Building on the Hibiscus Coast could soon get simpler and cheaper, thanks to sweeping changes announced by the Government this week.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk revealed a suite of reforms designed to reduce delays, lower construction costs, and support tradies in getting the job done.

Key changes include:

• Faster land acquisition: Landowners who agree to sell early for public projects—like roads or hospitals—could receive up to NZD$100,000 in incentive payments.

• Bigger granny flats without consent: The maximum size for granny flats that can be built without a resource consent is increasing from 60 to 70 square metres.

• Crackdown on cowboy builders: New waterproofing licences for bathroom work, stronger disciplinary powers, and a better complaints process aim to improve trust in the trade.

• Easier access to building materials: A new law will allow faster approval for high-quality overseas products. Up to 250,000 new building products are expected to enter the market this year.

The Government expects the changes will lead to around 13,000 more granny flats being built nationwide over the next decade—offering more affordable, flexible housing options for families.

These updates are part of a broader plan to simplify the building consent system and help ease housing pressures nationwide.