Government to ease rules for small sheds, sleepouts and garages

Tuesday 5 August 2025 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 5 Aug 2025, 3:24pm

In this story David Seymour

Cabinet has agreed to change consenting rules for small single-storey structures under 10 square metres. Homeowners will soon be able to build garden sheds and sleepouts closer to property boundaries, while garages will require a minimum setback of 1m. These regulatory changes are expected to be implemented by the end of the year.

How they headlined it

2:30pm3:01pm

1. RNZTue 5 Aug 2025, 2:30pm

   Garden shed, sleepout and garage rules to be eased by government (opens in new tab)

   Also on NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsTue 5 Aug 2025, 2:32pm

   Change coming to rules for residential sheds, garages (opens in new tab)

3. StuffTue 5 Aug 2025, 3:01pm

   Government takes trimmer to garden shed and sleepout red tape (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesTue 5 Aug 2025, 3:24pm

   Shed, sleepout and garage rules to be relaxed (opens in new tab)