In the New Zealand construction sector, maintaining high standards of safety, performance, and regulatory compliance is essential throughout the building lifecycle. While Producer Statement PS1 affirms a design’s compliance with the Building Code, the Producer Statement PS2 (Design Review) offers an added layer of assurance. This document confirms that a qualified professional has independently reviewed and endorsed the original design. In this article, we explore what PS2 entails, who can issue it, when it’s required, and why it plays a critical role in the building consent process.
What is a Producer Statement PS2?
A Producer Statement PS2 is a formal document provided by an independent, suitably qualified person (usually a Chartered Professional Engineer or registered architect) who reviews another professional’s design. The purpose is to ensure the design complies with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) and applicable standards.
Key Characteristics:
- Independent review of a PS1 design
- Provides assurance of compliance from a second qualified party
- Often required for high-risk or complex building work
The Role of Producer Statement PS2 in the Compliance Process
Producer Statement PS2 adds a second layer of professional verification to complex or critical designs. It is often requested by local councils (Building Consent Authorities) to support the assessment of building consent applications.
When Is a Producer Statement PS2 Required?
- Projects with complex structural systems
- Designs involving new or unconventional building methods
- Buildings located in high seismic zones
- When requested by the council for additional assurance
The PS2 helps councils avoid conducting their own detailed design reviews by relying on peer-reviewed documentation from qualified professionals.
Who Can Issue a Producer Statement PS2?
A PS2 must be issued by someone other than the original designer, ensuring unbiased assessment. The issuer must be:
- A Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)
- A Registered Architect
- An experienced, independent professional with proven expertise
This person should not be affiliated with the design firm that created the original Producer Statement PS1.
What’s Included in a Producer Statement PS2?
A typical Producer Statement PS2 includes:
- Project details (location, owner, description)
- Scope of the design reviewed
- List of documents reviewed (drawings, calculations, specifications)
- Confirmation of compliance with the Building Code
- Credentials of the reviewer
- Declaration of independence
It may also contain comments, conditions, or recommendations resulting from the review.
Producer Statement PS2 in Relation to Other Producer Statements
The four main Producer Statements in New Zealand include:
- PS1 (Design): Confirms the original design meets code requirements
- PS2 (Design Review): Independent peer review of the PS1 design
- PS3 (Construction): Issued by contractors to confirm work follows design
- PS4 (Construction Review): Final review by the PS1 issuer during construction
PS2 works hand-in-hand with PS1 to strengthen the integrity of the design phase.
Benefits of Producer Statement PS2 for Stakeholders
A Producer Statement PS2 provides confidence for developers, building owners, and councils that a design has been properly vetted.
Key Advantages:
- Enhances design quality through peer review
- Reduces the risk of design-related failures
- Builds trust with Building Consent Authorities
- Minimizes delays in the consent approval process
Councils often rely on PS2s for peace of mind in technically challenging or high-impact projects.
Responsibilities and Limitations
The professional issuing the Producer Statement PS2 assumes responsibility for confirming compliance of the reviewed design. They are not liable for construction outcomes but must ensure:
- Their review is thorough and well-documented
- Their independence is transparent and verifiable
- They understand the scope of work and applicable standards
While Producer Statement PS2 improves confidence, councils may still request additional information or a Producer Statement PS2 from a different reviewer in rare cases.
Conclusion
The Producer Statement PS2 plays a vital role in reinforcing the quality and compliance of building designs in New Zealand. As a tool for peer verification, it strengthens the building consent process, enhances transparency, and reduces the risk of design flaws in critical projects. When planning construction work that involves complex systems or innovative methods, engaging a qualified reviewer to issue a PS2 can ensure your project proceeds smoothly through consent and into construction.
For reliable design and peer review services, contact our expert team to ensure your project meets the highest safety and compliance standards.
