NZ Building Consent

PS1 Design.
Explained.

A plain-English guide to Producer Statement PS1 (Design), the New Zealand building consent document: what it is, when you need it, and how Defteng issues it on request. Building in Australia? Certification differs by state, so ask us what your certifier requires.

What is a Producer Statement?

A formal declaration by your structural engineer that the design complies with the New Zealand Building Code.

The PS1 (Design) certifies that the structural design meets NZBC Clause B1 Structure and applicable NZ Standards. Your council requires it as part of the building consent application.

"We issue PS1 for both structural and architectural packages on request, signed by a CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) partner."

How we issue PS1: Defteng prepares all design and drawings. The PS1 is then signed by a CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) from our partner firm, who takes responsibility for the design.

PS1

Design

We issue this

Certifies design complies with NZBC. Required for building consent.

PS2

Design Review

Peer review, sometimes required for complex projects.

PS3

Construction Monitoring

Site-based. Confirms construction matches the design.

PS4

Completed Work

Site-based. Issued on completion.

What Our PS1 Covers

Referenced to specific design documents, covering both structural and architectural elements. Available on request.

Timber Framing

  • Wall studs, plates, and noggings
  • Floor joists and beams
  • Roof framing members
  • Bracing walls and fixings
  • Hold-down connections

Steel Structures

  • Portal frame columns & rafters
  • Beam and purlin sizing
  • Connection details and welds
  • Base plates and anchor bolts
  • Column splices and cap plates

Foundations

  • Concrete pad footings
  • Strip and raft foundations
  • Pile design and schedule
  • Ground anchor design
  • Foundation connection details

Light Gauge Steel

  • Wall stud and track sections
  • Floor joist and bearer sizing
  • Roof rafter and truss design
  • Lateral bracing system
  • Hold-down schedule

Loading Analysis

  • Dead and live load analysis
  • Wind load to NZS 3604 zones
  • Seismic load to NZS 1170.5
  • Snow load assessment
  • Load combination checks

Standards Referenced

  • NZBC Clause B1 Structure
  • NZS 3604, NZS 3404
  • AS/NZS 4600, NZS 3603
  • AS/NZS 1170 series
  • Building Act 2004

01

Design Commission

You engage Defteng to provide structural engineering design for your project.

02

Structural Analysis

We perform full structural analysis and design to NZBC and applicable NZ Standards.

03

Calculations & Drawings

Detailed calculations and construction drawings are prepared and reviewed.

04

CPEng Sign-Off

A CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) from our partner firm signs the PS1 (Design).

05

Consent Package

You receive calculations, drawings, specifications, and PS1. Ready for TA submission.

What is a Producer Statement PS1?

A Producer Statement PS1 (Design) is a formal document in which the engineer of record declares that the structural design complies with the NZ Building Code (NZBC), specifically Clause B1 Structure, and the applicable New Zealand Standards. It is issued as part of the building consent documentation package.

When is a PS1 required?

A PS1 (Design) is required by your Territorial Authority (council) whenever a structural engineer's design is included in a building consent application. This applies to new buildings, additions, alterations with structural work, and any structure that falls outside the prescriptive scope of NZS 3604.

What does PS1 cover in your packages?

Our PS1 covers the design elements included in the package. For structural projects this includes framing members, connections, foundations, bracing systems, and loading analysis. For architectural packages it covers the architectural design and NZBC compliance documentation. PS1 can be issued for both structural and architectural scope.

Is PS1 the same as PS3 or PS4?

No. PS1 (Design) covers the design phase only. It is what you need for building consent. PS3 (Construction Monitoring) and PS4 (Completed Work) are issued during and after construction by an inspector on site. We provide PS1 (Design) only.

Do all councils accept PS1 from remote engineers?

Yes. New Zealand Territorial Authorities accept PS1 producer statements from qualified engineers regardless of where the engineer is based, provided the engineer is appropriately qualified and the PS1 is correctly formatted and referenced to the design documents.

What qualifications back your PS1?

Defteng handles all design and drafting work. The PS1 is signed by a CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) from our partner firm, who takes responsibility for the design. The PS1 references the full calculation set, drawings, and the specific NZ Standards applied in the design.

How long does it take to receive the PS1?

PS1 is issued together with the final design drawings and calculations, typically within 5 to 10 business days for a standard residential project. PS1 is available on request; fees are quoted as part of the overall project scope.

Can I use your PS1 with my own architect's drawings?

Yes. We can provide the structural engineering design and PS1 to complement architectural drawings prepared by your architect. We coordinate with your architect to ensure the structural information is correctly integrated into the consent package.

Need a PS1 for your New Zealand project?

Available on request. We aim to quote within one business day.