Construction
Fast-tracked fire rules infurates local fire engineers
New fire rules brought in to help prevent a Grenfell Tower disaster here will delay some big projects and push up costs. Industry players have had just days to get their heads around the change that… Audio
Builders worried best timber sent overseas
The quality of available timber is declining and builders are worried about its structural integrity, they say.
Cracks in concrete floors behind Wellington quake damage
As structural engineers continue to look into exactly how city high-rises perform in earthquakes, they're also calling for designers to take a precautionary approach to concrete floor slabs which have… Audio
Staff safety in quake on building owners, employers - law firm
If people are killed or injured when non-structural parts of a building fall in an earthquake, building owners and employers will be liable, a lawyer says.
High-rises in Auckland, Wellington fail quake standards
Building inspections show most Auckland and Wellington high-rises failed to meet earthquake standards to stop people being hit by falling objects.
Fletcher Building board takes pay cut after $160m hit
Fletcher Building's board will take a 20 percent pay cut as the building giant continues to struggle with losses in its building and interiors business.
Trading in Fletcher Building halted
Trading in Fletcher Building shares has been suspended ahead of announcements tomorrow about its profit outlook, a review of last year's loss-making projects, and a new chief executive.
'Pigtail' construction in firing line after Kaikōura quake
Officials want to ban a construction technique that proved catastrophic during November's Kaikōura earthquake.
Quake-deficient fixture should be banned - building watchdog
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment wants to ban a construction technique that proved catastrophic during last November's Kaikoura earthquake. Audio
Multi-storey building flaws 'almost the norm'
A building surveyor has revealed details of hidden and sometimes life-threatening building faults, including an apartment block not bolted to its foundations.
Wellington council passes affordable housing plan
The council has voted unanimously in support of a taskforce's recommendations on a revamp of the city's housing policy.
Leaky homes: 'If you can't afford to pay for it, then tough luck'
Leaky home owners are struggling with escalating repair costs, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to their debt.
Leaky homes leading to 'pure desperation'
The lack of government or council help for owners of leaky homes is shameful, two Auckland businessmen say.
Functionality and beauty in architecture
The functionality and beauty of architecture, and the role of women are being captured in a new photography exhibition curated by the National Association of Women in Construction. Emma Weir has an… Audio
Urgent action needed on NZ construction waste
As landfills around the country continue to grow every year, major construction firms are doing their bit to reduce waste in the sector. Demolition rubbish makes up half of what's thrown away. An… Audio
Building regulator looks overseas for help
New Zealand's building regulator is looking overseas for more ideas on how to clamp down on poor construction.
Building regulator Australia for inspiration
New Zealand's construction industry needs help tackling the job of clamping down on poor construction and building regulator MBIE is looking overseas for that help. Audio
Insight: Buildings Safe and up to Scratch?
New Zealand is entering the biggest construction boom in its history. Phil Pennington investigates if it is possible to avoid a cycle that has led to chronic and sometimes acute building failure. Video, Audio
'In need' regulator restructures in face of building boom
The country's building regulator admits it needs a major overhaul after years scrambling just to react to leaky homes and the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes.
Pre-fab home built in a day could solve Auckland housing crisis
Fletcher Living has built a 170 square-metre house in just nine and a half hours at Auckland's Hobsonville Point. Connal Townsend from the Property Council thinks the idea has the potential to shake… Audio
