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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2024/030: 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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2024/028: Regarding the issue of a dangerous and affected building notice for a dwelling

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a dangerous and affected building notice for a dwelling. The determination considers whether the identified 'defects' meant the dwelling was a dangerous or affected building at the time the notice was issued. This decision takes into account all the information that is now available.

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2024/027: Compliance of head flashing stop ends extending past the cladding line as an alternative solution to E2

This determination is subject to appeal​.

The determination will consider whether the constructed head flashings to weatherboard claddings where the stop ends extend past the cladding line comply with E2.3.2 to prevent the penetration of water that could cause undue dampness and damage by way of an alternative solution. 

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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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2024/025: An authority’s decision to grant building consents under section 72

This determination considers an authority’s decision to grant building consents under section 72 of the Building Act 2004.  The authority’s decision gives rise to a natural hazard notice being entered on the record of title for the property where the building work will take place.

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2024/024: Authority’s refusal to modify a building consent for two relocatable detached dwellings to allow for separate code compliance certificates

This determination considers an authority's decision to refuse to modify a building consent for two relocatable dwellings built in a factory by administratively splitting it to allow for individual code compliance certificates to be issued.

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2024/023: Regarding the refusal to grant a building consent for alterations to an existing dwelling

This determination considers the authority’s refusal to grant a building consent for alterations to an existing dwelling. The authority considered that the building consent could not be granted for a range of reasons, including a lack of documentation, construction details, and conflicting information in the plans. This determination considers the reasons for refusal set out by the authority in its letter.

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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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2024/021: Regarding the issuing of a notice to fix for a partially completed new single storey residential building

This determination considers the decision by an authority to issue a notice to fix for a partially completed new single storey residential building. The determination considers whether the areas of work identified on the notice comply with the building consent and whether the foundations comply with Building Code clause B1.3.1.

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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: