New Zealand (NZ) stories
A new report has reinforced pressure on ministers to back council infrastructure spending, after all eight cities were classed as severely unaffordable.
A stronger fintech climate has lifted Auckland into Asia Pacific’s top 25, with New Zealand now ranked 45th globally in a new index.
Tight supply and stronger demand lifted New Zealand house sales 12.3% in December, with prices rising in 15 of 16 regions.
New Zealand buyers face costly downtime and safety risks as lookalike cylinders sold for under GBP £500 lack warranty, service and standards backing.
Companies can face serious penalties if they hire untrained contractors, after a forestry worker suffered major chest injuries in Waitakere.
Rising visitor numbers are putting New Zealand’s lakes, tracks and towns under strain, with a watchdog warning current policy will not curb damage.
Auckland's housing recovery is gathering pace, with low rates and tight listings expected to push prices higher in 2020.
Long-term upgrades to tracks, trains and ferries could finally be unlocked as the government shifts rail funding away from annual budget battles.
WorkSafe New Zealand will be led by Phil Parkes, with the appointment set to ensure continuity after Nicole Rosie’s move to the NZ Transport Agency.
An acute skills shortage is threatening New Zealand construction growth, prompting RICS to train workers amid forecasts of 50,000 more staff needed.
Construction firms in the south will get more local support as new purpose-built training rooms open in Dunedin.
Higher borrowing demand and scant listings pushed New Zealand’s national median house price to a record NZD $630,000 in November.
Fresh funding and planning reforms could speed up roads, water and housing delivery as New Zealand seeks to ease infrastructure bottlenecks.
Contractors still need project-by-project details, with major transport work due to wind down within 18 months and risking industry capacity gaps.
Employers in Australia and New Zealand are being urged to tighten protections, after studies linked welding fume to a 43% higher lung cancer risk.
Contractors are already seeing clearer project oversight and faster reporting as the new Acuite-photoSentinel link feeds live camera data into dashboards.
Tight housing supply and surging demand are pushing Dunedin values up 17% a year, with buyers still outpacing new listings.
Marine ecosystems face mounting pressure as pollution, fishing and warming seas threaten species, habitats and coastal communities.
A solar-powered radio and AIS upgrade now lets Environment Canterbury track ships up to 400km away and manage Akaroa Harbour remotely.
Civil contractors say the Government must back already designed transport works quickly to protect jobs as big projects finish.
