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7 August 2008 - People doing home renovations should find the process easier with the launch of a new guide to resource consents and building consents, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard and Building and Construction Minister Shane Jones say.

A Beginner's Guide to Resource and Building Consent Processes was released today in response to a call from people who want 'plain English' clarity about the difference between a resource consent and a building consent and how the two processes fit together.

"Most homeowners do renovations or make changes to their homes at some stage," Trevor Mallard said.

"Every project is different but the booklet uses a step-by-step approach to help people get to grips with exactly what they need to do and with chapters such as 'getting your ideas together' through to 'completing your project' it should take away some of the stress of sorting out consents."

The booklet should give homeowners a bit more confidence when they are considering making substantial renovations to their home, Shane Jones said.

"Each step under both the RMA and the Building Act is clearly set down and the advice the booklet gives on what to do at the very beginning of the process should make the whole project that much easier," he said.

Trevor Mallard also recently launched an Enforcement booklet as part of the Everyday Guide to the RMA booklet series.

A beginners guide to resource and building consent process booklet is available from the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Building and Housing.

Copies have been sent to councils, Citizens Advice, the Registered Master Builders Federation, the Institute of Architects, Consumer Build, Certified Builders Association of New Zealand and the Architectural Designers Association.

It can be viewed at www.dbh.govt.nz and www.mfe.govt.nz.