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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2019/055: Regarding the authority’s decision to issue a building consent with a section 37 certificate attached, for a proposed building

This determination considers the decision by the authority to issue a building consent with a section 37 certificate attached.  The determination discusses what the section 37 test ‘will or may materially affect building work’ means.

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2019/043: Regarding the issue of a notice to fix for two relocated units on a rural property

This determination considers whether a building consent authority correctly issued a notice to fix in relation to two relocated units. The units, which are on wheels, were built in another district and then transported to the applicant’s property. The determination looks at whether building work requiring a building consent was carried out at the property. 

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2019/036: Regarding a notice to fix and whether a structure on trailers is a vehicle or a building

Note: ​The decision in this determination was confirmed on appeal to the District Court. See Marlborough District Council v Bilsborough [2020] NZDC 9962.

Read the appeal judgment.

This determination concerns a notice to fix issued for two relocated units built on trailers that were relocated onto site and joined via a walkway constructed onsite.  The determination considers whether the structure is a building for the purposes of the Act and whether the units separately are vehicles and not buildings.  It also considers the particulars of contravention identified in the notice to fix and the persons to whom the notice was issued.

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2019/035: Regarding the refusal to issue an exemption under Schedule 1(2) of the Act for a proposed horse shelter

This determination considers whether a proposed horse shelter was exempt from the need for a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Act and also whether the authority was correct to refuse to issue an exemption under Schedule 1(2).  The determination discusses what an authority can consider when considering whether to grant a discretionary exemption under Schedule 1(2).

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2019/030: Regarding the refusal to issue a building consent for invasive investigation of structural steel in an apartment complex

This determination considers the refusal to issue a building consent for investigation and subsequent reinstatement of concrete panels containing potentially corroded structural steel elements. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusing to issue the building consent.

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2019/017: Regarding a notice to fix and whether a structure on a trailer is a vehicle or a building

Note: The decisions in this determination were reversed on appeal to the District Court. See: Alan Dall v MBIE (District Court, Christchurch, 19 February 2020, CIV-2019-085-000404).

Read the appeal judgment.

This determination considers whether a unit on a trailer is a building for the purposes of the Building Act, and whether the authority was correct to issue a notice to fix in relation to this. The determination discusses the definitions of building and vehicle under section 8 of the Building Act. 

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2019/015: Regarding the refusal to extend the specified intended life of a house

This determination concerns the authority’s refusal to extend the specified intended life of a straw-bale house.  It considers whether the authority had the power to consent to the extension when written notice from the owner proposing to extend the life of the building was not received until after the previous specified life had expired.  The determination discusses the conditions on the consent and the reasons for the specified intended life, the form in which the authority may choose to give consent to extend that life, and the evidence available on the building’s performance.

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2018/043: Refusal to accept a building consent application for a new building

This determination considers the authority’s refusal to accept a building consent application. The determination considers whether sufficient information was provided to the authority as required by section 45 of the Building Act.

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2018/040: Refusal to issue a building consent in respect of custom window joinery

This determination considers whether the authority correctly exercised its powers in refusing to issue a building consent for a new house with a fixed glazing system.

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2018/033: Decision to issue notices to fix for the demolition of a building

This determination considers the authority’s decision to issue notices to fix for demolition work carried out without building consent.  The determination turns on whether the building is 'detached' and accordingly whether demolition of the building is exempt building work under Schedule 1.

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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: