FTMA  has spent considerable time and cost in dealing with MBIE and their draft Guidance document on Manufactured Building Solutions, which issue has not been formally resolved. During the first half of 2017 MBIE advised that they were directing more attention to other matters such as national
disasters like earthquakes, to the extent that their Guidance document would not proceed further. In their words, “if the Frame & Truss sector keeps doing what it has been  doing then they’ll be OK”. Accordingly, we believe we have successfully argued our case and the total review of our Code-of-Practice document will, in our view, cover anything and everything that may confront us from future MBIE deliberations.

FTMA continues to regularly review the definitions of Restricted Building Work (RBW) definitions to clarify the status of pre-nailed timber wall frames and manufactured roof trusses.

The FTMA Code of Practice has been reviewed and updated to ensure it aligns with all legislatory industry regulations and standards.   

Building Standard Review

The major review of NZ Standard 3604 during 2010/ 2011 has provided greater clarity for frame and truss manufacturers around responsibility and reliability. But it has also added new layers of administrative work

This Building standard is key and is considered to be the "bible" on methods and details for the design and construction of timber-framed structures up to three storeys, not requiring specific engineering design.

There have been quite a few changes made to this standard as a result of the review which has impacted on what manufacturers do and how they do it.

One of the most significant changes has been the passing of some responsibility from the frame and truss manufacturer to the Licensed Building Practitioner, with the new legislative regime requiring the designer or architect, on behalf of the builder, to carry out design work. 

Other changes included new timber grading requirements, which specifically states which timber grade can be used and where; plus some quite technical changes to step up the engineering performance of timber framed buildings, including guidelines for nailing patterns.

Upcoming reviews of other NZ Standards include NZS3602 and NZS3640. FTMA has appointed a representative on the Standards Development Committees that will be reviewing both NZS 3602 and NZS 3640 during the next review period, which appointment has been formally accepted by MBIE.