Pettis Jill: Architects Bill — Second Reading 
Pettis Jill: Architects Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:625;Page:19912] 
JILL PETTIS (Labour—Whanganui) 
: 
 I am sure that the Minister will take some calls at the Committee stage. We are currently at the second reading. This bill has had a fairly long gestation. I have certainly met with architects in my electorate to discuss their concerns and to listen to the issues of importance to them and I was very pleased to have that opportunity. Architecture is an important profession. Our built environment is of considerable importance to New Zealand. Although our natural environment receives a lot of attention our built environment is deserving of attention as well—and it does receive the attention due to it from time to time. 
This bill makes a number of changes to improve standards for architects and I think that that is largely what the profession was aiming for in its consultation—to modernise the legislation that applies to it. The bill has many key features. They include the protection of the title “registered architect” and the establishment of a public register that includes details of disciplinary action taken against an architect in order to provide better information to his or her consumers. My understanding and experience is that the profession is very client and customer - focused but the establishment of a public register will be of benefit to both the profession and its clients. The introduction of ongoing competency testing for architects is another feature of the bill as is a modernised governance and administration process which will help to bring the legislation in line with current practice in occupational regulation. 
A number of amendments were made by the Government Administration Committee. One was an amendment to increase the maximum fine for persons claiming to be registered when indeed that is not the case. That fine increases to $10000 to prevent the registration system from being undermined because the protection of the integrity of registration is very important. Another amendment replaces the protected title “architect” with “registered architect”. Consistent with that the select 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. 
It is interesting that although there is agreement on and support for this bill around the House the National Party opposes the establishment of the registration body even though that is what the profession wants. The National Party has recommended instead that the New Zealand Institute of Architects undertake registration through self-regulation. Given that the vast majority of parties in this House have listened to representatives from the profession I think National is really just reverting to type saying: “Let the market rule.” We all know that that principle never works—it never has and it never will. The National Party is basically reverting to type and not responding to professions and organisations that know themselves better than anybody else. This bill will provide advantages for both practitioners and their clients. It is a good bill and I think that we are all keen to assist in facilitating its rapid passage through the House.