Guided by industry
BRANZ is set up so research stays focused on what the sector needs most. The Building Research Advisory Council helps set priorities, while the Research Investment Advisory Group advises where funding will have the greatest impact.
Together, they bring industry insight and independent scrutiny to how Levy funding is directed – ensuring every dollar delivers real value for industry and for New Zealanders.
Building Research Advisory Council (BRAC)
The Building Research Advisory Council (BRAC) plays a key role in ensuring BRANZ remains accountable and responsive to the New Zealand building and construction industry.
BRAC:
- brings together industry, government, business and consumer perspectives
- advises BRANZ on emerging industry issues and priorities
- elects the BRANZ Board of Directors.
Membership
BRAC has 16 members, representing 14 nominating bodies across the sector, and meets twice a year.
| Member | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Rick Osborne (Chair) | Business New Zealand |
| Jeff Fahrensohn (Deputy Chair) | Local Government New Zealand |
| Nathan Rooney | Architectural Designers NZ |
| Stephen Walker | Building Industry Federation |
| Jon Duffy | Consumer New Zealand |
| Cameron Lorne | Civil Contractors New Zealand |
| Craig McGhie | Engineering New Zealand |
| Brian Berg | Kāinga Ora |
| John Tait | Local Government New Zealand |
| Sanjesh Lal | Master Builders |
| Ankit Sharma | Master Builders |
| David Hall | Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment |
| Wayne Carson | New Zealand Specialist Trade Contractors Federation |
| Karl Wipatene | New Zealand Institute of Architects |
| Garry Nott | New Zealand Certified Builders |
| Stuart Oliver | Property Council New Zealand |
The Research Investment Advisory Group (RIAG)
The Research Investment Advisory Group (RIAG) is an independent panel of sector experts representing science, industry, Iwi, government and BRAC. Its role is to help ensure Levy investment is targeted, relevant and delivers the greatest possible impact.
RIAG:
- assesses individual research proposals against investment criteria
- advises the BRANZ Inc. Board on where Levy funding will deliver the greatest value
- ensures research priorities reflect real‑world challenges and opportunities.
This process supports research that contributes to more affordable, quality, resilient and sustainable buildings for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Membership
RIAG has 10 members.
| Member | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Paul Campbell (Chair) | WSP, representing Engineering NZ |
| Zak Read | Toa Homes |
| Jeff Fahrensohn | Auckland Council (BRAC representative) |
| Matthew Duder | EBOSS |
| Rick Osborne | Business NZ (BRAC representative) |
| Huia Reriti | New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) |
| David Hall | MBIE (BRAC representative) |
| Jo Horrocks | Natural Hazards Commission | Toka Tū Ake |
| Linda Faulkner | Earth Sciences New Zealand |
| Shamubeel Eaqub | Simplicity |