Straight answers to the questions we hear most

If you have a question that is not covered here, email us at info@newconcept.co.nz or call 09 4444 457 and we will get back to you directly.

Pool Fencing

Frameless glass pool fencing can comply with the applicable New Zealand Building Code requirements when correctly designed and installed. It provides unobstructed views of the pool area, helping improve visibility while maintaining a clean, modern appearance. Glass won't rust, rot, or require repainting, making it well suited to Auckland's coastal environment.

 No opening in the pool barrier, including beneath the fence, should allow a 100mm sphere to pass through. The outside of the barrier must also remain free of climbable objects or features within the required clearance zone, as these could allow young children to climb over the fence. Furniture, barbecues, pot plants, and other climbable objects should be kept well clear of the barrier. Gates must also comply with the applicable clearance and safety requirements, including self-closing and self-latching provisions.

Many new pool barrier installations require building consent. Whether consent is required depends on the scope of the work and the specific project. We recommend checking with your local council before installation. Where required, we can provide PS1 producer statements for nominated hardware and PS3 producer statements for installation work within the scope of our services.

Every three years. Your local council carries out the mandatory inspections. You can also use an Independently Qualified Pool Inspector (IQPI) accepted by MBIE. Councils can also inspect your pool at any time outside the three-year cycle. Failing an inspection results in a notice to fix. Ignoring it can lead to fines of up to $20,000 for individuals.

In most cases, yes. Any spa pool capable of holding 400mm or more of water must have a compliant barrier. An exception may apply to a small heated pool with a water surface area of 5m² or less, side walls at least 760mm high, and a compliant lockable safety cover. Whether a spa pool qualifies for this exemption depends on the specific design and whether it meets the applicable Building Code requirements. If you're unsure, we recommend checking with your local council before installation.

Yes. A wall of your house may form part of the pool barrier, provided the applicable Building Code requirements are met. Depending on the design, doors and windows opening into the pool area may require additional safety measures. If you're planning to use part of your home as the pool barrier, we recommend checking the current Building Code requirements or speaking with your local council.

Every gate into the pool area must open away from the pool, be self-closing from any open position, and be self-latching. The latch must be positioned so a child cannot reach it from outside, or placed at least 1500mm above the ground. These are among the most common fail points at inspection, so it is worth getting this right at installation rather than fixing it later.

1200mm, measured from the finished ground level on the outside of the barrier. Where a boundary fence forms part of the pool barrier, different requirements may apply depending on the design and location of the fence. If you're unsure, we recommend checking with your local council.

Yes. Any residential pool capable of holding 400mm or more of water must have a compliant barrier. This includes in-ground pools, above-ground pools, spa pools, portable pools, and inflatable pools. The rule applies whether the pool is filled or only partly filled. It also applies whether or not children live at the property.

Balustrades

Yes. We custom-cut glass panels and supply hardware to fit the measurements taken on site. Irregular shapes, angled decks, and non-standard spans are all workable. We assess the site first, so we know exactly what we are dealing with before before manufacturing begins.

The more detail you can give us, the more accurate the quote. Useful information includes the length of balustrade required in metres, the height of the deck or drop below, what you want to fix into (concrete, timber, steel), whether there are any stairs involved, your preferred finish (stainless, matte black, brushed nickel, other), and whether you need a top rail. We always do a site visit before supplying or installing, so we can verify the measurements and check the substrate ourselves. We'll carry out an on-site measure before manufacturing any custom glass for installation projects based in the Auckland Region.

Yes. Openings in a balustrade must comply with the applicable New Zealand Building Code requirements. In most residential applications, no opening should allow a 100mm sphere to pass through where required by the Building Code. The design must also minimise climbable features where applicable. We assess each project and specify the appropriate glass, hardware, and spacing to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements.

It depends on the scope of the work. A like-for-like replacement of an existing balustrade in the same position may not require building consent. New balustrades, structural alterations, or work forming part of a new building project often require consent. If you're unsure, check with your local council before starting. Where required for a building consent application, we can provide PS1 producer statements for nominated hardware and PS3 producer statements for installation work within the scope of our services.

Yes, if it meets the requirements of both Clause F4 and Clause D1. The rail must be at the right height above the stair pitch line (900mm to 1000mm), run continuously along the full flight, extend 300mm beyond the top and bottom nosings on accessible routes, and have a graspable profile with 45mm to 60mm of clear space for a hand to slide along. Many framed glass systems with the right top rail profile achieve this. Fully frameless systems without a top rail will need a separate handrail on the stair side.

A balustrade is a barrier designed to prevent falls from height on decks, balconies, landings, and stairs. A handrail is a graspable rail that provides support and guidance on a stairway or ramp. Although they often work together, they serve different purposes and are subject to different New Zealand Building Code requirements. Balustrades are primarily governed by Clause F4 (Safety from Falling), while handrails are covered by Clause D1 (Access Routes). On a flat deck, a balustrade is generally all that is required. On most stairways, both a compliant balustrade and a compliant handrail are required—the balustrade helps prevent falls from the side, while the handrail provides support and stability when using the stairs.

Glass used in balustrades must comply with the applicable New Zealand safety glazing standards. The required glass type and thickness depend on the balustrade system, span, loading requirements, and Building Code compliance. For fully frameless structural glass balustrades, laminated safety glass is generally required. We specify the appropriate glass and hardware after assessing your project.

For residential properties, the minimum height is generally 1000mm above the finished floor level or stair nosing. Commercial buildings and areas of public access may require higher barriers, typically 1100mm. Height is measured to the top of the barrier or handrail, depending on the system design.

Under the New Zealand Building Code, a balustrade is generally required wherever there is a risk of falling from height. In practice, this means a balustrade is usually required for any deck, balcony, stair, or landing with a fall of 1 metre (1000mm) or more. If your deck is less than 1000mm above the ground, a balustrade is generally not required by the Building Code. However, if you choose to install one, it must still comply with the applicable Building Code requirements, including structural loading and opening limitations.

Frameless Showers

Frameless glass pool fencing can comply with the applicable New Zealand Building Code requirements when correctly designed and installed. It provides unobstructed views of the pool area, helping improve visibility while maintaining a clean, modern appearance. Glass won't rust, rot, or require repainting, making it well suited to Auckland's coastal environment.

 No opening in the pool barrier, including beneath the fence, should allow a 100mm sphere to pass through. The outside of the barrier must also remain free of climbable objects or features within the required clearance zone, as these could allow young children to climb over the fence. Furniture, barbecues, pot plants, and other climbable objects should be kept well clear of the barrier. Gates must also comply with the applicable clearance and safety requirements, including self-closing and self-latching provisions.

Many new pool barrier installations require building consent. Whether consent is required depends on the scope of the work and the specific project. We recommend checking with your local council before installation. Where required, we can provide PS1 producer statements for nominated hardware and PS3 producer statements for installation work within the scope of our services.

Every three years. Your local council carries out the mandatory inspections. You can also use an Independently Qualified Pool Inspector (IQPI) accepted by MBIE. Councils can also inspect your pool at any time outside the three-year cycle. Failing an inspection results in a notice to fix. Ignoring it can lead to fines of up to $20,000 for individuals.

In most cases, yes. Any spa pool capable of holding 400mm or more of water must have a compliant barrier. An exception may apply to a small heated pool with a water surface area of 5m² or less, side walls at least 760mm high, and a compliant lockable safety cover. Whether a spa pool qualifies for this exemption depends on the specific design and whether it meets the applicable Building Code requirements. If you're unsure, we recommend checking with your local council before installation.

Yes. A wall of your house may form part of the pool barrier, provided the applicable Building Code requirements are met. Depending on the design, doors and windows opening into the pool area may require additional safety measures. If you're planning to use part of your home as the pool barrier, we recommend checking the current Building Code requirements or speaking with your local council.

Every gate into the pool area must open away from the pool, be self-closing from any open position, and be self-latching. The latch must be positioned so a child cannot reach it from outside, or placed at least 1500mm above the ground. These are among the most common fail points at inspection, so it is worth getting this right at installation rather than fixing it later.

1200mm, measured from the finished ground level on the outside of the barrier. Where a boundary fence forms part of the pool barrier, different requirements may apply depending on the design and location of the fence. If you're unsure, we recommend checking with your local council.

Yes. Any residential pool capable of holding 400mm or more of water must have a compliant barrier. This includes in-ground pools, above-ground pools, spa pools, portable pools, and inflatable pools. The rule applies whether the pool is filled or only partly filled. It also applies whether or not children live at the property.

Working With New Concept Glass

Lead times vary depending on the product and the complexity of the project. Standard hardware is generally available from stock, while custom-made glass is manufactured to order after measurements have been confirmed. We'll provide an estimated lead time when we prepare your quotation and keep you informed throughout the process. 

We stock hardware in a range of popular finishes designed to complement modern joinery and bathroom fittings. If your joinery is a standard colour such as black, white, silver, or gun metal, we can usually recommend a suitable match. Custom powder-coated finishes may also be available for selected products and larger projects. Bringing a colour sample or photo to our showroom will help us recommend the closest available finish.

Yes. Our showroom is at 4B William Pickering Drive, Rosedale, Auckland. We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. You can see hardware samples, glass finishes, and system options in person. Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours, although calling ahead is appreciated if you would like to discuss a specific project.

 We stock hardware in Mirror Polish, Matte Black, Gun Metal, Matt Appliance white, Brushed Brass, Satin Brass, Antique Brass, Brushed copper and Brushed Nickel finishes across much of our product range, including shower hardware, balustrade systems, and pool fencing components. Availability varies by product. If you're looking for a particular finish, contact us and we'll be happy to confirm current availability.

 Yes. Where required for a building consent application, we can provide PS1 producer statements for nominated hardware and PS3 producer statements for installation work within the scope of our services. If your project requires compliance documentation, please let us know at the quotation stage so we can incorporate it into the project from the outset.

Contact us by phone, email, or visit our Rosedale showroom. Tell us about your project and provide as much information as possible, including measurements, drawings, or photos if available. We'll discuss your requirements and, for installation projects, arrange a free on-site measure and quotation. There is no obligation.


Phone: 09 4444 457

Email: info@newconcept.co.nz

Showroom: 4B William Pickering Drive, Rosedale, Auckland

Yes. For all installation projects, we carry out an on-site measure before manufacturing to confirm the dimensions, assess the supporting structure, and ensure the selected products are suitable for the installation. Glass is manufactured to the actual site measurements, not from plans alone. For supply-only orders, we can manufacture from the drawings or measurements you provide. As custom-made products are manufactured to the dimensions supplied, we recommend checking all measurements carefully before placing your order.

Both. We supply glass and hardware from our Rosedale warehouse for customers who wish to install the products themselves or use their own builder or installer. We also provide professional installation services throughout the Auckland region. For supply-only orders, we're happy to help you select the appropriate products for your project.