A Hidden Hazard in Plain Sight
Walk past most new homes in New Zealand and you will not immediately notice whether the windows are compliant or not. But according to the Window and Glass Association of New Zealand (WGANZ), a growing proportion of window products reaching the market are not meeting the standards they claim to meet — and some carry fraudulent or altered compliance documents to disguise the fact.
WGANZ CEO Brett Francis has described the problem as increasing “exponentially.” Most non-compliant products are either imported directly or manufactured locally using imported systems with workers who have not received adequate training.
The Risks Are Real
Windows are not a passive component. They affect structural performance, energy efficiency, weather tightness, fire safety, and long-term building durability. A non-compliant window may look identical to a compliant one but fail to deliver on any of these functions. The specific risks include:
- Structural failure under storm or seismic loading
- Heat loss and condensation leading to mould growth
- Fire safety compromises where glazing is required to resist spread
- Weather tightness failures resulting in long-term moisture damage
For homeowners, the legal and financial exposure is significant. A building with non-compliant windows may fail council inspections, carry reduced resale value, or require expensive rectification work — and the builder or developer who specified or installed the windows may share liability.
Why Enforcement Is Failing
WGANZ has been direct in its criticism of regulatory agencies, stating that “little action has been taken to enforce standards and prosecute fraudulent behaviour.” The combination of under-resourcing, fragmented oversight, and the difficulty of detecting fraud at the documentation stage has allowed the problem to grow.
The association is calling for:
- Strengthened certification audit programmes with independent spot checks
- Greater coordination between MBIE, building consent authorities, and border agencies
- Prosecution of manufacturers and importers presenting fraudulent compliance documents
- Builder and specifier education on how to verify window compliance before installation
What Builders Should Do Now
Until regulatory enforcement catches up, the practical burden of due diligence falls on the people specifying and installing these products. Before accepting any window product, builders should confirm the compliance documentation is current, issued by a recognised body, and specific to the product batch being supplied — not a generic certificate applied to an unrelated product range. When in doubt, contact WGANZ directly for guidance on recognised suppliers and certification requirements.
The short-term cost of using verified, compliant products is insignificant compared to the long-term liability exposure of installing windows that will fail.