NICK COWDY / Residential Sales Consultant, Principal Agent

The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) has initiated a significant review of fire safety regulations within New Zealand’s Building Code. Triggered by recent incidents, including the tragic Loafer’s Lodge fire, this review aims to improve fire safety for building occupants, firefighters, and properties nationwide.

As New Zealand’s building landscape evolves—with new materials, technologies, and construction methods—fire safety has become more complex. The last major update to fire safety regulations was in 2012, but new developments such as battery storage systems, solar panels, and high-density timber construction introduce unique fire risks. Additionally, denser urban developments with narrower streets pose challenges for emergency response. These factors underscore the need to update the Building Code to reflect contemporary construction practices and enhance safety for all New Zealanders.

Key Objectives of the Fire Safety Review

The MBIE’s review focuses on updating fire safety regulations to meet the principles of the Building Act, specifically to:

  • Enable safe building use without compromising health.
  • Ensure safe and efficient evacuation for all, including vulnerable groups.
  • Protect firefighters and rescue personnel from harm.
  • Contain fires to minimise property damage.

This review also responds to gaps in current regulations for vulnerable populations. Currently, the Building Code applies a broad approach that may not sufficiently address the needs of individuals requiring additional evacuation time, such as those with disabilities, elderly people, and young children. Updating these regulations is crucial to making buildings safer and more inclusive.

Fire

Over the past decade, incidents of fires spreading beyond the building of origin have increased by over 150%, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures. The review aims to strengthen building resilience, which benefits property owners by reducing property loss and potential liabilities.

The existing one-size-fits-all approach to fire safety standards can also lead to unnecessary compliance costs, particularly for lower-risk buildings. This review seeks a balanced solution by setting fire safety standards that are both effective and practical for various building types, ensuring that compliance does not impose undue burdens.

As part of the review, the government is also increasing accountability within the industry. New measures include stricter penalties for negligent certification, clearer certification responsibilities, and higher fines for non-compliance, such as failing to display a Building Warrant of Fitness. These steps aim to uphold safety and transparency across the sector.

Public consultation on the fire safety review is open until 5:00 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024. New Zealanders are encouraged to participate in this consultation to help shape the future of fire safety regulations. Feedback can be submitted through the MBIE website, where relevant documents are also available for review.