News releases from BRANZ

$11.5 million building research boost to make Kiwi homes smarter

From low-cost granny flat designs to AI-powered tools, 22 new projects will share $11.5 million in Building Research Levy funding, driving innovation and affordability for New Zealand’s buildings.

Early signs of sustained recovery for New Zealand’s construction sector

After a prolonged period of subdued demand, new data from BRANZ Build Insights tool points to a sustained recovery in building activity and a strengthening long-term pipeline for New Zealand’s construction sector.

Build Insights end of year report: Wellington leads housing affordability gains

Wellington is becoming more affordable faster than anywhere else in New Zealand, with mortgage serviceability up 64% since late 2023 - the strongest improvement nationwide.

BRANZ statement on proposed changes to the Building Research Levy Act

20 November 2025. Cabinet’s proposal to remove the Building Research Levy Act marks a significant change for New Zealand’s building and construction sector.

Important changes to Build magazine

We’re excited to announce some significant developments for the future of Build magazine.

National carbon database is live

New Zealand’s National Embodied Carbon Data Repository, NECO2, is now freely and publicly available.

Chatham Islands - BRANZ metal testing samples

Where the wind never sleeps: Extreme corrosion on the Chatham Islands

New BRANZ research reveals corrosion on the Chatham Islands occurs up to 22 times faster than on mainland New Zealand - nearly twice the rate of Europe’s most extreme marine environments.

AEB Winners - L to R Rob Gaimster (Concrete NZ),Shivam Bansal, Bella Mercado, Beatrice (Wei Qi) Hong, Enoch (Yinou) Shi, Claire Falck (BRANZ)

Future leaders build resilience in 72-hour national design-athon

ArchEngBuild featured 40 final-year students from across the country in architecture, engineering, construction management, landscape architecture, and sustainable engineering.

World-leading fire laboratory

Today marks the official unveiling of BRANZ’s new world-leading fire testing laboratory at its campus in Porirua.

Build Insights

28 May 2025. Build Insights is an online tool that brings together trusted economic data and insights from across the building and construction sector.

Kevin Jenkins conversing to someone outside of the photo frame

Kevin Jenkins appointed to BRANZ Board

9 April 2025. BRANZ Chair, Nigel Smith announces the appointment of Kevin Jenkins to the BRANZ Group Board of Directors.

Image of home model on grass with trees and sun behind

New data indicates rising summer indoor temps, and need for better home design

13 March 2025. BRANZ’s landmark study into home energy use and indoor conditions indicates that indoor summer temperatures have risen by 6-10% over the past 20 years, and people are feeling the heat.

The National Construction Pipeline Report 2024 is now available

17 December 2024. The National Construction Pipeline Report 2024 provides a projection of national building and construction activity for the next six years.

Major study reveals marked gap between perceived and actual health of Kiwi homes

28 November 2024. Early results and insights from BRANZ's landmark study of energy use and conditions in New Zealand homes.

Mates in construction research news tile

MATES in Construction latest research on mental health in the industry

10 September 2024. MATES in Construction releases new research that shows mental health gains, but urges more scaffolding for at-risk workers.

Ian McCormick appointed to BRANZ Board

22 August 2024. BRANZ Chair, Nigel Smith announces the appointment of Ian McCormick to the BRANZ Group Board of Directors.

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BRANZ CEO: Collaboration is key to transforming construction sector

12 August 2024. How can the building sector work together to deliver better outcomes for New Zealand? Constructive 2024, the industry-led forum, aims to answer this question.

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Our Annual Review 2024 is now available

13 August 2024. Includes insights from Chair Nigel Smith and Chief Executive Claire Falck, collaborative research highlights, and new projects approved during the year.

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Dr Chris Litten, BRANZ GM Research & Umberto Berardi, President of IABP

NZ to host International Building Physics Conference 2027

28 July 2024. BRANZ, with Tourism New Zealand and Business Events Wellington, has been announced as the host of the International Building Physics Conference 2027. It will bring more than 300 of the world’s top building science experts to NZ.

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New industry initiative to reduce carbon emissions of New Zealand buildings

18 July 2024. BRANZ announced a partnership with Masterspec to develop a national online resource of carbon data for construction materials and products.

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Students compete to design earthquake-safe, sustainable housing

5 July 2024. 30 of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top architecture, engineering and construction students competed in this year’s ArchEngBuild challenge.

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ConCOVE Tūhura to lead UNESCO construction training expert group

23 April 2024. A New Zealand organisation will take a central role in determining the future of international construction trades training.

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New Chief Executive for BRANZ

14 August 2023. The BRANZ Board has announced that Acting CEO, Claire Falck has been appointed to the permanent Chief Executive role.

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Thorough drying out is top priority before repairing flood-damaged homes

8 Feb 2023. Following the recent devastating floods, many North Islanders are now preparing to repair their damaged homes or business premises. BRANZ has prepared comprehensive guidelines to help property owners remediate after a flood.

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Note: Seasons Greetings 🎄