Who we are

We invest the Building Research Levy into research, infrastructure and tools that address the issues that matter most to the building and construction sector.

Every time a building consent is issued for work valued at $20,000 and over, the Building Research Levy (0.1%) is collected. BRANZ invests this funding into practical, sector‑focused research delivered by BRANZ and by organisations across New Zealand.

These decisions are made for industry, by industry. Investment priorities are guided by the Building Research Advisory Council, with proposals assessed by the independent Research Investment Advisory Group, representing science, industry, iwi and government.

This approach ensures every research dollar delivers practical results and targeted impact where it’s needed most.

Through levy investment, BRANZ works with industry, researchers and partners to develop easy‑to‑use research, guidance and tools.

These resources help lift building quality, reduce costs and rework, and support faster and more consistent decisions. They are designed for use across the sector, from designers and builders to policymakers and regulators.

Through independent testing and product assurance, the building sector can trust that building products and systems will perform as claimed in New Zealand conditions.

BRANZ’s testing and assurance services, including BRANZ Appraisals and CodeMark certification, help suppliers and manufacturers to:

• demonstrate compliance with the New Zealand Building Code
• reduce time, cost and uncertainty through trusted pathways
• support innovation with credible, science‑based evidence
• reduce risk for councils, designers, builders and homeowners.

Testing and certification services are paid for by product suppliers and manufacturers and are not funded by the Building Research Levy.

BRANZ invests in building science facilities and expertise that support the innovation, testing and research the sector relies on. For the building and construction sector, this national capability enables products to be tested for real New Zealand and international conditions, provides clearer pathways to compliance, strengthens public safety, and ensures buildings can last the distance in New Zealand’s unique conditions. 

BRANZ has invested for decades in nationally significant facilities that enable rigorous, real‑world testing. From fire and materials labs to large‑scale structural and weathertightness testing, including full‑scale buildings, these capabilities reflect how buildings actually perform in New Zealand conditions. The result is stronger evidence, better products and safer, more resilient buildings.

BRANZ provides trusted, independent product assurance that reduces risk and supports innovation. Since the 1970s, BRANZ Appraisals have given designers, builders and regulators confidence in product performance in New Zealand conditions. Today, Appraisals and CodeMark certification support thousands of consent decisions each year, helping proven and innovative products reach the market faster and with greater certainty.

BRANZ turns building science into practical tools and guidance the sector uses every day. From early resources like the Annual Loss Factor and House Insulation Guide to today’s digital platforms and training, we help builders, designers, regulators and homeowners make confident decisions. By simplifying complex research and backing it with expert support, we continue to lift performance across the industry.

BRANZ delivers the independent science that underpins the New Zealand Building Code. Our research covers structural performance, fire safety, durability, moisture and energy efficiency, ensuring requirements are practical and fit for local conditions. By linking evidence with regulation, we help keep the Code relevant as risks, materials and practices evolve.

When the system is under pressure, BRANZ provides the evidence and guidance the sector needs to respond. Our work has supported post‑earthquake recovery, improved fire safety, informed public health responses during COVID‑19 and guided responses to severe weather. This helps reduce long‑term risk and supports faster, safer recovery.

BRANZ is focused on what comes next, tackling the sector’s biggest challenges, including affordability, quality, resilience and sustainability. We don’t just respond to problems; we help shape solutions, enabling better long‑term decisions and ensuring New Zealand’s buildings are fit for the future.