Govt unveils new builder's licence scheme

The Government today unveiled a licence card for builders that it will issue from November this year.

Building Issues Minister Clayton Cosgrove said the card, which builders would have to meet a set of criteria to receive, would enable them to market themselves as "licensed builders".

The scheme would be initially voluntary so it could be fine tuned before becoming mandatory in "a few years' time".

Mr Cosgrove said the scheme would ensure consumers knew builders had the skills to successfully do a job.

He predicted those builders who became licensed themselves voluntarily would enjoy a substantial marketing advantage over other tradesmen.

Designers, site leads and carpenters would be able to become licensed from November.

The scheme is part of a suite of reforms the Government has been undertaking in the building sector.

- NZPA