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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2024/056: An authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix in relation to building work at a residential property

Note: This determination is subject to appeal.

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix in relation to several items of building work.

The determination considers whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain a building consent.

The determination also considers the remedies in the notice to fix, and other points raised relating to the notice to fix provisions in the Building Act.

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2024/054: The building code compliance and a failure to issue a notice to fix in relation to two tiled showers

This determination looks at building work to install two tiled showers to an existing dwelling.

The matter being determined is whether there was a failure to issue a notice to fix in relation to this work.

The determination considers if there was a requirement to obtain building consent before carrying out the work and whether the completed work complies with the requirements of Building Code Clause E3 Internal Moisture.

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2024/049: An authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for a small detached building

Note: This determination is subject to appeal​.

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix in relation to a small, detached building. The notice to fix alleges the owners have carried out building work without a building consent and that some of the building work does not comply with Building Code Clause B1 Structure. The determination considers the authority’s grounds for issuing the notice to fix, and the form and content of the notice.

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2024/037: The authority’s decisions to issue two notices to fix.

This determination considers the authority’s decisions to issue two notices to fix to the owner. The notices were issued in relation to several structures at the owner’s property, as well as sanitary fixtures located in the garage and carport, and for a change of use of the garage. The determination considers whether there were grounds to issue the notices to fix, the form and content of the notices (including the remedies), and the application of section 167 of the Building Act 2004.

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2024/026: The authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix in relation to a retaining wall

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for the construction of a retaining wall. The determination considers whether there were grounds to issue the notice to fix (including whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain a consent), and the form and content of the notice to fix.

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2024/022: Regarding a notice to fix for alterations to a commercial building

This determination considers the authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for contravention of section 40 in respect of the installation of sanitary fixtures and a hot water cylinder in a commercial building. The determination discusses whether the works carried out are exempt from requiring a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act.

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2024/016: The issue of a notice to fix for building work associated with a two storey sleepout building with sanitary fixtures

This determination considers the issue of a notice to fix for building work associated with a two storey sleepout building with sanitary fixtures. The determination considers whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain a building consent under Schedule 1, and whether adequate particulars were set out in the notice to fix (in regards to both section 40 and section 17). It also discusses several issues relating to the notice to fix framework.

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2024/002: The issue of a notice to fix for building work on an existing building’s foundation

This determination relates to a notice to fix where the authority considered that building work had been undertaken without a building consent and not in accordance with the building code, breaching Sections 40 and 17 of the Building Act 2004. The determination considers whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain building consent, and discusses the remedies provided for in the notice.

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2023/029: An authority's refusal of an application for a discretionary exemption from the requirement to obtain a building consent

This determination considers an authority's decision to refuse an application for a discretionary exemption from the requirement to obtain building consent, under clause 2 of Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusal, and whether a discretionary exemption can be considered after the building work has been completed.

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2023/025: The authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for a container arch structure that was constructed without building consent.

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for a container arch structure that was constructed without building consent. The determination considers whether there was a contravention of section 40 of the Building Act 2004, which turns on whether the building work was exempt from the requirement for a building consent under clause 3A of Schedule 1. The determination also considers whether the owner is a specified person that has contravened the Building Act.

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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: