If you’re planning a new building or alterations project in Kawerau, you may need a building consent from the Kawerau District Council. It’s a good idea to read the Building Consent Information brochure (January 2024) in this section or to call us early on, in case you also need to apply for other consents or permits.
A full list of relevant Building fees and charges is available. It is important to note that each building project may be different, and fees and charges may vary. Total consent costs will not be known until the consent has been processed through to approval. Please refer to the "Building" section of the Kawerau Fees and Charges document for the current charges.
Note: if you are applying for a building consent, consult the Kawerau Operative District Plan.
If you have any questions, contact the Council Office on 07 306 9009
Building Code Standards
The New Zealand Building Code sets out standards for building construction, including structural integrity, weather tightness, durability, drainage and water supply. When considering building consent applications, the Council ensures that both the proposed and the completed building work meets the provisions of the Building Code.
Building Consent and the District Plan
A building consent allows you to carry out building activities in accordance with the consent and any associated plans and specifications. It doesn’t give any form of planning approval under the District Plan.
It is your responsibility to find out whether your building proposal complies with the District Plan; contact the Council or your own planning advisor.
You may need resource consent(s) in addition to your building consent. You are strongly advised to get the necessary resource consent before seeking a building consent, to avoid expensive changes to your proposal.
Benefits of getting a Building Consent
Getting building consent ensures your building complies with the quality and safety standards of the Building Code, but it also protects you in other ways.
Selling
When you sell your house, the prospective buyer will probably request a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) on your property. The LIM shows all permits and building consents issued for your property. The prospective purchaser may ask that you bring unpermitted works up to Building Code standard before completing the sale.
Insurance
There may be insurance implications where damage results from unpermitted building, plumbing or drainage works.
Building Exemptions - From 31 August 2020
The Government has announced there are new exemptions for some building types. These changes came into effect on 31 August 2020.
Council recommends anyone wishing to undertake exempt buliding work, should check the guidance document from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (link below) prior to commencing or engaging tradespeople to undertake the work.
Council advises:
- That any exempt work must meet the requirements of the District Plan. Please click here to view District Plan.
- With any exempt work people may also wish to check in with their insurer.
- There may be requirements for some of the exempt work to be completed by a suitably qualified person (i.e., licensed plumber, drain-layer, licenced building practitioner or engineer etc.).
- All exempt building work must meet the Building Code as well as other relevant legislation.
If you are considering carrying out exempt building work – please feel free to phone the Council’s building team on 07 306 9009 to discuss this.
For more information about what building work will be exempt please visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website or http://www.buildit.govt.nz/
