New Zealand (NZ) stories
Auckland's housing recovery is gathering pace, with low rates and tight listings expected to push prices higher in 2020.
Long-term upgrades to tracks, trains and ferries could finally be unlocked as the government shifts rail funding away from annual budget battles.
WorkSafe New Zealand will be led by Phil Parkes, with the appointment set to ensure continuity after Nicole Rosie’s move to the NZ Transport Agency.
An acute skills shortage is threatening New Zealand construction growth, prompting RICS to train workers amid forecasts of 50,000 more staff needed.
Construction firms in the south will get more local support as new purpose-built training rooms open in Dunedin.
Higher borrowing demand and scant listings pushed New Zealand’s national median house price to a record NZD $630,000 in November.
Fresh funding and planning reforms could speed up roads, water and housing delivery as New Zealand seeks to ease infrastructure bottlenecks.
Contractors still need project-by-project details, with major transport work due to wind down within 18 months and risking industry capacity gaps.
Employers in Australia and New Zealand are being urged to tighten protections, after studies linked welding fume to a 43% higher lung cancer risk.
Contractors are already seeing clearer project oversight and faster reporting as the new Acuite-photoSentinel link feeds live camera data into dashboards.
Tight housing supply and surging demand are pushing Dunedin values up 17% a year, with buyers still outpacing new listings.
Marine ecosystems face mounting pressure as pollution, fishing and warming seas threaten species, habitats and coastal communities.
A solar-powered radio and AIS upgrade now lets Environment Canterbury track ships up to 400km away and manage Akaroa Harbour remotely.
Civil contractors say the Government must back already designed transport works quickly to protect jobs as big projects finish.
Manufacturers with 6 to 99 staff can now tap ACC funding for safety advice as workplace injuries remain a major risk in New Zealand.
Growing commuter demand and planned development are giving Tuakau a boost, as young Auckland families seek cheaper homes and bigger sections.
Early input from facilities managers could cut costs and improve new buildings' long-term quality, according to a BRANZ report.
The Waimakariri District Council’s red-zone recovery work has been recognised as best in the Commonwealth for helping rebuild earthquake-hit communities.
The dairy co-operative cut rollover risks by fostering open reporting and a fatigue-management programme for tanker drivers.
Crowds at New Year’s Eve and major events are prompting calls for hidden anti-ram barriers and bollards to secure open public spaces.
