NZS 3604 as of 1st March 2011, is now updated to NZS 3604:1999 on Masterspec Link.

Before the update, Masterspec did refer to NZS 3604 without stating a date, our section 1233 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS states that this is to be taken as the latest version. Normally this is not a problem, but in this case it was an issue.

The new NZS 3604:2011 has been released, however it is not yet recognised by the NZ Building Code as an acceptable solution or verification method. NZS 3604:1999 is cited in the NZBC, so until the Code is changed, the 2011 version is an alternative solution.

If you have recently written a specification (or some sections), prior to the above date, and it is not yet part of a Building Consent, it may need to be amended. If it refers to 3604 in any of the work sections’ general clauses DOCUMENTS or DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO, then (in that clause only) you will need to add 1999 after NZS 3604, as follows;

NZS 3604:1999 Timber framed buildings

This will be reversed when the NZBC cites the 2011 version, expected to be in the middle of the year. Those of you who have Standards Online with Masterspec, can view the PDF’s of both the 1999 and 2011 versions of NZS 3604.