Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about the Free The Sheds campaign and what we are calling for.
Does this mean unsafe sheds?
No. The campaign keeps the Building Code, engineering requirements, district plan compliance, stormwater controls, fire separation, site coverage, height controls, setbacks, and neighbour protections. The reform is about whether a full building consent process is proportionate for qualifying low-risk, non-habitable structures — not about removing the standards that make buildings safe.
Does “building-consent exempt” mean no rules at all?
No. Building-consent exempt means the formal council consent process is removed for qualifying structures — not the Building Code, not engineering requirements, not district plan rules. The 2020 exemption for 30m² sheds already works this way: the consent process is removed, but Building Code compliance remains mandatory.
What happens to councils under this reform?
Councils retain their role in district planning, stormwater, site coverage, height controls, fire separation, neighbour effects, records, and enforcement. This campaign is specifically about removing unnecessary building consent processing for qualifying low-risk structures — not removing council oversight where it is genuinely needed.
Why does the rural reform keep the 6m height limit?
The 6m maximum height is a sensible external-risk control that protects neighbours and boundaries. The campaign supports keeping it. What we are calling to remove are the arbitrary floor-area and unsupported-span caps that bear no relationship to actual risk when a Chartered Professional Engineer has designed or certified the structure.
Does the campaign support building consents for industrial and habitable sheds?
Yes, explicitly. Free The Sheds supports the current building consent process for industrial buildings, habitable sheds, public-use buildings, hazardous-substance storage, and any complex structure where the risk, use, occupancy, plumbing, fire safety, or structural requirements justify formal oversight. Those buildings carry higher risk and need proper compliance checks. This campaign is specifically about low-risk, single-storey, detached, non-habitable sheds — where the consent burden is disproportionate to the actual risk involved.
Who started this campaign and who is behind it?
The campaign was started and is fronted by Jason Davis of Waikato Sheds, and has grown to include over 70 shed companies, builders and suppliers across New Zealand. It is an open industry and public-interest campaign — not a promotion for any one company. We welcome support from shed owners, farmers, lifestyle block owners, builders, suppliers, and members of the public.
Is this campaign affiliated with any political party?
No. Free The Sheds is not affiliated with any political party. We welcome support from across the political spectrum and encourage New Zealanders to contact their MP regardless of which party represents them.
How can I support the campaign?
Three ways: share the campaign on Facebook or Instagram, or email the building policy spokespersons and your local MP directly from the home page — we've written the message for you. Every voice adds to the evidence base we're building for reform.