Keep your buildings safe. Stay legal. Avoid the fines. 

At Argest, we manage the entire Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) process for you. From 12A certificates to inspections, audits and dealing with complex compliance related matters, we handle the compliance so you can focus on running your property. 

If you own or manage a building with specified systems, a BWOF is not optional. It’s required by law. 

What Is a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF)? 

A Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) is a legal document that proves your building’s critical safety systems have been professionally inspected and maintained. 

You need a BWOF if your building has what the Building Act refers to as “specified systems” such as: 

  • Fire alarms 
  • Sprinklers 
  • Access Controlled Systems – controlled egress e.g swipecard or touch to exit  
  • Emergency lighting 
  • Lifts 
  • Mechanical ventilation 

The BWOF is issued annually and must be based on current 12A certificates from Independent Qualified Persons (IQPs). You also need a valid compliance schedule that lists all the systems and how often they must be checked. 

Example: A school with fire doors, emergency lighting and a backflow preventer must maintain a BWOF, renewed every 12 months, based on IQP signoff. 

Why a BWOF is Important 

A Building Warrant of Fitness is more than paperwork. It confirms your building is safe for the people inside it — staff, students, customers or tenants. 

Non-compliance? It can get expensive and risky. 

With a valid BWOF you: 

  • Avoid fines and penalties 
  • Keep your building safe and operational 
  • Satisfy insurance requirements 
  • Protect occupants and reduce legal risk 

Without a current BWOF, your building is exposed – legally, financially and practically. 

Argest’s BWOF Services 

We’re not just a box-ticking service. Argest is a full-service BWOF compliance partner. 

Here’s what we do: 

  • BWOF management and issue: We coordinate end-to-end compliance and submission to council. 
  • Compliance schedule management: We review and update schedules, so they reflect how your building is used. 
  • 12A certificate inspections and coordination: We manage qualified inspectors and track expiry dates. 
  • Compliance training for your team: We help your staff understand how their role supports compliance. 
  • Mediation and consultancy for complex buildings: We work with councils to clarify obligations and solve tricky cases. 
  • Specialist inspections: Including hazardous goods, unusual systems, or hard-to-access assets. 
  • Sub-contractor selection and management: We help onboard the right service providers for ongoing testing. 
  • BWOF online tracking and reporting: Real-time access to your BWOF status, documents and reminders. 
  • Regular audits and safety site inspections: We review performance and uncover risks before they turn into problems. 

Leave the stress behind. Argest has everything covered. 

BWOF Process with Argest 

We make the complicated process simple and predictable. 

Step-by-step: 

  1. Review compliance schedule: We check whether your building’s systems and legal records match. 
  2. Inspections and IQP visits: We book and manage inspections across all systems. 
  3. Collate and issue 12A certificates: Everything legally required is verified and documented. 
  4. Issue the BWOF to council: We prepare, finalise and submit the paperwork to your local authority. 
  5. Provide ongoing monitoring and alerts: You’re always ahead of deadlines with our BWOF online tools. 

This is streamlined BWOF compliance – without the headaches. 

Who Needs a BWOF? 

If your building includes specified systems, you must have a current BWOF. If you don’t know whether it applies, it probably does. 

Buildings that require a BWOF: 

  • Commercial buildings 
  • Apartment blocks over two levels 
  • Educational buildings like schools or tertiary campuses 
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities 
  • Public buildings or facilities used for gatherings 

Buildings that don’t usually require a BWOF: 

  • Standalone residential homes 
  • Minor dwellings with no specified systems 

Not sure? We’ll confirm your legal obligations for you. 

Benefits of Choosing Argest 

Choosing the right compliance partner matters. Argest is recognised throughout New Zealand for accurate, transparent and reliable BWOF service. 

Why clients choose us: 

  • Specialist knowledge of building compliance: Our team understands the complexity and compliance detail others miss. 
  • We advocate for you: We deal with councils and stand by what’s best for your building. 
  • Qualified IQPs and compliance managers: All Argest inspectors are trained, registered and accountable. 
  • Strong relationships with councils: We know exactly how to streamline approvals. 
  • BWOF online tracking tool: Get instant access to every document, certificate and expiry reminder. 
  • Total compliance partner: From the compliance schedule to council submissions, we manage it all. 

Argest is more than a provider. We’re your compliance partner. 

Frequently Asked Questions About BWOF 

What is a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF)? A BWOF is a legal certificate required every 12 months to confirm your building’s safety systems have been properly inspected and maintained under the New Zealand Building Act. 

What is a 12A Certificate and why do I need it? A 12A certificate is proof that each specified system in your compliance schedule has been inspected and is up to standard. Without these, you cannot legally issue a BWOF. 

Who issues a BWOF in New Zealand? The building owner is responsible for issuing the BWOF each year. It must be based on current 12A certificates and submitted to the local council. 

How often do I need to renew a BWOF? Annually. Every 12 months you must submit a new BWOF backed by up-to-date inspections. 

What happens if my building doesn’t have a BWOF? You could face serious penalties from council, risk insurance issues, and may be held liable if something goes wrong on-site. 

Can Argest manage the BWOF process for multiple buildings? Yes. Argest works with property managers, schools, hospitals, and national portfolios to manage multi-site compliance efficiently. 

What’s the difference between a compliance schedule and a BWOF? The compliance schedule lists all the building’s safety systems and how often each must be inspected. The BWOF confirms that all systems on the schedule have been inspected and operate as per the requirements of the compliance schedule. 

Get Started with BWOF Compliance 

No more chasing certificates. No more council pressure. No more risk. 

Contact Argest today to simplify your BWOF compliance and keep your buildings safe. We’ll manage your building warrant of fitness compliance schedule, perform inspections, and handle the paperwork — accurately and on time. 

  • Full BWOF management 
  • Qualified IQPs 
  • Passive fire and specialist support 
  • Online tracking for complete peace of mind 

Talk to a BWOF expert now by calling 0800 274 378.