Draft UTA Reform Bill rejected by Government
Housing Minister Phil Twyford has rejected recent moves by Opposition members Hon Judith Collins and Hon Nikki Kaye to seek Government support for their draft Bill to reform the Unit Titles Act.
The Minister's rejection was largely based on what he described as the narrow focus of the Bill, compared to the wide-ranging scope of changes signalled by MBIE in their December 2016 discussion document outlining areas for potential change.
The rejection of the Bill has been reported by Anne Gibson, Property Editor of NZ Herald and can be seen here.
As the major body corporate owners' organisation in New Zealand, we are frequently contacted by members who struggle with outcomes created through some of the loopholes in governance matters that are possible under the present legislative structure.
The Body Corporate Chairs Group is disappointed that much needed changes to the existing legislation have been deferred. While BCCG continues on behalf of its members to work with officials on the areas of Government focus (such as Healthy Homes Regulations and Standards), the underlying deficiencies in the present Unit Titles Act remain of primary concern.
Greater certainty is required in the sector to enable the forecast growth in multi-owned developments to proceed smoothly. We consider that failure to close the emerging loopholes will see future generations slow to adopt this important lifestyle residential choice.
You can download the Minister's letter below, which includes analysis of the Bill compared to the MBIE officials' recommendations.
Minister's letter
