Under Section 131 of the Building Act 2004 (the Act) all territorial authorities (councils) are required to adopt a policy on dangerous and insanitary buildings. Waikato District Council adopted such a policy in 2006. In 2013 the Act was amended to require councils to also consider ‘affected buildings’ in their policies. Council last reviewed this policy in 2018, and it is now time for us to do so again. The proposed policy is intended to replace the Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy 2018.

The provisions of the Building Act 2004 reflect the government’s broad concern with public safety in buildings, and the need to reduce the danger to the public posed by dangerous and insanitary buildings.

The Act requires Council to develop and adopt a policy for the management of these buildings but provides discretion in the approach to be adopted and implementation of the policy. This policy is Council’s response to the requirements of the Act.

This does not mean that all of Council's building inspectors will be out in the district, day-to-day, looking for buildings that may be dangerous, affected or insanitary. Rather, we respond to enquiries from homeowners, occupiers or members of the public to alert us to possible issues. This allows us to use our resources and staff in the most effective way.

We use "the three Es" (Engagement, Education, and then Enforcement – in that order) to work with our communities when situations arise that the Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy may cover.