Regulatory changes for the construction industry are reshaping the operating environment. We’re here to help business owners and landscapers stay up to speed when undertaking consented work Recent months have seen developments in building regulation and related systems that have implications across the sector. This overview brings together four key updates. GRANNY FLAT EXEMPTIONS From 15 January 2026, new rules allow certain small, standalone dwellings – commonly referred to

Recently announced legislative updates will make it easier to build granny flats – but what will that mean for landscapers? This article provides some answers The Government has passed the Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Amendment Bill, enabling simple detached dwellings of up to 70m² to be constructed without a building consent from early 2026. At the same time, a proposed National Environmental Standard (NES) is intended to remove the need for resourc

The Government has announced the biggest overhaul of New Zealand’s building consent system in two decades, with a liability shift likely to affect landscaping projects that require consents Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has said he will shift liability in the construction industry from joint and several liability to a proportionate model. Currently, councils can be forced to shoulder the majority of costs when building failures occur, even if they were only pa

Tauranga horticulture professional Zoë Taylor was a finalist in the 2025 Wāhine Toa Award – a prestigious category at the National...

This is a column by landscapers, for landscapers. In it, you’ll find knowledge, views and insights from professionals just like you, who...

Primary ITO has confirmed it will continue supporting New Zealand’s landscaping workforce through a major overhaul of the vocational...

Landscapers could find business improving over the next 12 months, with data released by Stats NZ and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand...

Landscaping is more than just curb appeal – it’s a powerful tool in achieving a more sustainable environment One area in which...

Apprenticeships are key to career pathways in landscaping, says Primary ITO Sector Manager Mark Orr, who has seen at first-hand the...

The Government has announced a range of changes to employment law, which could come into effect later in 2025. One change highly relevant...

This is a column by landscapers, for landscapers. In it, you’ll find knowledge, views and insights from professionals just like you, who...

An example of compliant retaining walls, constructed by Onlandscapes In October 2024, a complaint was filed against David Driver, a Brick...

A landscaping firm has been fined after it let a “black odorous substance” flow into the waterway near its Eves Valley site Azwood Ltd...

Keeping gardens and outdoor living spaces cool and comfortable over summer is a key consideration for many homeowners – and will likely...

The Government has announced changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which will be rolled out throughout 2025. Immigration...

Trees symbolise strength, life and continuity. They are perfect memorials for those we hold dear or events we wish to remember. As a...

The Government has announced it is considering major consent reform, such as a move to make it easier for building practitioners to...

Following a ruling by the Disputes Tribunal, a landscaper, VH Ltd, has been left $13,801.15 out of pocket after falling victim to a...

David Sole is the latest person to be handed a RML Legacy Award. From building a business to helping run industry organisations, David...

The Government is progressing with a requirement for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to use remote inspections as a default approach...