Last year it was “60m² without consent” — never happened.
Now it’s “you’ll be able to build 70m² without consent” — but still not happening.
Let’s be clear: right now, if your granny flat has a kitchen or bathroom (like most do), you still need a building consent. And once you apply for that, council might decide that you need a resource consent. Nothing’s changed.
The Government says a new National Environmental Standard and Building Act amendment might be ready by the end of the year.
So maybe — maybe — you can build without consent by early 2026.
Until then, it’s just political headlines. I don’t care if it’s 60, 70, or 80m² — I just want to know when the rules will actually change so I can build. Not talk about building.
Same goes for making consents easier to get. It’s only become harder to get consents thanks to lack of water and sewer infrastructure.
I support the government in their goals, but we need to see action.

Read the full article from 1News here