Review of Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy

Have Your Say

Waitomo District Council is reviewing its Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy, and we want to hear from you.

This policy guides how Council identifies and manages buildings that may pose a risk to people or property. Your feedback will help ensure the policy is clear, practical, and works well for our community.

Whether you’re a building owner, neighbour, property professional, or interested resident - we encourage you to share your views.

In Brief

Council is required under the Building Act 2004 to adopt and regularly review a policy on dangerous, affected and insanitary buildings.

Following a 2025 audit of Council’s building control functions, updates are proposed to improve clarity, better reflect legislative requirements, and clearly outline Council’s proactive approach.

 

What We’re Proposing to Change

The proposed updates aim to improve clarity, compliance, and usability. Key changes include:

  • Updating the Policy title to include the word “affected” to align with the Building Act.
  • Adding clearer detail about Council’s role and responsibilities.
  • Confirming Council takes a proactive approach and expanding on what this means.
  • Clarifying how buildings are assessed, including timeframes and priority considerations.
  • Providing more detail on actions Council may take to address dangerous or insanitary buildings.
  • Clarifying that Council will work with building owners and outlining who is responsible for associated costs.
  • Making minor editorial changes to improve readability and accuracy.

 

What’s Not Changing

  • Council’s commitment to protecting public safety.
  • Legal definitions and obligations under the Building Act.
  • Property owners’ rights to engage with Council throughout the process.

 

No decisions have been made yet. Feedback will directly inform the final policy.

 

Documents

Read the Statement of Proposal (with tracked changes) and the Draft Policy by clicking on the buttons below. Then Have Your Say!

 

 

Key Dates

WHEN

WHAT

26 February 2026

Submissions open

31 March 2026

Submissions close

14 April 2026

Hearings (should people wish to speak to their submissions) and Deliberations (Council discusses feedback from the community and changes are agreed to if appropriate)

28 April 2026

Council adopts the final Policy 

FAQs

Why is this policy being reviewed?

The Building Act requires Council to have and review this policy. The 2025 audit identified areas where clarity and alignment with legislation could be improved.

What is an “affected building”?

An affected building is one that may be at risk because of its proximity to a dangerous building, as defined in the Building Act.

Does this policy apply to all buildings?

No. It only applies where buildings meet the legal definitions of dangerous, affected, or insanitary.

Can I speak to my submission?

Yes. If you indicate this when making your submission, you can present at the hearing on 14 April 2026.

Make a Submission

We welcome feedback from building owners, neighbours, the property sector, and anyone who may be impacted by dangerous, affected, or insanitary building processes

Tell us:

  • What works well
  • What could be improved
  • Any concerns or suggestions

Submissions are open from 26 February until 31 March 2026.

You can provide feedback by:

  • Completing the online submission form
  • Sending a written submission

If you wish to speak to your submission, you can present at the hearing on 14 April 2026. Council will consider all feedback before adopting the final Policy on 28 April 2026.