14 Sep 2022
Standards New Zealand are in the process of redeveloping some of the more common standards used in building and construction in New Zealand. We’ll continue to distribute information as it becomes available, and you can view the latest updates and milestone for each update on the Standards New Zealand website.
NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed building – drafting stage
NZS 3604:2011 is undergoing a revision to incorporate sector learnings and policy changes. This standard is in drafting stage with public consultation planned for the end of 2022.
NZS 3604 is sponsored for free download by the building regulator BSP (Building System Performance), a branch within MBIE.
NZS 3404 – Steel structures standard – drafting stage
Undergoing its first full revision in 25 years, NZS 3404 Parts 1 and 2:1997 Steel Structures Standard has far-reaching applications for buildings, cranes, and road, rail and pedestrian bridges constructed of steel and a composite of steel and concrete.
The revision includes removing material that is duplicated in other standards and technical specifications and simplifying and clarifying the standard to make it easier for more people to use. Considerations will include durability, retrofitting, repairability and inspection, as well as reviewing sections on fire and seismic requirements, and potentially adding content regarding sustainability and safety in design.
Public consultation is expected to begin in October 2023 with subsequent publication planned for April 2024. NZS 3404 is sponsored for free download by BSP.
NZS AS 1720.1 Timer structures – Part 1: Design methods – publishing soon
NZS AS 1720.1 sets out general requirements for the verification of timber structures and a wide range of engineered wood products including laminated veneer lumber (LVL). The revision allows designers and engineers ways of designing timber structures that are outside of the scope of NZS 3604:2011.
NZS AS 1720.1 is due for publishing in October and will be available from Standards New Zealand's website shop.
NZS 4211:2008 Specification for performance windows – publishing soon
NZS 4211 specifies requirements for the performance of windows to be installed in exterior walls, within wind pressure limitations. The properties covered are strength, stiffness, operating facility, air infiltration, and water penetration.
NZS 4211 is undergoing final stages of its revision and is due for publication mid-September, with access sponsored by BSP.
NZS 3910:2013 Condition of contract for building and civil engineering construction – drafting stage
NZS 3910:2013 is used as the foundation for many New Zealand contracts in the construction sector. It is a standard form that contains general conditions of contract for incorporation into building and civil engineering construction contract documents, suited to New Zealand’s industry and legislative environment. You can find the latest chair’s report and further information on this standard revision project on its own dedicated page.
Joint Australian and New Zealand standards
We support representation on joint standards used across Australia and New Zealand. The following are current sector-relevant standards undergoing revision:
- AS/NZS 2327 - Composite structures - Composite steel-concrete construction in buildings – this is at project approval phase with drafting to commence shortly.
- AS/NZS 4063.2 - Characterisation of structural timber, Part 2: Determination of characteristic values – this project is being set up and is in its early phase.
- AS/NZS 1328.1 - Glued laminated structural timber, Part 1: Performance requirements and minimum production requirements – this standard is underway at drafting phase. Keep an eye out for upcoming public consultation.
To stay up to date on sector related standards and specific standards, subscribe to Standards New Zealand’s Touchstone and Building and Construction newsletter. The ‘keep me up to date’ subscription service means you can keep across changes on specific standards too.
