| 1980's |
|
EIFS (was introduced into New Zealand in the Mid 1980's setting a new trend in monolithic cladding, including stucco plaster, textured fibre cement - the start of the leaky building problem. |
| 1992 |
Introduction of the Building Code as the First Schedule of the Building Regulation 1992. |
| 1993 |
The Building Act 1991 was fully operative on 1 January 1993. |
| 1994 |
Greg O'Sullivan of Prendos Limited warns of 'time bombs' being created by fixing cladding directly on to framing in an article to the Northern Law News. ('A potential stucco time bomb is ticking away in some new Auckland homes'). |
| 1995 |
In September, Standards New Zealand approve the NZS 3602 Standard, allowing the use of kiln-dried untreated timber for framing as an alternative solution. |
| 1996 |
North Carolina Building Code requires manufacturers to provide a 20-year warranty on barrier/cladding systems, which must contain an internal water drainage system. |
| 1998 |
On 1 February 1998, the Building Industry Authority approve NZS 3602 as meeting the durability requirements, allowing the use of untreated timber. |
| 1998 |
Philip O'Sullivan of Prendos Limited describes to the BIA the problems he was finding with leaks and rot in new buildings and suggests a coordinated response. (New Zealand Herald, 'Where the rot really set in'). |
| 1999 |
Canadian Wood Council releases 'Best Practice Guide for Wood-frame Envelopes' that recommends water management systems in building envelopes involve the use of cavities and drainage planes. |
| 1999 |
Timber Industry Federation Chairman calls for a review of the 1995 changes to building practices that allowed the use of untreated framing timber, seen as increasing the risk of decay from water leakage. (New Zealand Herald, 'Where the rot really set in'). |
| 1999 |
Building Surveyor Greg O'Sullivan of Prendos Limited issues warning of a "Cave Creek" disaster involving rotting decks and balconies. (New Zealand Herald, 'Where the rot really set in'). |
| 2000 |
Building Surveyor Philip O'Sullivan of Prendos Limited recommends to the BIA the implementation of a gap between the cladding and framing - enabling water to drain away - and a return to treated timber. (New Zealand Herald, 'Where the rot really set in'). |
| 2000 |
In March 2000, a Forest Research scientist Mick Headley publishes research showing boric treated timber resists rot but untreated timber does not - contrary to industry-funded research and advertising. |
| 2001-2002 |
The New Zealand Herald reveals huge industry concern over the problem. |
| Feb 2002 |
An independent inquiry begins, chaired by former State Services Commissioner Don Hunn, and reporting to the BIA. |
| May 2002 |
The inquiry warns in its interim report of a potential 'systemic breakdown' across the building industry. |
| Aug 2002 |
The Building Industry Authority releases its Weathertightness Report that makes 20 recommendations aimed at improving the building industry overall, including a national safety warning over rotting balconies, three years after being warned. |
| Oct 2002 |
The Government announces a Select Committee Inquiry into the "leaky buildings" problem. Its terms of reference include: the level of detail to be provided with building consent applications, the inspection regime as part of the code compliance certification process, the decline in the level in skills in the building sector, and the divisions of responsibility with respect to building consents, inspection, and code compliance certification. Greg and Philip O'Sullivan were the first to be called to provide additional oral submissions to the Select Committee. |
| Oct 2002 |
Ministerial Committee formed to co-ordinate the response to the matters raised in the Hunn report on the weathertightness of buildings. A disputes resolution process, a website, and a toll free phone line for homeowners affected by 'leaky building syndrome' are established. |
| Nov 2002 |
Weathertight Home Resolution Services Act rushed through Parliament to set up a specialised 'fast track' dispute resolution process for leaky buildings. |
| Nov 2004 |
Building Act amended, BIA disbanded, new Department of Building and Housing set up. |