As a member of ACT, I’m encouraged to see the construction minister’s recent announcement about legislation aimed at cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that’s been holding back the adoption of internationally approved building materials in New Zealand. This move is a solid step forward in addressing the challenges facing our construction sector.

Both internationally and locally, there’s a constant push for innovation to develop more efficient and cost-effective building materials. However, our local regulations have prevented builders from using these advancements, leading to limited competition and inflated building costs. This has made it increasingly tough for younger generations like mine to get into the property market.
The surge in prices for basic construction materials, like the recent plasterboard crisis, highlights the need for reform. The previous Government’s response, with its ‘plasterboard taskforce’, was underwhelming. It did little to solve the problem that many Kiwis face.

The real issue lies in the ban on popular plasterboard alternatives used overseas. ACT’s been advocating for greater access to foreign-approved substitutes, not just for plasterboard, but for all building materials.
New Zealand doesn’t need unique rules and standards for everything. Instead, we should use the evaluations done by regulators in other countries to speed up the approval process here. It’s kind of like our ‘rule of two’ policy, making it easier to get overseas-certified medicines approved for use in New Zealand.

By embracing internationally recognised standards, New Zealand can not only cut down on excessive regulation but also boost competition and innovation in the construction sector.

Plus, it can help tackle the housing affordability issue by bringing down building costs.
The move towards liberalising the use of building materials lines up with ACT’s broader vision of promoting economic efficiency and reducing government intervention.
It shows a shift towards a more practical and globally connected approach to policymaking.

However, while the proposed legislation is a step in the right direction, how it’s put into action and enforced will be crucial.

We need to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring safety standards. Plus, there might be pushback from entrenched interests in the local construction industry who see liberalization as a threat to their dominance.

ACT’s campaign to deregulate the use of internationally approved building materials is a big move towards addressing the challenges facing the New Zealand construction sector.
By embracing global best practices and fostering a more competitive environment, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and affordable housing market.

Rahul Chopra is ACT’s Mt Roskill Candidate

and works closely with Party Leader, David Seymour