On 28th July 2025, MBIE's Building Product Specifications (BPS) document came into effect. This document, to be read alongside the Acceptable solutions and Verification Methods, contains standards for the manufacture, performance, testing, installation and maintenance of specific building products.
While some of the standards cited by the BPS are existing compliance pathways, many are updated or new standards providing additional compliance pathways. This includes a number of overseas standards. The intention of the BPS and the new compliance pathways is to enable manufacturers and suppliers to provide a wider choice of code compliant building products to the New Zealand market. In doing so MBIE aims to increase competition and ultimately reduce the cost of construction.
An example of an overseas standard that has broadened the compliance pathways available to specifiers is AS 1288:2021 for the selection of glazing. Previously under NZBC B1/AS1, NZS 4223.1:2008 was cited as the only compliance pathway for the selection of glazing. In addition to retaining the existing pathway using NZS 4223.1, the Building Product Specifications cites AS 1288 as an alternative pathway to compliance.
Alongside publishing the Building Product Specifications, MBIE has revised the following acceptable solutions and verification methods to cite the Building Product Specifications:
- B1/AS1 Structural provisions for buildings
- B1/AS3 Small chimneys
- B1/VM1 Structural design of buildings
- B1/VM2 Geotechnical design of foundations (previously B1/VM4 Foundations)
- B2/AS1 Durability provisions for building elements
- C/AS1 Protection from fire for buildings with sleeping (residential) and outbuildings (risk group SH)
- C/AS2 Protection from fire for buildings other than risk group SH
- C/VM2 Framework for fire safety design
- E2/AS1 External moisture provisions for timber-framed buildings up to 10 m in height
- E2/AS2 External moisture provisions for earth buildings
- E2/AS3 External moisture provisions for concrete and concrete masonry buildings
- E2/VM1 Cladding systems of buildings up to 10 m in height – including junctions with windows, doors and other penetrations
- G4/AS1 Ventilation of buildings
- G4/VM1 Ventilation rate and air purity
- H1/VM3 Energy efficiency of HVAC systems in commercial buildings
MBIE have taken this opportunity to update a number of these acceptable solutions and verification methods to the new format we have seen in recent years, including separating previously grouped acceptable solutions and verification methods into stand-alone documents. Previous versions of the acceptable solutions and verification methods can continue to be used until 31 July 2026.
What does this mean for Masterspec and you as specifiers?
Masterspec work sections frequently reference acceptable solutions and verification methods, often citing specific sections, subsections, paragraphs, figures and tables, both within the specification text and in the green guidance notes for specifiers.
The revised formatting and renumbering of existing acceptable solutions and verification methods, and new references to the Building Product Specifications means that many of these existing citations will become out of date at the end of the transition period. In response, the Masterspec Editor team has undertaken a comprehensive update of all affected references across Masterspec sections.
As of 1st March 2026, this work is complete with over 900 section updates published. For specifiers, don't panic, there is no need to redesign projects or overhaul current specifications, simply run the Masterspec Update Manager to apply the updates across your specifications and align projects with the new compliance framework before the transition period ends on 31 July 2026.
Existing compliance pathways remain valid during the transition period and, in most cases, beyond that period. The Building Product Specifications primarily establish additional compliance pathways to broaden product choice beyond 31 July 2026.
What does this mean for Product Suppliers?
For product suppliers, the 2025 Building Code updates and the Building Product Specifications create expanded market opportunities. The inclusion of updated and overseas standards provides alternative compliance pathways, enabling a wider range of code compliant products to enter the construction market.
Existing compliant products can generally continue to rely on current pathways during the and beyond the transition period. However, suppliers should review the updated standards referenced in the Building Product Specifications to confirm compliance, identify any new testing or documentation requirements, and assess whether additional certification could broaden market access.
- Review product technical literature against the updated and overseas standards
- Confirm evidence of compliance with the expanded pathway
- Update marketing and specification support material where needed
- Engage early with specifiers to communicate any new compliance pathways available for your products.
Early alignment with the revised framework ahead of 31 July 2026 will help ensure continuity of supply and position products to take advantage of expanded compliance pathways.
To read more about the 2025 Building Code updates, click here.