A critical gib shortage may force developers to redesign their builds

Government officials held emergency talks with industry leaders yesterday, attempting to hammer out solutions to the shortfall.

Winston Wallboards' supply is so problematic, one developer inquiring in January, was told to ask again in June.

When Simplicity Living was told it would have to wait until Christmas - it ordered cheaper alternatives from Thailand.

MBIE's John Sneyd says designs need to match products available.

He says consenting bodies in local councils have been advised on streamlining consenting process to allow plaster boards to be substituted.