The NZS Standards library, in plain English

A directory of the NZ Standards and manufacturer systems builders rely on, each with its scope, current status and most-used clauses.

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This is a directory of the New Zealand Standards (NZS and AS/NZS) that get referenced throughout Toolie. Each entry shows what the standard covers, its current status, and a free download link where one is available — so when a clause comes up on site or in a consent, you can find the right document fast instead of guessing.

Every entry lists the most-used clauses inline. Tap Show full reference on a standard to read those key clauses without leaving the app.

The core structural standards

These are the prescriptive standards that let you build without specific engineering design, provided you stay inside their limits.

NZS 3604:2011 – Timber-framed buildings. Current, cited by B1/AS1. The primary structural standard for timber-framed buildings up to 3 storeys or 10m. It sets prescriptive rules for foundations, framing, bracing, lintels and roofs without specific engineering design. Key sections: §5 bracing, §6 subfloor, §7 floors, §8 walls, §9 cladding and §10 roof framing, with tables 5.8, 6.1, 6.4, 7.1, 8.2–8.13, 10.1 and 10.13. Free.
NZS 4229:2013 – Concrete masonry buildings not requiring specific engineering design. Current, cited by B1/AS1. The masonry sister to NZS 3604, covering reinforced concrete masonry walls, slab-on-ground and a light timber roof. Limits: up to 10m height, floor live load ≤3.0 kPa, vertical control joints at max 6m, and Observation Type B. Free.

The contract standard

NZS 3902:2004 is the “Housing, alterations and small buildings” contract — a plain-English template agreement between the owner and the builder.

Status: current, sponsored and free.
When it’s mandatory: for any residential work of $30k or more.
What it contains: the contract template plus all the required disclosure clauses and implied warranties — the 9 implied warranties (s362I), a 12-month defect repair period (s362Q), and a maintenance disclosure on completion (s362T).

GIB systems — bracing, fire and wet areas

Alongside the NZS documents, Toolie references the GIB plasterboard systems you use to actually meet those rules on the wall.

GIB EzyBrace® Systems 2016

Plasterboard bracing systems for NZS 3604 buildings — current, with a valid BRANZ Appraisal (No. 928). It gives tested bracing units (BU/m) for GIB Standard, Braceline, Aqualine, Fyreline and Toughline plus plywood combinations.

Illustrative ratings: GS1-N 50 BU/m (wind), GS2-N 70, BL1-H 90, BLP-H 120.
A 120 BU/m limit applies on timber floors.
Minimum element length is 400mm.

GIB® Fire Rated Systems (CBI 5113)

Plasterboard fire resistance and STC (sound) ratings — current, manufacturer certified. It covers fire-rated wall, floor/ceiling and column/beam systems for timber frame (GBT/GBTL), steel frame (GBSL) and composite (GBCJ) construction.

Illustrative timber-frame ratings: GBT 30a (-/30/30), GBT 60a (-/60/60), GBT 90 (-/90/90), GBT 120a (-/120/120).
An STC of 43 is achievable, using 41×6g Grabber screws at 300mm.

GIB Aqualine® Wet Area Systems

Water-resistant plasterboard for bathrooms, laundries and kitchens — current, with a valid BRANZ Appraisal (No. 427). It works as a substrate for tiles and a waterproof membrane to AS/NZS 4858:2004.

Available as 10mm or 13mm green paper.
Internal corners use a 32×32 galvanised angle at 600mm.
Not for use in steam rooms.

Plain-English guide, not advice. This page helps you understand and navigate the rules — it is general information, not design, engineering or consent advice, and it does not reproduce the copyrighted tables of NZS 3604 or any Standard. Always check the current Standard or Acceptable Solution and your BCA, and use a suitably qualified LBP, engineer or QS where it matters.

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Common questions

When is the NZS 3902 contract mandatory?

NZS 3902:2004 is mandatory for any residential work of $30k or more. It’s a plain-English template contract between the owner and builder that contains all the required disclosure clauses and implied warranties — including the 9 implied warranties (s362I), a 12-month defect repair period (s362Q), and a maintenance disclosure on completion (s362T).

What’s the difference between NZS 3604 and NZS 4229?

NZS 3604:2011 is the primary structural standard for timber-framed buildings up to 3 storeys or 10m. NZS 4229:2013 is its masonry sister — it covers concrete masonry buildings up to 10m that don’t require specific engineering design, using reinforced concrete masonry walls, a slab-on-ground and a light timber roof. Both are cited by B1/AS1.

Which GIB plasterboard system do I use for wet areas?

GIB Aqualine® is the water-resistant plasterboard for bathrooms, laundries and kitchens (BRANZ Appraisal No. 427). It acts as a substrate for tiles and a waterproof membrane to AS/NZS 4858:2004, comes in 10mm or 13mm green paper, and is not for use in steam rooms.

What are bracing units (BU/m) in the GIB EzyBrace system?

Bracing units per metre (BU/m) are the tested bracing capacity of a GIB plasterboard system used in NZS 3604 buildings (BRANZ Appraisal No. 928). Ratings vary by product and wind/earthquake demand — for example GS1-N is 50 BU/m in wind, up to BLP-H at 120. A 120 BU/m limit applies on timber floors and the minimum element length is 400mm.

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