RANZ: Industry Insights

Luke Boustridge, Chief Executive, Roofing Association NZ

2025 has been a year of recalibration for New Zealand’s roofing sector. The post-pandemic construction surge has eased, replaced by tighter margins, shifting demand, and a more competitive marketplace. While the wider economy shows early signs of recovery, our industry continues to wrestle with regulations that haven’t caught up with modern roofing’s complexity.

The biggest frustration remains the licensing gap. Roofing sits awkwardly under the current Licensed Building Practitioner framework, leaving space for unqualified operators to slip through. Every time a cowboy cuts corners, it hurts all of us, members and non-members alike. It erodes public trust, drags down prices, and cheapens a craft that should be respected. RANZ continues to push for a licensing regime that reflects the technical, safety, and quality standards our trade deserves.

At the same time, the ongoing confusion around building-code requirements for ventilation and condensation is causing unnecessary grief. The technology has evolved, but the code hasn’t. Until that alignment happens, we’ll keep seeing the same moisture and performance failures that could easily be prevented with stronger guidance and consistency.

That’s why RANZ is changing direction. For too long, we’ve looked inward. Strategically, it’s time to look outward, to the public, to the market, and to the reputation of our trade. Our focus is on people: the families reroofing their homes, the homeowners building for the long term, and the developers demanding quality, durability, and pride in every roof and wall cladding.

Membership is how we drive that change. Being part of RANZ isn’t just a badge, it’s a signal: that you’re competent, qualified, and accountable. It shows clients and regulators that you stand for quality and integrity. The more members we have, the stronger our voice becomes with the government, suppliers, and the public.

So, if you’re already a member, stand tall in it — talk about it, use it, promote it. And if you’re not yet part of RANZ, now’s the time. Join us. Help us build an outward-facing, forward-thinking, and respected roofing industry. Because together, and only together, we can protect our trade, lift our reputation, and give New Zealanders the confidence they deserve in their homes and buildings.