Frequently asked questions

1. Who are Acoustics Enforcement NZ?

Acoustics Enforcement NZ are specialist building soundproofing inspectors. We perform final building soundproofing inspections on all of Auckland City Council's new apartment buildings.

2. Does this mean Acoustics Enforcement NZ is owned by the council?

No, Acoustics Enforcement NZ is an independent specialist building inspections company. However, AENZ prefers to only accept work from councils.

3. Is there a legal requirement for apartment buildings to be properly soundproofed?

Yes. The New Zealand Building Code (Section G6) sets legal requirements for soundproofing.

Historically, some councils have relied on engineering self certification by the property developer's engineers.

However, in areas where councils have sought involvement from Acoustics Enforcement NZ, councils and apartment residents have seen dramatic improvements in apartment building soundproofing quality.

4. Why should councils have apartment building soundproofing standards enforced by Acoustics Enforcement NZ?

Apartments that are not soundproofed to the required standard at council code compliance certification issue stage can have very high liability repair bills.

Also, recent media coverage has created a growing awareness amongst apartment buyers and members of the public, about the general need for good quality building inspections.

Acoustics Enforcement NZ has extensive experience in apartment building soundproofing enforcement.

5. How does Acoustics Enforcement NZ conduct apartment building soundproofing enforcement?

Council bills the developer for the cost of an Acoustics Enforcement NZ specialist building soundproofing inspection at the initial building consent issue stage.

Council writes a building consent condition on new apartment buildings, requiring a final satisfactory soundproofing inspection by Acoustics Enforcement NZ, before Code Compliance Certification will be issued.

Acoustics Enforcement NZ performs independent specialist final building soundproofing inspections on buildings being considered for council final CCC.

6. How many apartment building inspections has Acoustics Enforcement NZ conducted?

To date, Acoustics Enforcement NZ has performed specialist building soundproofing inspections on over 500 apartment buildings, covering more than 10000 new apartments across the North Island.