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New Zealand has mandatory standards for new builds#
If you’re planning to do property work at a school in New Zealand, you must follow New Zealand design standards. These standards help make sure our schools are safe, fit-for-purpose and sustainable.
For schools: an essential reference#
Designing schools in Aotearoa New Zealand (DSNZ) is the document that sets out the school property design standards you must follow. These standards are mandatory for new builds. You also need to meet these standards where practicable for maintenance or refurbishments.
In this over-arching document, you can find information about design principles, spatial planning, and technical specifications, with links to standards. We strongly recommend schools read this document together with our standard design catalogues.
For construction professionals: find design standards#
All work on school property is expected to comply with legislative requirements, best practices, and Ministry requirements.
Consult 'Designing schools in Aotearoa New Zealand' and use the list of Ministry requirements and guidance on this page.
Mōhiohio anō
More information
Standard designs are a set of pre-approved designs for school buildings and classroom layouts. Standardising these designs means projects can move from planning to construction more quickly, and all students can learn in well-designed, well-maintained schools.
