with methods for designing and constructing timber framing in buildings and selecting appropriately treated timber used in building work,” Salesa noted. “They will also help engineers with earthquake loads on buildings.”

The minister said the move will make building compliance easier for all New Zealanders.

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“There is a cost to providing access to standards,” Salesa said. “The government wants to help people ‘do the right thing’ and comply more easily with the Building Code.

“I am delighted we have come up with a solution that acknowledges this cost of access, and removes this barrier for users,” she added.

In December 2017, the government piloted five building standards and a handbook. There were more than 15,000 downloads made in the last 18 months. The available standards can be accessed through the Standards New Zealand website and the Building Performance website.