New Zealand building code to undergo fire safety updates

Public feedback prompts review of New Zealand building code fire safety rules

New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has reported that the government will amend building code fire safety provisions following public consultation in late 2024.

The ministry stated that the review was initiated after the Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington in May 2023, which caused five fatalities and prompted renewed attention on building safety.

The consultation ran from 23 October to 24 December 2024 and received 112 submissions, the highest number for a fire safety consultation in the past decade.

Submissions were made by architects, engineers, building consent authorities, product suppliers, building owners and occupants, disabled persons’ organisations and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

MBIE said the review sought feedback on the clarity, effectiveness and modern relevance of the fire safety rules in the building code, without proposing specific changes at the time.

Concerns over complexity and clarity in current fire safety rules

According to MBIE, many submitters said the current framework is overly complex, with confusing building classifications and unclear language.

The ministry stated that these factors were causing inconsistent compliance decisions, delays in consenting processes and difficulties for owners in maintaining buildings.

Feedback indicated that building code requirements need to be clear on protection levels according to building types and users.

Respondents also said the rules must address specific fire hazards to ensure they are fit for purpose and cost-effective.

MBIE noted that several submissions highlighted the need to minimise gaps and inconsistencies to provide greater certainty and consistency in the system.

Changing building use and modern construction methods

MBIE reported that many submissions emphasised the need for fire safety rules to reflect changes in urban design, building use and construction practices since the last major update in 2012.

The ministry stated that evolving building technology, materials and construction methods have introduced new complexities to both fire safety and firefighting operations.

Respondents agreed that fire safety provisions must keep pace with these developments to remain effective.

There was also support for aligning building code requirements with the operational realities of modern-day firefighting.

MBIE said this would ensure the rules continue to protect building occupants and firefighters during emergency situations.

Accessibility and evacuation requirements

According to MBIE, a recurring theme in the submissions was the need to ensure safe evacuation for all building occupants, including people with disabilities.

The ministry stated that particular attention was given to larger residential accommodation such as hotels, motels and boarding houses.

Respondents agreed that evacuation requirements should consider diverse occupant needs and building uses.

Feedback also indicated support for targeted fire hazard management in these settings.

Government response and next steps

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said: “The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has today released the summary of submissions from last year’s consultation on fire safety regulations in the Building Code.

“The review was launched following the devastating fire at Loafers Lodge in Wellington, which sadly claimed the lives of five people in May 2023.

“The recent tragedy here and similar incidents overseas have made it clear we need to look closely at how safe our buildings are, especially larger residential accommodation.

“More than 100 organisations, businesses, and individuals across New Zealand shared their insights during the consultation. I want to thank everyone who took the time to make a submission.

“Since the last update of the Building Code fire safety regulations in 2012, building uses, technology, materials and construction methods have evolved rapidly – adding new complexities to fire safety in our buildings and to firefighting.

“Many submitters agreed that the current framework is overly complex, with confusing building classifications and unclear language.

“These issues are causing inconsistent compliance decisions, consenting delays and challenges for owners trying to maintain buildings.

“Respondents agreed that it is essential for all building occupants to be able to evacuate safely, including people with disabilities and those in accommodation like hotels, motels and boarding houses.

“Others agreed the rules should target specific fire hazards to ensure requirements are fit-for-purpose and cost-effective.

“There was also support for ensuring fire safety provisions in the Building Code align with the realities of modern-day firefighting to protect firefighters while doing their jobs. Submitters agreed that New Zealand’s rules need to keep pace with new technologies and construction methods.

“We have a clear mandate to strengthen protections for New Zealanders by updating our fire safety requirements for buildings.

“I have instructed the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to incorporate this feedback into proposed Building Code changes for Cabinet to consider early next year.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The proposed amendments to New Zealand’s building code fire safety provisions will impact how building designs, construction methods and safety systems are assessed for compliance.

Fire engineers, building consent authorities and safety consultants will need to account for any updated requirements in their work once the changes are enacted.

The emphasis on accessibility, hazard targeting and alignment with modern firefighting will require sector professionals to adapt designs and strategies to meet revised standards.

Ongoing awareness of regulatory developments will be essential to ensure compliance and operational readiness in both new projects and existing buildings.

New Zealand to amend building code fire safety rules: Summary

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released a summary of submissions from its 2024 public consultation on fire safety provisions in the building code.

The consultation followed the Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington in May 2023.

The consultation received 112 submissions between 23 October and 24 December 2024.

Participants included industry professionals, building owners, occupants, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Many submissions said the current framework is complex and unclear.

Concerns were raised about inconsistent compliance decisions and delays.

Respondents called for clear requirements based on building types and users.

Submissions supported aligning rules with modern construction and firefighting practices.

Accessibility and safe evacuation for all occupants were identified as priorities.

The government will propose building code changes for Cabinet consideration in early 2026.