BRANZ Lends Support to Inquiry into Leaky Buildings

Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) today announced it would support the Select Committee’s inquiry into the Weathertightness problem found in some buildings and homes.

BRANZ chief executive Allan Nichols said BRANZ recognised the Select Committee provided an opportunity to seek a resolution that met the needs of all concerned including industry and building owners.

“BRANZ will help the inquiry in anyway it can in terms of providing its expertise and information,” said Dr Nichols.

“The building industry needs to work honestly, openly and collaboratively with the Inquiry.”

Dr Nichols said, “There is also a role for an industry-wide forum to work together to resolve issues outside the Select Committee Inquiry.”

BRANZ has highlighted the weathertightness problem through its industry magazine Build and continues to play a proactive role in recommending ways to avoid the problem. BRANZ’s actions have included the establishment of the Weathertightness Buildings Steering Group and provision of several series of relevant industry seminars.

Dr Nichols said that BRANZ welcomed the initiative taken by the Building Industry Authority (BIA) in commissioning the report on weathertightness of buildings, which was the catalyst for the Select Committee Inquiry.

BRANZ is the leader in providing independent, unbiased research, product testing, consulting services and best practice information for fire, structural engineering, energy efficiency, durability, and weathertightness.

BRANZ is required by law, ‘to conduct its activities at all times in an impartial and independent manner free from bias and sectional interests’; its research has been internationally recognised and acclaimed.

…/2 Dr Nichols said that BRANZ was ideally positioned to assist the Select Committee Inquiry in its investigation and consideration of this multifaceted issue, given BRANZ’ experience and expertise.

The Inquiry was mooted after Internal Affairs Minister George Hawkins asked the Government’s Administration Select Committee to conduct an inquiry into the Building Industry Authority’s Weathertightness report.

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