About our Board
BRANZ is governed by directors with extensive expertise across construction, science, business, research and governance. Our independent governance ensures BRANZ invests in effective research, infrastructure, tools and guidance that address the building sector’s priorities.
How is the Board elected?
Five directors are elected by the Building Research Advisory Council, and those elected members may appoint up to three independent directors.
BRANZ Board membership
Nigel Smith
Board Chair
Nigel has over 30 years’ experience in the New Zealand construction industry, qualifying as an architectural draughtsman, and has extensive technical knowledge of the industry specifically related to design and building methodology. Nigel is a director of several Canterbury-based building companies and served as National Chair of Master Builders from 2018 to 2025. He was a founding trustee of Construction Health and Safety New Zealand and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. Nigel joined the BRANZ Board in 2019.
Alister Lawrence
Director
Alister is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors New Zealand and a director on several boards. With a background in building materials manufacturing, engineering and international project management, Alister holds an honours degree in civil engineering and a postgraduate diploma in business administration. Alister is a director and shareholder of Placemakers Limited with insight into the technical development of building materials and their commercialisation and has great respect for the environment. Alister joined the BRANZ Board in 2022.
Dr Erica Seville
Director
Erica has many years of experience in the research sector, including leading major research programmes in disaster management and reconstruction, economic and business recovery, and resilience of the built environment. Erica has a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Environmental) and a PhD. In 2022, she was appointed Chief Scientist for the resilience, building and built environment portfolio. Erica is currently a Commissioner with Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake. Erica joined the BRANZ Board in 2022.
Ian McCormick
Director
Ian brings considerable experience in the sector, with a particular focus on the regulatory area. He is General Manager of Building Consents at Auckland Council, overseeing Auckland’s largest building consent authority. He is a former Vice President of the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand (BOINZ) and currently chairs the Metro Sector Group. Ian has also been a member of the Institute of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Business Studies and a Diploma of Business Administration and is a registered Master of Management. Ian joined the BRANZ Board in 2024.
Kevin Jenkins
Director
Kevin brings more than 30 years’ experience helping organisations drive performance and tackle complex challenges. He is a founding member of business advisory firm MartinJenkins and serves on a range of boards and committees, including the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, New Zealand Qualifications Authority, Iti Kōpara Public Governance Aotearoa Trust, Ministry of Defence Risk and Assurance Committee, Stats NZ Risk and Assurance Committee and WorkSafe. Kevin has extensive governance experience across the public and private sectors and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. He joined the BRANZ Board in April 2025.
Mike Sang
Director
Mike has 25 years’ experience working within and on boards as a non‑executive director. He has also been a chief executive and chief financial officer across multiple sectors, including 15 years as Chief Executive of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Mike is on the boards of Orion New Zealand, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and AIA NZ. Mike joined the BRANZ Board in 2021.