The Government says foreign building materials will help bolster the construction sector.

A new pathway will mean any product, no matter where it's from, will be able to be used if it passes New Zealand standards.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says it will increase competition and in turn lower prices.

He told Mike Hosking that we're missing out on a lot at the moment, and that it's a no brainer to use a product if it complies with or exceeds our local standards.

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