The Construction Minister says he is confident consenting reforms won't lead to a repeat of New Zealand's 'leaky homes' crisis. 

The Government is planning to give tradespeople working on basic housing projects the power to consent their own work. 

Businesses with a track record of mass house-building projects will be able to access a streamlined consent process. 

Minister Chris Penk says this avoids the false sense of security in the system. 

"We think, actually, it makes more sense to put the incentive with the building professional - or the whole company - to do the work and to be responsible for it, and their destiny's in their own hands. Ultimately, that'll be better for the consumer, of course."

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