Most bricklaying and masonry work in New Zealand requires a building consent before a single brick is laid. Whether you're building a new brick home, adding a brick retaining wall, or re-cladding with masonry veneer, understanding the consent process upfront will save you time, money, and potential legal headaches down the track.
Why Building Consent Matters for Brickwork
The NZ Building Code, administered by MBIE Building Performance, sets minimum standards for all building work in New Zealand. Brick and masonry construction must comply with these standards because it directly affects the structural integrity, weathertightness, and durability of a building. Work done without the required consent can result in fines, orders to demolish, and serious difficulties when you come to sell your property.
Building consents are issued by your local council (territorial authority). The council will check that your plans comply with the Building Code before work starts, and will inspect the work at key stages — including foundation preparation, brick ties, and flashings — before issuing a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) at the end.
Work That Generally Requires Consent
The following bricklaying and masonry projects almost always require a building consent:
- New brick or brick-veneer homes — structural and weathertightness requirements under clauses B1 (Structure) and E2 (External Moisture) of the Building Code apply
- Extensions or additions using brick or masonry construction
- Re-cladding an existing building with brick veneer
- Brick retaining walls over 1.5 metres in height (measured from the bottom of the footing)
- Freestanding brick walls over 1 metre in height, or any wall near a boundary or in a location where failure could injure people
- Fireplaces and chimneys built from brick or masonry
- Structural repairs to earthquake-damaged or deteriorated brickwork
For structural masonry work, your bricklayer and designer will typically reference NZS 4210 (Masonry Construction: Materials and Workmanship) and NZS 3604 (Timber-framed Buildings, which governs the framing that brick veneer is often tied to).
Schedule 1 Exemptions — When You May Not Need Consent
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists work that is exempt from building consent. Some minor bricklaying work may fall under these exemptions, but the rules are specific and it is easy to misread them. Common exemptions that may apply to masonry work include:
- Freestanding walls and retaining walls up to certain height and load limits (the exact thresholds depend on the wall type, soil conditions, and proximity to boundaries or other structures)
- Repair and maintenance that uses the same or similar materials and does not change the building's structure or weathertightness
- Garden edging and low decorative features that pose no structural risk
Important: Even if work appears to be exempt, you must still comply with the Building Code. Always confirm with your local council before assuming an exemption applies — the rules can vary depending on your site, your district plan, and the specific nature of the work. You can find general guidance at MBIE Building Performance.
The Consent Process Step by Step
- Engage a designer or draughtsperson to prepare plans and specifications that show how the work will meet the Building Code.
- Lodge a consent application with your local council, including plans, specifications, and any engineering calculations required.
- Council processing — councils have 20 working days to grant or decline a consent (the clock stops if they request further information).
- Work begins once consent is granted. Keep the consent and approved plans on site.
- Inspections — book council inspections at the stages specified in your consent (e.g., foundations, brick ties, completed work).
- Code Compliance Certificate — issued by the council once all inspections are passed and the work is confirmed to comply.
Heritage and Special Character Areas
If your property is in a heritage area or your home is a listed heritage building, additional resource consent requirements may apply under the Resource Management Act. Check with your council's planning team early, as this can affect the type of brick, mortar, and construction method your bricklayer is permitted to use. BRANZ also has useful guidance on working with older masonry buildings.
Seismic Considerations
New Zealand's seismic environment means that masonry construction is subject to strict engineering requirements, particularly for unreinforced masonry (URM). Many older brick buildings are earthquake-prone, and any significant work on them may trigger additional assessment requirements. Your council can advise whether an earthquake-prone building assessment is needed before work proceeds.
When to Call a Professional
Bricklaying is skilled trade work, and most consented masonry projects require a qualified bricklayer. While bricklaying is not legally restricted work in the same way that electrical or plumbing work is (see EWRB and PGDB for those trades), the complexity of consent requirements, structural compliance, and weathertightness means that hiring an experienced professional is strongly recommended.
For any work requiring a building consent, consider engaging a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). LBPs are licensed by the government to carry out or supervise restricted building work — which includes the brick veneer cladding on most homes. You can verify an LBP's licence at Licensed Building Practitioners.
You can find qualified local bricklayers and masonry professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
