The Window & Glass Association of New Zealand (WGANZ) has recently launched a “Consumer Alert” warning Kiwis about the supposed dangers of imported windows in NZ. If you’ve seen the headlines, you might think Europe has suddenly decided to ship its worst products to the edge of the world.

Let’s take a breath.

At ECOWINDOWS, we’ve been importing high-performance European windows and doors for more than 15 years. We’ve seen trends, we’ve seen politics – and we’ve seen outstanding energy-efficient innovation coming from Europe that consistently helps Kiwis build warmer, healthier homes.

So, in response to the WGANZ campaign, let’s set the record straight – with facts, and a healthy dose of confidence.

1. Europe Doesn’t Do “Low Standards”

The Government’s recent Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Act 2025 hopefully paves the way for something we’ve been saying for years: international standards like EN standards for windows should be acceptable for compliance of windows in New Zealand.

These standards aren’t “mystery documents from faraway lands”. They’re globally recognised, independently verified, and enforced by some of the world’s most rigorous testing bodies, such as ift Rosenheim, a leader in window performance testing in Germany.

2. Yes – Not All Windows Are Created Equal

But that works both ways.

WGANZ warns consumers about “fake certificates” and “unsafe imports”. True – every industry has a few cowboys. (Even in New Zealand. Including local manufacturers.)

The interesting part is what WGANZ does not highlight:

Much of New Zealand’s aluminium joinery is still based on decades-old designs, with thermal performance far below modern European window systems. Some systems even lose their insulating function once installed exactly as per the Building Code’s Acceptable Solution. Hardly a benchmark of energy-efficient windows or innovation.

3. What WGANZ’s Campaign Actually Shows

Their own “Consumer Alert” paints a dramatic picture: unsafe products, fake certificates, and general doom for Kiwi homeowners.

But instead of reporting rogue operators to the authorities, the entire message is aimed broadly at “imports”.

That begs a simple question:

Is this really about consumer safety – or about protecting market share and protectionism?

4. What High-Quality Window Imports Really Offer

Here’s the part missing from the headlines: the world’s best-performing, most sustainable, and most energy-efficient windows often come from Europe.

Decades of engineering. Independent quality control. Certified testing. Proven real-world durability. Widely used from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean.

And yes – consistently exceeding NZ’s minimum requirements for window performance.

At ECOWINDOWS, all our products undergo:

• strict European quality control
• internationally recognised certification
• robust testing for performance and durability
• long-term real-world application
• continuous product innovation

This is not “risky importing”.

This is raising the standard.

5. The Future of Windows in New Zealand

Higher standards benefit everyone: homeowners, architects, responsible local manufacturers – and yes, reputable importers like us.

New Zealand desperately needs better insulation, higher window performance, better comfort, better durability, and better long-term sustainability.

That’s why we support the move towards accepting EN window standards and removing unnecessary compliance roadblocks.

And it’s why we’re preparing to introduce an exciting German-made sustainable window innovation that will take performance to the next level. Stay tuned.

In Summary

WGANZ is right about one thing:

“Not all windows are created equal.”

Thankfully, Kiwi homeowners have a choice – and many choose tried-and-tested European systems that deliver world-class performance.

We’ll continue doing what we’ve always done:

Bringing European expertise to Kiwi homes, with transparency, integrity, and products whose performance speaks for itself.