Celebrating 25 years of the NZ Building Industry Federation

The Building Industry Federation is an independent body representing businesses across New Zealand’s building and construction supply chain. We’d like to congratulate BIF NZ, its members and everyone who has contributed to the organisation over the past 25 years.

“The Building Industry Federation (BIF) is the peak industry body representing New Zealand’s building and construction supply chain. They’re an extremely valuable organisation - representing the views of a diverse range of members from across the supply chain as well as having excellent relationships with government. GS1 New Zealand enjoys a close working relationship with BIF as we collaborate on a range of industry issues that are pertinent to members of both organisations.

Dr Peter Stevens, CEO, GS1 New Zealand

GS1 New Zealand collaborating with BIF NZ

GS1 New Zealand formalised its relationship with BIF NZ as early as 2008, working together on issues that matter to businesses across the building and construction sector.

A big part of that work has been looking at how GS1 standards and identifiers can deliver efficiencies and productivity in the building and construction sector. Paired with this is a shared goal of enabling the industry to meet the needs of customers and regulators and driving trust and transparency throughout the supply chain.

More recently, our work together has turned to digital labelling - using technology such as QR Codes powered by GS1 to link tradies and consumers to digital product information. Earlier this year, BIF NZ and GS1 NZ hosted an industry event - with Minister for Regulation Hon David Seymour in attendance - to discuss how digital labelling can support the Building Product Information Regulations (BPIR), installation and warranty information and other use cases such as recycling and sustainability reporting.

The event highlighted digital labelling’s rapid move from concept to implementation. Driving the adoption is the global initiative to have all retail point-of-sale systems able to scan digital labels.

What’s next?

While we celebrate BIF NZ’s 25th Anniversary, there’s plenty more for us to work on together.

Digital labelling continues to be an important area for the building and construction sector, particularly as businesses look for simpler ways to provide accurate, up-to-date product information.

We’ll continue to engage with government and industry on the role of digital labelling for meeting BPIR requirements, and the wider application of GS1 standards for the industry. We’re also exploring the role of digital public infrastructure – the common digital building blocks that make it easier for businesses and government to exchange trusted information.

Congratulations to BIF NZ on 25 years.