465.Some functions of the building safety authority or fire safety authority can only be exercised by an officer that has been provided with the authority to carry out that function (an “authorised officer”), see sections 103 to 105. This section makes provision in respect of “authorised officers”.
466.Provision is made for the way in which an authorisation must be given (subsections (1) and (3)) and how it may be varied or revoked (subsection (4)). Subsection (2) provides an enforcing authority may only authorise a person to exercise functions that it considers the person suitably qualified to exercise.
467.Subsection (5) means that the authorised officer must, if asked when seeking to exercise a function of the officer, produce evidence of the authorisation.
468.Subsection (6) defines key term for the purpose of Part 3, including “relevant purpose” in relation to an authorised officer. This term is then used in various provisions in Part 3 e.g. under section 103(1) an authorised officer may enter premises not being used as a residential unit where they consider it necessary to enter for a “relevant purpose” (and the criteria in section 103(1)(b) are satisfied).
Commentary on Sections Functions of authorised officers Section 102 - Authorised officers and meaning of “relevant purpose”