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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2025/013: 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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2025/009: 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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2025/005: An authority’s refusal to grant a building consent in relation to the conversion of one level of an existing multistorey building

This determination considers an authority’s refusal to issue a building consent for conversion of one level of a multi‐storey building from commercial to residential use.

It considers the reasons for the refusal under section 50 of the Building Act 2004, and provides comments on section 115 decision‐making.

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2024/071: The authority’s decision to issue a compliance schedule for a telecommunications exchange structure

This determination considers the authority’s decision to issue a compliance schedule for a telecommunications exchange structure.

The determination discusses whether the structure is part of, or related to, a network utility operator system and therefore not considered a ‘building’ for the purposes of the Act.

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2024/046: The issuing of two notices to fix for a newly constructed indoor playground

This determination considers decisions by an authority to issue two notices to fix regarding a newly constructed indoor playground comprising four separate structures. The determination considers the form and content of the notices, and whether there were grounds to issue the notices, including whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain a consent, and whether the playground complies with Building Code Clause B1 Structure.

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2024/039: An authority's decision to issue a notice to fix.

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix alleging the owners had contravened several provisions of the Act. The determination discusses the details in the notice and whether the owners were fully and fairly informed of the basis for the notice being issued.

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2024/034: How the provisions of the Building Act apply to the structural performance of an existing building where additional floors are being added

This determination considers the purported refusal of a building consent for alterations to a commercial building. The determination considers how the provisions of the Act apply to the assessment of the proposed additional floors for the purpose of clause B1 Structure of the Building Code. The determination explores the difference in the tests set out in section 17 and s112 of the Act.

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2024/030: The authority’s decisions to issue two notices to fix for a retaining wall constructed by a previous owner of the neighbouring property

This determination considers the authority’s decisions to issue two notices to fix for a retaining wall constructed by a previous owner of the neighbouring property. The determination considers whether there were grounds to issue the notices to fix to the applicant, and the form and content of the notices.

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2024/029: An authority's decisions to issue a series of notices to fix

This determination considers an authority’s decisions to issue three successive notices to fix alleging the same contravention. The determination discusses the details required in a notice to fix, and the obligations of authorities in issuing notices to fix.

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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: