The Supreme Court has handed down a decision granting leave to the North Shore City Council to have its appeal of the Sunset and Byron cases heard in that Court.  If this appeal succeeds  it will change the landscape for those investor owners or subsequent owners seeking to recover their losses for leaky or defective buildings from any of the Councils throughout New Zealand.  Click here to read the HOBANZ Media Release.

On 17 May 2010 the Government announced a financial package to assist people to get their leaky homes repaired. Click here for details and HOBANZ Response.

The Department of Building and Housing is currently seeking input on proposals for regulations to support the Unit Titles Act 2010.The Act provides a legal framework for the ownership and management of unit title developments. If you live in a multi unit complex managed by a body corporate it is important that you take this opportunity to have your say in the way it will be governed when the new Act comes into force. Read the discussion document and make a submission here.

HOBANZ President John Gray and Executive Member Roger Levie are members of the Sector Reference Group providing input and feedback to the Department of Building and Housing on the proposed reforms. Roger is also part of the working group specifically dealing with the consumer protection aspects of the reform.  See more information on the Building Act Reform here.

Executives from HOBANZ recently attended a celebration of the wonderful work Habitat for Humanity has done throughout the past year both in their work to provide affordable homes to New Zealanders and to help the resident of Samoa rebuild their lives after the devastating tsunami.  In support of Habitat we encourage our members involved in repairs and renovations to donate the reusable items that come out of their homes to the Habitat for Humanity Restore Shops so they can have a second life in another home.  Over time we hope that HOBANZ will be in a position to provide greater support to Habitat as a Charitable Partner to our organisation.  For information on how you can get involved with Habitat for Humanity check out their website.

The founding members of HOBANZ met recently to pass a new set of rules which will help to ensure that the Association stays true to its purposes as the organisation grows.  The rules now properly reflect the principle purposes that are focused on benefiting the community as a whole in generally improving the standard of housing in New Zealand and to provide education and support to home owners and buyers. Associate Membership will also be available to all New Zealanders who want access to the wide range of relevant information HOBANZ will provide and who wish to enjoy the benefits of membership as they develop.  Read a copy of the HOBANZ Rules.

In mid 2009 Colleen Dicks home was demolished by Gabo Demolition. It had suffered from serious moisture ingress and the resulting damage had got to a point where the only viable option was to bowl the house and start again. Although Colleen was successful in her legal claim against various parties, after she paid all her lawyers and expert fees she did not have enough money to rebuild her home.

HOBANZ has now stepped in and is helping to facilitate the rebuild project. A large number of companies have come to the party and are donating their time and products to the project. We thank each and every one of them for their generous support!

The Close Up team from TVNZ filmed the demolishing of Colleens home and is eager to get the rebuild story up on screen. A new design has now been completed using a similar layout to her original home and incorporating the latest in energy efficiencies.

We’re currently sorting out contractual details for the rebuild with Colleen and the sponsors and then building work will commence. Colleen should be in her new home by Christmas.

Empower and inform New Zealand home owners and buyers by providing education in relation to all matters pertaining to the acquisition, sale, maintenance, repair, renovation or construction of a residential dwelling or ancillary buildings and or the subdivision or crosslease of residential land. Such education will accrue benefits to the wider community by raising consumer awareness and the standard and quality of the New Zealand housing stock in the long term.

Promote innovation, research and any other initiatives within the housing industry and Government sectors to ensure that all homes are healthy, safe, durable, energy efficient, environmentally sustainable and affordable for all New Zealanders.