Case Study: TANZ
How Education Transformed Tiling Quality Across New Zealand
Project Duration: 12 months
Lead Organisation/personnel: Brendon Manson, Manager of Tile Association of NZ (TANZ)
Proudly sponsored by: Construction Growth Foundation (CGF)
Endorsed by: Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE)
The Challenge
Tile installation and membrane application in New Zealand's wet areas has historically been inconsistent. TANZ identified that there was room for improvement in the application of technical knowledge, and has worked with designers, contractors and building officials to improve the quality of designs, approvals, and site work.
"The key objective is to get everyone on the same page and ensure the quality of work meets the New Zealand Building Code performance requirements," says Brendon Manson, Manager of TANZ.
Brendon Manson, Manager of TANZ
The challenge extended beyond the tile installation. Framing, substrates, and waterproofing are equally critical, and poor execution in these areas shows through even expertly laid tiles, which can lead to water damage and costly repairs. With 2,200 tilers working across New Zealand and a new Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence class for waterproofing launching in April 2026, comprehensive industry guidance was urgently needed.
The Solution
Construction Growth Foundation (CGF) recognised this capability gap and provided funding support to TANZ to update the BRANZ Good Practice Guide :Tiling to a comprehensive Best Practice Guide for Tiling and Wet Area Construction. Building on the BRANZ legacy dating back to 1996, this fourth edition represents a fully revised resource informed by seven years of research, specifically written for New Zealand's building industry with focus on E3/AS2 best practice workmanship.
The guide serves tilers, builders, designers, waterproofing applicators, Building Consent Authorities, and homeowners, recognising that quality outcomes require understanding the complete system, not isolated components.
Covering everything from performance requirements and substrate installation to swimming pools and tile selection, the guide emphasises practical, accessible information with extensive photographs and illustrations that make complex technical requirements understandable at all skill levels.
Measurable Impact
The guide's effectiveness was proven through implementation with G.J. Gardner Homes, one of New Zealand's largest building companies. TANZ partnered with G.J.'s to upskill all builders and tilers using the Best Practice Guide.
"The TANZ T.E.A.M (Tile Education Adhesives and Membranes) training course to implement the TANZ Best Practice Guide and has led to substantial improvement in quality outcomes, with works meeting NZBC performance requirement
This improvement demonstrates the tangible value of investing in education, by reducing rework costs and better compliance outcomes across the board.
Sector-Wide Benefits
With MBIE endorsing the guide as best practice for complying with E3 and B2 of the NZ Building Code, it has become a sector-wide standard. The timing aligns perfectly with the June 2026 introduction of the new waterproofing LBP licence class, providing the educational foundation that tile practitioners need to meet these standards.
The guide also addresses tiling's inclusion on Immigration New Zealand's skill shortage list, ensuring the existing workforce can upskill while providing a clear pathway for new practitioners.
"We have proof it works through the G.J. Gardner Homes TANZ T.E.A.M Training Course, which has been growing since 2023," says Brendon Manson.
CGF's Strategic Approach
This case study exemplifies CGF's commitment to sector development: identifying capability gaps, supporting evidence-based solutions, and enabling widespread adoption through practical education resources.
The result? A stronger construction sector that delivers better outcomes for homeowners, reduces unnecessary rework, and builds New Zealand's reputation for quality construction. As the industry prepares for April 2026's new licensing requirements, the TANZ Best Practice Guide stands ready as an essential tool for practitioners nationwide.