New research reveals that while overall business confidence has continued trending downwards, 94% of construction and manufacturing SMEs are confident about the next 12 months The latest RFI Global research commissioned by Prospa highlights the ongoing uncertainty in New Zealand’s business climate, with business confidence continuing to trend downwards despite earlier post-covid optimism. Continue →

July brought a new wave of buyer activity not typically seen in late winter, with properties starting to sell faster than they hit the market, REINZ’s latest figures reveal Chief Executive Jen Baird says while listings continue to increase, the rise in sales volumes has seen the total number of properties for sale in New Zealand fall compared to last month. Continue →

Studio DB’s work for Ngāti Hine Health Trust has received a coveted Bronze Pin at the 2023 Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards and is a finalist in the 2023 Interior Awards The Best Design Awards is an annual showcase of excellence in graphic, spatial, product, digital and motion design along with three special awards – Value of Design, Public Good and Toitanga. Continue →

ICD Property, the Australian developer working on Auckland’s tallest tower, has decided to exit the project, listing it for sale just months after winning approval Jasmax Architects design for 65 Federal Street ICD managing director Matt Khoo said the developer had decided to sell its first international site to allow it to pursue other projects in Australia. Continue →

New Zealand-based manufacturers, importers, retailers and distributers will be hit with new obligations to provide building product users with information about how building products contribute to compliance with the Building Code The regulations will commence on 11 December 2023 by which time manufactures and importers must meet their obligations. Continue →

Most seismically vulnerable buildings are not imminently dangerous and can remain occupied while seismic remediation work is planned, funded and undertaken, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) advises The new seismic risk guidance has been developed by MBIE to help building owners and users understand seismic assessments and provide them with the tools to make informed and risk-based decisions about continuing to occupy buildings with low seismic ratings. Continue →

A Waikato construction company has won one of four major national prizes in Xero’s inaugural Beautiful Business Fund and will be using its $20,000 prize money to train staff for an earthquake strengthening project next year Xero, the global small business platform has awarded four New Zealand small businesses and non-profits a share of the $750,000 global prize pool as part of the inaugural Xero Beautiful Business Fund. Continue →

While mental health in the construction is improving overall, more support is needed for the sector’s most vulnerable workers MATES in Construction, a not-for-profit organisation which supports positive well-being in the industry, surveyed more than 2000 workers, with 85% of workers reporting good mental health in 2023. Continue →