Hawkins now backs leaky building inquiry

3.00pm

Internal Affairs Minister George Hawkins has asked for a parliamentary inquiry into the leaky building crisis despite yesterday describing calls for a public investigation "premature".

Chairwoman Dianne Yates today confirmed the administration select committe had agreed to look into issues arising from Tuesday's Building Industry Authority's (BIA) report after receiving a letter from Mr Hawkins.

The confirmation comes one say after Mr Hawkins told Parliament a full public inquiry into questionable building practices was "premature at the moment".

He said he had asked the BIA to convene a meeting to discuss the problem and possible solutions.

Mr Hawkins blamed builders, building certifiers, building inspectors and the National Party for the problem.

The BIA report, written by an independent team of experts, found clear evidence of a significant and growing leaking home problem in New Zealand.

The report warned the problem could lead to a $240 million national repair bill.

There was potential for "a major systemic breakdown across the industry" if action was not taken soon, the report said.

It urged the Government to convene an industry summit and consider holding a full public inquiry to dispel fears the problem was being swept under the carpet.

The terms of reference for the select committee inquiry include:

* The level of detail to be provided with building consent applications with respect to weathertightness.

* The inspection regime as part of the code compliance certification process.

* The split responsibility of building certifiers and territorial authorities with respect to building consents, inspection and code compliance certification.

* The decline in the level of skills in the building sector, its causes and possible solutions.

Mr Hawkins also asked the committee to examine other matters arising from its inquiry it considers appropriate.

- NZPA

* If you have information about leaking buildings,
email the Herald or fax (09) 373-6421.

Further reading
Feature: Leaky buildings

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