Previous determinations

Determinations are made by MBIE on matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work. Rulings are legally binding, but only in relation to each case.

Previous determinations may provide some useful guidance for those faced with similar problems, but note that individual circumstances may vary.

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2025/018: The authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for several container and canopy structures that were constructed without building consent

This determination considers the authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for several container and canopy structures that were constructed without building consent.

The determination considers whether the building work was exempt from requiring a building consent under clause 4 of Schedule 1, which applies to unoccupied detached buildings. The determination also considers the form and content of the notice.

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2025/017: An authority’s decision to grant a building consent under section 72

This determination considers an authority’s decision to grant a building consent under section 72 of the Building Act 2004.

The authority’s decision gave rise to a natural hazard notice being entered on the record of title for the property where the building work was to take place.

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2025/016: The issue of a code compliance certificate for a dwelling in respect of compliance with clause G3 and clause E2

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a code compliance certificate for construction of a dwelling.

The determination considers the entry of vermin to external elements of the construction, and whether particular elements comply with Building Code clause G3 Food Preparation and prevention of contamination and E2 External moisture.

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2025/015: Refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for a 27-year old house due to concerns around compliance with BC clauses B2 and E2

The authority has refused to issue a code compliance certificate for building work carried out pursuant to building consent because it is not satisfied that the cladding system that formed part of the building work complied with clauses B2 and E2 of the Building Code at the time it was constructed.

The authority’s formal refusal letter, when read together with an accompanying email referring to the reasons for refusal, had provided sufficient reasons for refusing to issue the code compliance certificate. 

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2025/014: An authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for a detached toilet building

This determination considers a notice to fix alleging the owner has carried out building work without building consent in contravention of section 40 of the Building Act.

The determination considers the exemption contained in clause 7 of Schedule 1 of the Act, the evidential threshold required for a notice to fix to be issued, and the remedies in the notice.

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2025/013: The issue of a notice to fix for building work carried out without building consent

This determination is subject to appeal.

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for work it considered was building work carried out without a building consent when one was required.

The dispute centres on whether the work that was carried out is building work regulated under the Building Act and for which a notice to fix could be issued.

The determination also considers the form and content of the notice to fix.

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2025/012: The issue of a notice to fix for building work carried out without building consent

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for work it considered was building work carried out without a building consent when one was required.

The dispute centres on whether the work that was carried out is building work regulated under the Building Act and for which a notice to fix could be issued.

The determination also considers the form and content of the notice to fix.

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2025/011: An authority’s decision to grant a building consent under section 72 in relation to slippage on neighbouring land

This determination considers an authority's decision to grant a building consent under section 72 for a new building on land adjacent to a neighbouring property that is subject to the natural hazard of slippage.

The matter turns on whether the neighbouring land is intimately connected with the land on which the building work is being carried out. 

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2025/010: Refusal to issue a code compliance certificate

This determination considers an authority’s decision to refuse to issue a code compliance certificate for the construction of a two‐storey detached dwelling.

The determination considers the reasons for the refusal and whether they meet the requirements of section 95A of the Building Act 2004.

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2025/009: Granting of a building consent amendment with a section 75(2) condition

This determination considers an authority’s decision to grant an application for a building consent amendment subject to a condition imposed under section 75(2).

The matter concerns building work which crosses the boundary between two allotments held by the same owners under one fee simple record of title.

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This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: