Housing
Certified Builders Association drops key part of insurance policy
The Association says it had no choice after the underwriter of the policy told them it was either ditch builder insolvency cover or dramatically lift premiums.
Builders Association quietly drops key part of insurance policy
The Certified Builders Association has quietly dropped a key part of their insurance policy that protects homeowners if their builder goes bust. The Association says it had no choice after the… Audio
Tiny houses. Is living smaller the secret to living better?
Brent Heavener is the founder of the number one Instagram feed @tinyhouse. His new book, "Tiny House: Live Small, Dream Big" contains over 250 striking images of the world's most creative small homes… Audio, Gallery
Wellington apartment owner urges govt help with insurance
A Wellington apartment owner facing skyrocketing insurance premiums is demanding the government take over the natural disaster insurance industry.
Wellington City Council this week hosted the first… Audio
Hope for homeless in Whangārei as housing project launched
The government has launched its Housing First project in Northland with a ceremony at Whangārei's Kaka Porowini Marae.
Stan Scott on renovations
Jesse is undergoing major renovations at home, and thought it might be helpful to ask builder Stan Scott about the steps you need to take from planning your project through to the building stage. Audio
Property specialist says seaside property getting hard to sell
A long-time real estate agent in Nelson says it's getting harder to sell property around Tasman Bay, areas of which is at risk from sea level rise. Doug McKee says costs are going up, and people are… Audio
Troubled KiwiBuild programme
The pressure is ratcheting up on the troubled KiwiBuild programme with the news yesterday that the head of KiwiBuild Commercial is leaving to take up a new job in the private sector. Audio
The cost of building in New Zealand
It is often said that building in New Zealand is more expensive than other countries, and usually land and compliance costs are blamed. But is that true? And if so, what is causing the discrepancy? Audio
Wellington council spends $800k on controversial redevelopment
Wellington City Council has spent hundreds of thousands of ratepayer dollars trying to get the controversial Shelly Bay redevelopment off the ground - but with nothing to show for it. Nearly $800,000… Audio
Councils need support to realise govt’s urban development dream - mayors
The government wants to direct city councils to loosen up planning rules and scrap unnecessary restrictions for developing higher-density housing. The announcement from the Urban Development Minister… Audio
Govt plan to free up planning rules
Under the government's proposal, councils - particularly in the six high growth centres - will be given a clear direction to loosen their rules.
'Poor quality planning stopping cities from growing' - Twyford
The government wants to be able to direct councils to free up planning rules to allow cities to grow both out and up, in a bid to solve the housing crisis.
The Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford… Video, Audio
What is Southern Response costing taxpayers?
Southern Response could be costing taxpayers upwards of $300 million following a court judgement that found it acted in a misleading and deceptive way. So who is responsible for the costly actions of… Video, Audio
Phil Twyford: 'Poor quality planning is stopping our cities from growing'
The government is directing councils to loosen up their planning rules, allowing cities to grow both up and out, in a bid to solve the housing crisis.
Auckland Council, Panuku reach compromise development design
Details of the compromise that's made Auckland Council and Panuku stop fighting and start holding hands over a controversial development have emerged in court.
Landlord guidelines to clear up what tenants can be asked
Property managers told not to go through prospective tenants' bank statements. Property managers and landlords are being told not to perform the "KFC test" on prospective tenants. Audio
Hard for tenants to say ‘no’ to intrusive questions - advocate
Advocates for tenants are worried new guidelines for landlords won't stop them asking potential tenants dodgy questions. The Privacy Commissioner John Edwards has released guidelines about what… Audio
Shopping mall shatters Napier couple's plans
A Napier couple say their plans for their newly purchased lifestyle block are in tatters after learning - just days before taking ownership - that a shopping centre could be built directly opposite… Audio
Where is Southern Response CEO Anthony Honeybone?
Where is Southern Response CEO Anthony Honeybone? It's a question being asked by Christchurch's legal fraternity after a precedent-setting High Court judgment released on Friday revealed the… Audio
