[Mike McGavin]

Hi everyone.

This seems relevant. The Department of Building and Housing has just begun to seek comments on proposals to change the NZ building code to simplify consenting for DOC’s backcountry huts. They want comments by Monday 23rd June 2008.

The consultation document is available from http://www.dbh.govt.nz/backcountry-huts . If you scroll to the end of that page, the document is available in both a Word format and a PDF format.

Enjoy.
Mike.

Here’s the intro text which I copied and pasted from that link:

CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE BUILDING CODE FOR BACKCOUNTRY HUTS

20 May 2008: The Department seeks your comments on proposals to change the New Zealand Building Code to simplify consenting for Department of Conservation (DoC) backcountry huts.

DoC manages almost 1,000 backcountry huts throughout the conservation estate. They have been used by generations of domestic and foreign visitors alike, and are a major part of New Zealand?s cultural identity. Many backcountry huts will be due for replacement in the next few years.

Backcountry huts provide essential shelter and are used by fully independent, physically fit visitors. To ensure that consenting requirements for backcountry huts reflect their special character, they would be exempt from certain requirements that apply to other buildings, but that are not consistent with the huts? intended use and the profile of their visitors.

Under the proposals, backcountry huts would not need to have smoke alarms, potable water supply, artificial lighting, and ramps and accessible toilets for wheelchair users.

The closing date for comments is Monday, 23 June 2008.

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