BRANZ opposes the Government's proposal to repeal the Building Research Levy Act. The change would shift decision-making about levy funding away from the industry that pays the levy and weaken New Zealand's independent building research capability.
Below is a timeline of key documents and announcements relating to the proposed changes.
2026, June/July: Sector concerns about proposed changes to building research
Industry leaders and sector commentators are raising concerns about the potential impact on independent building research, industry influence over levy investment decisions, and the long-term performance of New Zealand's building system. Read more in the following articles:
The invisible system behind building safety - and what’s at risk
Building change must safeguard a system that protect the public-good
2026, June: The Building Amendment Bill introduced
The Building Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament on 29 June and received its First Reading by Minister for Building and Construction, Chris Penk, on 2 July.
The Bill will proceed through a six month Select Committee process, where the sector and the public will have an opportunity to have their say.
Transcript of the First Reading Parliamentary debate
2026, June: What the Sector is saying about the proposed Levy Reform
Stakeholder feedback across the construction sector is strong and consistent in raising concerns about the proposed repeal. They highlight risks to independence, long-term research, and sector capability, and signal potential challenges to sector support if the proposal progresses.
Sector feedback on Levy Reform.
2026, May: Meeting with the minister for Building and Construction
On 20 May, BRANZ met with the Minister for Building and Construction, to discuss the following two proposals the organisation has developed in response to the proposed repeal of the Building Research Levy:
- An alternative approach that meets the Government’s objectives without repealing the Levy. Read the details.
- A practical transition plan for the repeal that avoids unnecessary disruption and protects essential public‑good capability. Read the details.
At that meeting, the Minister confirmed the intention to progress with the repeal.
2026, February: Opinion – Claire Falck, CEO of BRANZ
In an editorial published in Build Magazine, BRANZ Chief Executive Claire Falck outlines why these proposed changes matter – for the building and construction sector and for all New Zealanders.
“Change is inevitable. What matters is how we respond... The opportunity now is to ensure that reform strengthens, rather than fragments, the long-term building science capability that underpins affordability, resilience, sustainability and quality.”
Read Claire Falck: Building reform's quiet risk
2025, December: Publication of Cabinet Paper, Cabinet Minute, and Regulatory Impact Statement
On 23 December 2025, MBIE released copies of the Cabinet Paper, Cabinet Minute, and supporting Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) relating to the proposed repeal of the Building Research Levy Act.
Cabinet paper: Modernising Building Research
Cabinet minute: Modernising Building Research
Regulatory Impact Statement: Reforming the building research funding system
2025, November: Cabinet proposes to repeal the Building Research Levy Act
On 20 November 2025, the Minister for Building and Construction announced Cabinet’s proposal to repeal the Building Research Levy Act (1969) and merge the Building Research Levy with the Building Levy.
Under the proposal, administration of building research funding would move from BRANZ to central government (MBIE). Funding for building research would be allocated on a contestable basis from a ringfenced portion of the Building Levy.
2025, August – October: MBIE review of the Building Research Levy Act
In August 2025, the Minister for Building and Construction asked MBIE to carry out a short review of the Building Research Levy Act (1969). The purpose was to align the funding of building research with modern levy collection and expenditure practices and to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the sector.
During the review, BRANZ provided two submissions to the Minister for Building and Construction, to reflect feedback from across the sector (including members of the Building Research Advisory Council).
BRANZ submission to Minister Penk on Building Research Levy Act Review
BRANZ briefing to Minister Penk
2025, July: Change of Minister responsible for the Building Research Levy Act
In July 2025, responsibility for the Building Research Levy Act (1969) was transferred from the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, to the Minister for Building and Construction.
Investing the Building Research Levy