Te tōpūtangaAbout BBHTC

BBHTC’s vision is to transcend the mere physicality of dwellings and urban spaces, turning them into welcoming, productive, and protective homes.

This vision aspires to create ‘kiwi’ built environments that foster genuine communities, allowing residents to unlock their social, cultural, and economic potentials.

Building Better Homes, Towns, and Cities (BBHTC) National Science Challenge is committed to transforming dwellings and places where people live into homes and communities that are hospitable, productive, and protective.

At its core, BBHTC is driven to seek innovative, affordable, and adaptable solutions for homes, towns, and cities. This National Science Challenge is not limited to construction and design; BBHTC is interested in investing in research that serves to harmonise people and their communities with living spaces that meet the diverse needs of the peoples of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

As BBHTC has evolved over the past 6 years, it has embraced a Treaty Partnership structure, echoing the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi).

This foundation underscores the unwavering commitment to inclusivity, equity, and the preservation of cultural heritage. BBHTC’s journey is inseparable from its allegiance to Whānau, Hapū, and Iwi, forming honorable relationships that ensure the challenge’s continuity as a beacon of collaborative progress.

BBHTC now embraces the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to the development of honorable research partnerships with whānau, hapū, iwi, and hāpori lead research. Collaboration lies at the heart of this endeavor. BBHTC is a partnership that unites industry, iwi, communities, and all levels of government. By joining forces with Māori, the Challenge seeks to deliver robust evidence and revamp the industry processes, all while fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Since being launched in 2016, BBHTC has focused on improving housing quality and supply, as well as crafting intelligent and appealing urban landscapes.

These endeavors encompass comprehensive research applicable to builders, homeowners, regulators, and communities alike. Facilitated by BRANZ (The Building Research Association of New Zealand), BBHTC research delves into the integration of innovation and technology within the New Zealand building sector. BBHTC research investments are made up of multi-disciplinary research teams who contribute to weaving together practical solutions for and with Māori and community needs, seeking to address the needs of the people living in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Building Better Homes, Towns, and Cities, National Science Challenge mission is to unite researchers, industry, and communities to co-create innovative knowledge, transforming living spaces into hospitable, flexible, and productive environments.

This mission encompasses:

1. Creating adaptable homes and communities tailored to New Zealand’s diverse needs and challenges.
2. Ensuring a robust sector consistently delivering quality housing.
3. Building safe, affordable neighbourhoods that foster connections.
4. Promoting social and economic well-being through vibrant, low-carbon cities and innovation-driven revitalisation.
5. Building Better Homes, Towns, and Cities Research and Community Benefit

The research outcomes from BBHTC hold the power to guide New Zealanders through a transformative period. The goal is to embrace change while unraveling the true essence of sustainable and effective land-use in the 21st century. The Challenge envisions a landscape dotted with homes, towns, communities, and cities that are distinctive to Aotearoa, New Zealand. These spaces are designed to offer a spectrum of living styles, nurturing community bonds and ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life.