In New Zealand, most commercial buildings require a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF) to be issued and maintained annually in accordance with the Building Act 2004. Understanding what’s required and ensuring every system and process is compliant can be challenging.
It all seems simple, a Compliance Schedule that:
- Accurately reflects what specified systems you have in your building
- What checks, inspections, testing and maintenance is required that will ensure your building has a current Building Warrant of Fitness
IQP’s and your BWoF Agent completing what needs to be done for your BWoF:
- On schedule, on time inspections and BWoF issued
- All the documentation required by the Building Act in place
But the reality is now very different for building owners, property managers, and facilities professionals who are facing ever increasing complexity in the management of compliance, the law, regulations and code. Get it wrong and costs can skyrocket.
How the Building Act, standards and codes get applied and interpreted can make a substantial difference to the cost of compliance, from what needs consent to what maintenance and repair services are needed, and who, what and how records need to be made and kept.
With this complexity comes the need for effective governance around the management of compliance, a critical factor for Owners, Boards, Executive Management and Property staff in the management of commercial and health and safety risk.
Argest understands compliance is more than administering the processes to issue your BWoF, it is proactively managing outcomes that impact your building’s compliance that are transparent, impactful, independent and cost-effective, and which provide you the basis for good governance.
Proven Expertise and Experience Count in Compliance
Argest has a highly specialised, experienced and qualified team well equipped to provide compliance consulting, assessments and advocacy services.
With 40 years of experience and a network of in-house compliance, fire protection and project management specialists, Argest is trusted by organisations nationwide to provide impartial, expert guidance tailored to the unique demands of every building.
We are not just a service provider; we are a long-term compliance partner.
Risk, Audit and Assurance Services
- Compliance Gap Assessments – Under the Building Act the Building owner is responsible for the accuracy of the Building’s Compliance Schedule, but changes can be made by Councils. Our assessment service will provide you confidence you meet your legal obligations.
- Pre-Council Audit Checks – Ensure your building’s compliance management processes and documentation will meet the requirements of a Council audit, demonstrate good governance and eliminate the risk of infringements.
- Compliance Advocacy and Negotiation Services – Argest has the technical knowledge and experience to manage the best resolution and outcomes for you. We know the Building Act and the standards needed to be conformed to. We will not let you be blindsided or be made to do things that are not necessary.
Explore our wider services here.
Council & Territorial Authority Engagement Services
When compliance issues become complex or contested, having an experienced voice in the room can make all the difference. At Argest, we have built strong working relationships with councils and regulatory bodies across NZ. We assist building owners by managing correspondence, negotiating practical outcomes, and providing professional reports that support fast resolution.
We support you through our:
- Advocacy in council disputes or remediation discussions
- Documentation response to Notices to Fix and audits
- Compliance issue resolution and specialist reporting
- Guidance on compliance schedule amendments and inspections
Bespoke Compliance Solutions for Building Owners
No two buildings are the same, which is why we customise our advice and inspections to the unique requirements of your facility. We take the time to understand operational needs, risk exposure, and future initiatives to tailor a whole-of-lifecycle compliance approach.
Support includes:
- Building compliance strategy development
- Preventative system maintenance plans
- Long-term monitoring supported by digital tools
- Ongoing technical support for specific systems or projects
- Portfolio consulting for multiple assets or complex sites
Argest is a trusted building compliance company that works across aged care, commercial, educational, retail, and government facilities nationally.
Independence in Compliance Matters
Building Owner’s need to have confidence they are getting the correct advice and information on what is required for a BWoF and compliance. Independence is fundamental to good governance.
Argest’s independence from facilities management or other fire service providers means we:
- Create transparency and accountability for compliance where property portfolios are managed by FM’s or Property Managers for the Building Owners
- Gain no commercial benefit from findings eliminating the risk of “compliance” being used to generate additional remedial or other chargeable services by FM’s or contractors
- Ensure risk (compliance, H&S) governance is independently provided, providing additional confidence to owners, boards and managers of property portfolios
- Will work with any FM or Property Management Company used by property owners to provide oversight of BWoF and building compliance requirements in NZ.
How to Engage Argest
Working with Argest is straightforward. Here’s how to get started:
- Contact our team to book a discovery call
- Discuss your current building compliance needs
- Receive a tailored compliance plan, including scopes and timelines
- Schedule your audit, assessment, or council submission
- Monitor system performance and compliance outcomes with our support
Request your compliance consultation today Get in touch by calling or visiting our contact page.
Choose NZ’s Trusted Compliance Consulting Partner
Argest has been helping building owners stay compliant, informed, and prepared for more than three decades. From BWoF to building compliance risk assessments, we’re here to support your safety and success.
Ensure your buildings remain fully compliant – book your consultation with Argest today.
