20 years ago:
• New residential building consent figures were the highest in eight years. The Auckland area led the way in new home buildng after taking longer than the rest of the country to get over the down times of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Economists expected building growth rates to remain strong during the next two years.
15 years ago:
• The axe was about to fall on apprenticeship or training contracts administered by the BCITO for which either the apprentice or employer — or both — had not paid administration fees due at the beginning of the year.
BCITO chief executive Trevor Allsebrook said government funding for apprentice training had been capped, and that those who had not paid their fees — for which invoices had been sent out in November 1998 —would have their apprenticeship or training contract terminated within a month.
10 years ago:
• The RMBF launched a new product to help members, their employees and contractors prepare for builder licensing. BuildersCV was an online product designed to help builders create a history of their qualifications, experience and references, and be able to maintain that record.
It provided and online template to record relevant information needed when applying for a licence. RMBF chief executive Chris Preston said it was a simple, standard, secure and easy-to-use document which was free of charge to all members.
5 years ago:
• Legislation to speed up the building consent process and reduce costs for builders was passed by Parliament.
The Building Amendment Act 2009, which came into force on August 1, was a practical first step in the Government’s plan to cut red tape.
Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson said the Act signalled a move to more efficient and practical approaches to building, and could lead to better value for money for consumers.
“The downturn of the economy is continuing, and building firms need as much help as they can get. This Act will help boost efficiency and greater productivity at a time when it is most needed,” Mr Williamson said.
“And if builders pass on the cost savings, then consumers will benefit too,” he said.
Changes introduced included new national multiple-use approvals, a streamlined approach for making changes to building consents, and removal of the mandatory requirement to apply for a project information memorandum.
