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 →

While overall sales slightly declined in August, REINZ’s latest numbers show notable increases in activity in several regions, and year-on-year listing numbers continue to rise   REINZ Chief Executive Jen Baird says August provided a sense of confidence and positivity to the property market. 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 →

Experts agree that there is a sore need to reform the building consent process, exploring which of the options being investigated by the Government are the best way forward Better efficiency and consistency across the country is what Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk hopes to achieve by reforming the building consent system. Continue →