Minister’s foreword

One of my key focus areas for the Building and Construction portfolio is improving fire safety in buildings. To achieve this, I am reviewing the fire safety provisions in the Building Code regulations.  

On 16 May 2023, a fire broke out at Loafers Lodge in Newtown, Wellington resulting in the deaths of five people. Since the Loafers Lodge fire, there has been increased public interest in the level of fire safety in buildings. There have also been ongoing frustrations in the sector over unnecessary costs and delays in the construction of buildings.

The Building Code plays an important role in protecting people from fire. It is essential that fire safety provisions in the Building Code achieve safe, healthy and durable buildings. These provisions need to be proportionate and support timely and consistent decision-making.

The way we build is changing, and we are seeing the use of rapidly evolving technologies. These changes are adding new complexities to fire safety in our homes and buildings, and to firefighting.

The discussion document seeks feedback on the issues that have been identified during the review of fire safety provisions in the Building Code. It is important to get feedback from a wide range of submitters to make sure we have identified the right issues.

As the Minister responsible for Building and Construction, I am pleased to present this discussion document for public consultation.

Hon Chris Penk
Minister for Building and Construction

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