Pasifika-inspired architecture, passive housing and post-Covid predictions... these are our top ten housing features of the year.
Architecture with Pacific flair
When injuries brought a premature end to his career, former Samoan rugby international Lama Tone changed tack and studied architecture. He now teaches at Auckland University and has his own practice.
Lama Tone Photo: Stephenson & Turner
What becomes of the housing market now?
In April, economists predicted Covid-19 could cause a 10-20 percent fall in house prices. In June, prices rose more than 9 percent - much more in some places. What is going on - and will it last?
Photo: Ray White
How to get on the property ladder
Bruce Patten, a director of Auckland mortgage brokerage Loanmarket, lays out what to look out for and answers questions about buying a house.
Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Māori architecture far more sophisticated than people think
Early Māori had an ingenious and sophisticated way of building, that made for remarkably stable structures - resistant to the forces of the weather and ground movements.
Jeremy Treadwell, senior lecturer at the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland. Photo: University of Auckland
Should our social housing be passive?
Passive houses require almost no heating in winter, nor fans in summer - and are dry and well-ventilated. Advocates say it should be law that all new builds in New Zealand are built as passive homes - particularly social housing.
Photo: propertyphotographic
House prices and homeownership - has Labour delivered on its promises?
It was to be a transformational government that promised to address ballooning house prices and help buyers get a step on the ladder. But has anything changed during the Labour coalition government's term?
Real estate agent Nicki Cruickshank says there is a desperate lack of property supply in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Eva Corlett
Passive houses: warm, dry and sustainable, but why so rare?
Passive houses are built to a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency, using high-spec windows, insulation and mechanical ventilation systems. They typically keep indoor temperatures to 20 degrees centigrade year-round.
Photo: Pitkin-DouglasHome Credit: PHINZ
Co-housing in an intentional neighbourhood
Co-housing advocate Robin Allison has envisioned and built an alternative way of living. At the Earthsong Eco-neighbourhood in Ranui, West Auckland, individuals and families enjoy the perks that come with pooling resources, including regularly cooking for each other
Robin Allison Photo: Robin Allison
Yet another generation of unsustainable housing
Clean and green might be New Zealand's self-claimed slogan but when it comes to building houses, it's a very different story.
Photo: RNZ
Could boxes from China solve our housing problems?
Building developer Tony Houston is trying to help solve the housing crisis by importing boxed houses.
Anne Gibson and Tony Houston outside the new Hobsonville pre-fab housing Photo: Sharon Brettkelly
