Barker Rick: Architects Bill — Second Reading 
Barker Rick: Architects Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:625;Page:19909] 
Hon RICK BARKER (Minister for Courts) 
 on behalf of the 
 Minister for Building Issues 
: I move  
That the Architects Bill be now read a second time 
. I would like to acknowledge the timely and thorough consideration that the Government Administration Committee has given to the bill. I would also like to acknowledge the submitters who made both written and oral submissions. This bill repeals the Architects Act and introduces a modern regulatory framework for architects. It is a companion measure to the Building Act which reinforces the importance of each element of the building process and it is an important component in the wider review of the regulatory framework for the building industry. A debt of gratitude is owed to the honourable Lianne Dalziel who introduced the bill into the House and to the Hon Margaret Wilson. 
My colleague Lianne Dalziel has spoken in this House before about the initiatives that are contained in this bill. The bill strengthens the regulatory framework and has a strong focus on consumer protection. It does that by introducing both initial and ongoing competency testing for registered persons by establishing a public register that includes details of disciplinary action taken against a registered person in the last 3 years by providing people with the information they need in order to choose a competent registered architect and by introducing meaningful reinforcement and sanctions provisions. 
The select committee has considered the bill and reported back to the House. It has supported the key principles behind the bill and recommended some amendments to better reflect the policy intent behind the proposals. The main changes from the committee include: an amendment to increase the maximum fines for breaches by registered persons to $10000 so as to provide a more effective deterrent to offending; an amendment to increase the maximum fines for persons claiming to be registered when that is not the case to $10000 in order to prevent the registration system from being undermined; an amendment to enable the registration board to undertake any function delegated to it under any other enactment so as to increase flexibility and allow better integration with the Building Act; and an amendment to replace protection of the title “architect” with protection for “registered architect”. Consistent with that the committee has recommended a number of consequential amendments including a change to the title of the bill and a change to the name of the registration board. 
Following the release of the committee’s report concern has been raised regarding the appropriate use of the title “architect” in relation to building design. I signal to the House that I intend to table a Supplementary Order Paper to address those concerns. As currently drafted the bill requires the registration board to be established on 1 July 2004. That date is no longer appropriate. The Supplementary Order Paper will also ensure that time is provided for the establishment of the board. 
I find it interesting that the National Party opposes the establishment of the registration board and has recommended instead that the New Zealand Institute of Architects undertake registration. That institute is a voluntary industry organisation and has no statutory role under the bill. As my colleague the honourable Lianne Dalziel said in her first reading speech on the bill the current registration board the Architects Education and Registration Board and the New Zealand Institute of Architects were closely involved in the development of the bill and it fits with their desire to modernise the regulation of the occupation. 
In conclusion this bill is an integral element of the wider review of the building legislation of 1991 and of the inputs into the building process and is necessary to ensure that buildings are designed right first time. I wish to thank the members of the select committee for their work in considering this bill and to acknowledge the contributions of those who provided submissions. I commend this bill as reported back from the select committee to the House. 
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER 
: The question is that the motion be agreed to. All those in favour—[ 
Interruption 
]