Proposed repeal of New Zealand's building levy raises safety concerns

A legislative move to repeal the Building Research Levy Act has cleared its first reading, sparking alarm among New Zealand's construction sector. The levy currently finances BRANZ, a respected independent research institute with a state-of-the-art fire lab and long-term material testing programs. Industry leaders, including the Building Industry Federation and Infrastructure New Zealand, warn that shifting funding and decision-making to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment could compromise the independence of building science.

They point to the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, where inadequate oversight contributed to a deadly fire, as a stark reminder of the stakes. While the repeal would reduce the levy by $65 per new home, officials argue the savings are modest compared to the potential loss of rigorous, climate-specific research. The bill will not be debated again until after the upcoming election, and public submissions are accepted until November 15.