BRANZ

As we wrap up 2024, we’re incredibly proud to have collaborated with 193 amazing organisations this year. Your hard mahi and dedication has been key to our shared success. 👏✨ Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We wish you all a safe festive season.🎉 💠 Our offices will be closed from midday on 24 December and will reopen on 3 January 2025. See you in the new year!

Lovely to host Consumer NZ earlier today, and give them a tour of research and testing labs. It was great to hear about their priorities, and the close alignment that exists between our two organisations in terms of our focus on delivering better outcomes for New Zealand consumers.

Fires can result in significant devastation, as seen in the tragic incidents at Port Hills in Christchurch, Loafer’s Lodge in Wellington, and Grenfell Tower in London. With the growing trend of higher-density construction in Aotearoa New Zealand, enhancing fire safety is becoming increasingly crucial.   That's why we strongly support the Government's intention to review fire safety measures in the Building Code. To learn more about our position, read our submission https://lnkd.in/gJ4MAaZa

BRANZ is pleased to collaborate annually with Pacifecon (NZ) Limited to produce this valuable report - The National Construction Pipeline Report 2024, on behalf of Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for the building and construction sector.   This comprehensive report provides valuable insights into the future of New Zealand’s construction industry, including forecasts of building and infrastructure activity. It’s an essential resource for industry professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in the sector’s growth and trends.   Take a look at the report https://lnkd.in/gGJsGSnN for the complete list of key findings and stay updated on the latest trends in the construction industry!   #Construction #IndustryInsights #PipelineReport2024 #NewZealandConstruction

If you're planning to build or replace a deck during the Christmas break, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to use H4 or H5 timber for your deck piles. While H4 timber might seem like a cost-saving alternative, H5 is the minimum requirement for ground contact—and it’s essential to ensure your deck is safe and compliant with building standards.   There’s been some debate online about using H4 posts instead of H5 piles for deck support, with some questioning their durability. However, the Building Code and construction standards are clear: H5 timber is required for any posts or piles that come into contact with the ground.  Additionally, if you're replacing an old deck, make sure you properly clear and renew the soil in the footing holes to address any decay or damage from the old structure. By sticking to H5 timber for your deck piles, you’ll ensure your project is both safe and compliant—and ready to withstand the test of time. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/grnvc93M Happy decking! 🎄🔨 #DeckBuilding #H5Timber #BuildingCompliance #Durability #ChristmasProjects 

It was a pleasure having the Site Safe New Zealand Inc team on site yesterday. While they were here, we took the opportunity to offer them an up-close tour of our state-of-the-art facility.   It’s always great to connect in person with like-minded organisations. Both BRANZ and Site Safe are proud to be creating a positive change in the health and safety culture of New Zealand’s construction industry.  

Not many business services reach a 50th anniversary. The BRANZ Appraisal is one in a very exclusive group. Our Assurance Services team, which processes BRANZ Appraisal applications, has members who’ve been with BRANZ for decades. These are some of the people who have kept the BRANZ Appraisal the quality mark it remains today, 50 years after the first was issued. It is our pleasure to introduce you to them. The BRANZ Assurance Services team, from left: Darrel Hannon, Phil Haslam, Russell Clarke, Stuart Park, Peony Mudgway, Jo Jackson, Josh Colenso, Gagan Gowda, Kat Schuenemann, Campbell Means and André de Klerk. Not pictured: Alex Britton.                                                                                                                 If you’re interested in having your product appraised, give the team a ring on 0800 080 063 or send an email to assuranceservices@branz.co.nz 

We all know how costly and time-consuming delays in the consenting process are - it’s estimated that half a million working days per year are lost*.  That’s why our recent submission to MBIE is in favour of remote inspection to make the process faster. Remote inspections are done by live video, which saves travel time.     We also encourage the Government to consider including a record of quality which would save even more costs.  Together, these measures will ultimately help make housing more affordable for New Zealanders to build and maintain. Find out more and read our full submission: https://lnkd.in/gmmU3qSp #affordablehousing #buildingconsents #buildinginspections *Research by The University of Auckland, 2024, ModelDocs. In collaboration Transforming Building Consenting Behaviour for Better Housing. In collaboration with Auckland Council, Tauranga City Council, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New Zealand Institute of Architects, and industry. Funded by the Building Research Levy with support from NZIA. 

Thinking about getting your product appraised, or just curious about how the #BRANZAppraisal process works? Here's a simple breakdown of the key stages. From initial request to final review, this overview break down the process, helping you navigate each step. Learn more about the Appraisal process here: https://lnkd.in/gsaYAJfr

A huge congratulations to BRANZ Masters Scholar Lucy Lee, on receiving Highly Commended at the Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects – NZIA 2024 Student Design Awards for her project 'Algorithmic Abodes'. Lucy’s research aims to explore the automation of digital workflows and computational software for the design and manufacture of prefabricated panel homes. This thesis will be done in collaboration with an industry connection, Otago-based, high-tech timber structures, and prefabricated timber panel manufacturers: Hector Egger. This research is a response to New Zealand’s increased demand in housing, lack of experienced labour, building duration, and the need for innovative solutions to address waste and carbon emissions produced by the building and construction industry.