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In 2026, the building and construction sector is facing a significant period of reform. Many parts of the system are being reviewed — from consenting to liability, to how building research is funded.

New Zealand’s building and construction sector is entering its biggest shake up in decades.

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.

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.

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.

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.

40 top architecture, engineering, construction management, landscape architecture, and sustainable engineering students from around the country showed that the future of New Zealand's building and construction industry is in good hands.

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