Building
Three companies to face criminal charges over sub-standard steel mesh
Steel and Tube has confirmed it is one of three companies who are facing criminal charges from the Commerce Commission after an investigation into sub-standard steel mesh.
Privacy and building consents
Lawyer Gareth Abdinor talks about what information Councils are allowed to release to tradespeople about your building work. Audio
Lawyers optimistic over steel mesh class action
More than a hundred applications have been made to a proposed class action targeting the makers of faulty steel mesh in concrete floors.
Ben Schrader: New Zealand's urban history
"For 150 years people have wanted to live in the city and the country at the same time" says historian Ben Schrader. Audio
WikiHouse: construction by the people for the people
Kim Hill talks to Martin Luff and Danny Squires, co-founders and directors of Space Craft Systems, a social enterprise based in Christchurch that has developed the WikiHouseNZ system to revolutionise… Audio
Building industry battles skills shortage
The building industry says there's an acute shortage in many trades which is only going to get worse as it enters an unprecedented building boom led by Auckland. Can New Zealander's fill these jobs? Audio
Mini-housing building boom in Niue
An increase in tourism to the island of Niue has prompted the need for many new houses - though a broken supply ship has caused hiccups in the building process. Audio
Builders hope boom won't bust them
The building industry welcomes the latest forecast of a record construction boom, but questions if it can keep up with demand.
Twenty five dollars and a dream - the story of Tapu te Ranga Marae
An urban marae built from scavenged materials by homeless youth, ex-cons, and gang members in the 1970s in Wellington is struggling to keep its whare open after the council deemed several of its… Video, Audio, Gallery
Paving nearly finished at Waterview Connection
Paving on one of the country's largest road tunnels is nearing completion with work on Auckland's Waterview Connection on track to finish next year. Audio
Builders may quit if forced to guarantee their work
As Housing Minister Nick Smith considers requiring builders to guarantee their work, some say this will lead to them dropping out of the sector. Audio
Government injects $24 million into construction industry
Twenty-four million dollars is being injected into trades training to help plug skill gaps in the construction industry. Audio
Glass sheets fall off Wgtn apartment building
It is still unknown what caused large sheets of glass to fall off a high-rise building in central Wellington this morning, smashing onto the road and footpath. Audio
Firms looking overseas to fill jobs in Akl's building boom
The Auckland construction industry can't employ enough people to keep up with the building boom. Audio
Auckland won't build out of housing shortage
The theory of building more houses doesn't seem to be the answer to our biggest city's housing crisis according to new statistics. Audio
Calls for inquiry into false certification of steel mesh
The Home Owners and Buyers Association, HOBANZ, says a high level inquiry into the false certification of steel mesh by a major manufacturer is needed. Steel and Tube has for four years been selling… Audio
Plumbing products not up to standard
Officials are investigating a grey market in dodgy building products. Darren Waith is the chair of the National Plumbing and Pipelaying Standards Committee. Audio
Compliance issues with construction in Auckland
With Auckland facing unpredecented growth in construction over the next few years it's a juggling act to make sure all building work is up to standard and that there are enough skilled tradespeople to… Audio
Builders worried about skill shortage amid 'unprecedented growth'
Builders say they're concerned about a shortage of skilled tradespeople ahead of unprecedented growth in construction forecast for the next six years. Audio
Wonderful sheds
Andrew Wilcox started a competition in 2007 to find the best and quirkiest sheds after years of running a website devoted to the subject. This year there were over 2400 entries with the winner being… Audio, Gallery