Construction
Latest global crisis: Running out of sand
Sand is the most extracted solid material in the world with 50 billion tonnes mined a year, used for everything from roads and buildings to mobile phones - and we’re running out. Investigative… Audio
Mark Graham: Busting prefab housing myths
Prefabricated houses are being billed as the solution to building affordable homes quickly. The government has announced it will beef up the sector to fulfill its Kiwibuild promise of 100 thousand new… Audio
Uncertainty in building sector about cladding fire safety
Growing uncertainty about the fire safety of cladding on high-rise buildings is beginning to bite on the construction sector. The Auckland Council is warning of delays in dealing with consents for… Audio
Govt to make it easier to hire overseas construction workers
The government is proposing changes to make it easier to employ workers from overseas to work in the building and construction industry.
Councils says buildings with Grenfell-style panels are safe
Auckland and Wellington city councils have been quick to reassure people that its safe to live and work in dozens of buildings with similar cladding to that of the deadly Grenfell Tower. Tomorrow is… Audio
NZ still using 'seriously flawed' building product assessment
A controversial audit that found fault with New Zealand building controls after the fatal Grenfell Tower fire is ringing alarm bells across the Tasman.
Second review launched into building product quality controls
The ministry in charge of construction standards has launched a review of building product quality controls - two years after its previous review resulted in no action whatsoever. That previous review… Audio
Middlemore failed to chase $12m leaky building claim
Court papers show Middlemore Hospital failed to pursue millions of dollars in a leaky building claim against construction firm Hawkins. They also show the Counties-Manukau DHB drastically cut back its… Audio
Council connects young job-seekers with employers
Thousands of young job-seekers met potential employers in Auckland yesterday in an event aimed at getting more of the city's youth into jobs. Auckland Council organised the JobFest because more than… Audio
Middlemore's multi-million dollar building not approved
An investigation is under way into a multi-million dollar building at Middlemore Hospital that did not get the right financial sign-off. There may be another Middlemore Hospital building that also… Audio
Banks give Fletcher Building more time to negotiate new terms
New Zealand's largest construction company says its bankers have given it more time to negotiate new terms, after it breached its borrowing agreements.
Wood-first initiative sought for NZ construction
The adoption of a 'wood-first' policy is starting to gain traction in New Zealand, and around the world, encouraging more businesses and government agencies to use natural, timber-based construction… Audio
Historic Mt Eden church hall a risk to public - engineer
An Auckland engineer is urging city officials to act quickly to ensure a derelict church hall is made safe and not a risk to the public. The historic hall in Mt Eden is owned by the Presybterian… Audio
Fletcher out of running on another big-ticket build
Debt-crippled Fletcher Building is no longer in the running to build a large town centre in southeast Auckland.
Tradies outnumber profs for visas for first time - figures
Immigrants filling trade and technical jobs are outnumbering those taking professional roles for the first time on record.
More bad news for Fletcher Building, extends trading halt
RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford discusses the major announcement that our biggest construction business, Fletcher Building has requested a further trading halt of its shares and capital notes on… Audio
Developer waits for green light for 200 overseas workers
A question mark remains over a company's plans to bring in 200 workers from China to finish a hotel on Auckland's waterfront.
Chinese tradies: Company says not given tender opportunity
An Auckland company says it could have provided the workers needed to complete Auckland's Park Hyatt luxury hotel, and was approached, but not given a chance to tender.
Roads Run Through Us: 2
John Bluck explores the ways of the road in this second of a series about the place roads have in New Zealand history, consciousness and identity. Audio
Using tech to increase productivity in construction
The construction industry will spend more than $300 billion during the next decade, employing 9% of the New Zealand workforce. In a briefing paper to the incoming government, industry lobby groups… Audio
