Building with science. At our heart, we’re a team of scientists, engineers and professionals committed to ensuring that Aotearoa New Zealand’s buildings are the best they can be. Find out more about our 50-year legacy.
Looking to test a building product or system? Find out more about BRANZ’s fire, structural and materials testing services.
Our role
We're a trusted building research and testing provider for Aotearoa New Zealand.
We are proudly independent. To improve Aotearoa New Zealand's buildings, we use our collaborative research, testing and quality assurance services, deep expertise and broad networks to find practical solutions.
Our research
As a national research institution for building and construction, we collaborate and share building insights and opportunities with industry, regulators and all New Zealanders.
Find out more about our research.
Our testing and assurance services
We provide independent, evidence-based testing and quality assurance services on a commercial basis. We do not approve products for use. Instead, our independent accreditation helps product suppliers and regulators have confidence that new building products and systems will perform to the required legislation and building codes.
Find out more about our testing and certification.
Our role as steward of the Building Research Levy
The Building Research levy is set at 0.1% and is applied to all building consents that have building work valued at over $20,000. So, for every $1,000 over this threshold, BRANZ receives $1. We invest the Levy in a wide range of research projects to improve building sector performance.
Find out more about Investing the Research Levy.
Building Research Advisory Council
The Building Research Advisory Council has 18 members representing 13 nominating bodies from the industry and trades, business sector, consumers and government. The council’s role is to elect BRANZ Board directors and represent members’ interests.
Delivering sector priorities
Our aspiration is to deliver affordable, resilient, sustainable and quality buildings for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Affordability at BRANZ: Practical solutions for building affordability in Aotearoa New Zealand
Housing affordability is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant issues. BRANZ works closely with the sector to deliver practical evidence-based solutions – including improving efficiency in consenting with our digital inspection and quality assurance app, Artisan.
Resilience at BRANZ: Future-proofing buildings through research and testing
Aotearoa New Zealand is exposed to many weather, climate and geological hazards, including earthquakes, cyclones and volcanic activity. BRANZ operates advance testing facilities and collaborates with decision-makers, building industry and communities to create a more resilient built environment.
Sustainability at BRANZ: Developing cost-effective sustainable building solutions
Constructing and operating buildings contributes an estimated 20% to Aotearoa New Zealand’s carbon footprint. BRANZ is applying science to drive sustainable building and construction, including free resources to support onsite waste management and to design out carbon emissions in buildings.
Quality at BRANZ: Ensuring buildings are safe, healthy and fit for the future
BRANZ works with the sector to raise quality standards throughout the entire building lifecycle to help create better homes for New Zealanders. We deliver research and testing that improves the way we build and ensures building products and methods are safe, effective and fit for purpose.
Find out more about our purpose, focus and approach in our strategy on a page.
Our research and testing facilities
BRANZ’s research and testing facilities in Porirua can simulate fire, earthquakes and extreme weather at scale and in close-to-realistic conditions, and can accelerate the impacts of decades of weather, UV, corrosion and daily use. We also have 24 exposure sites around the country, to consider a range of unique New Zealand climates and exposure risks.
This work is essential in keeping New Zealanders safe for generations to come.
Find out more about our facilities.
Updated: 5 September 2025