New Zealand (NZ) stories
Hospitals need GBP £14 billion over the next decade to fix ageing assets and close major infrastructure gaps, the report says.
Affordable townhouse projects in Auckland will get a lift as the non-bank lender commits GBP £75 million to new residential developments.
Physical distancing has been eased on building sites, but workers must still sign in, wash hands and stay home if unwell.
New demand for eco-friendly disinfectants is boosting an electrochemical cleaner that lets workplaces reopen within minutes after fogging.
Landlords and retailers say the dispute process risks dragging out rent talks, despite most tenants and owners already reaching deals.
Auckland’s housing market has held up, with prices little changed after lockdown despite sales volumes halving in May.
A trainee was crushed and badly injured when a truck rolled off wooden blocks in an unsupervised workshop job, exposing safety failings.
Lower deposits and record-low borrowing costs are giving first-home buyers their strongest opening in more than a decade this winter.
Planners warn the rushed consents could sideline community input and environmental safeguards as recovery projects are sped through this month.
The 361-hectare South Auckland project could add USD $2.3 billion to the economy and house 2,000 people by 2027.
New rules will impose tougher farm controls and swimming standards, but scientists warn implementation will determine whether waterways actually improve.
Workers were exposed to a risk of death or serious injury after a known faulty gate injured two men and triggered a near-$271,000 fine.
Homeowners could save NZD $18 million a year as councils drop consents for sheds, carports and other low-risk work from August.
Workers may be left exposed to silica and asbestos if respiratory masks sold as compliant do not meet approved standards.
Public buildings face tighter access controls as coronavirus drives demand for safer, greener entrance systems across Australia and New Zealand.
Domestic travel spending could help cushion the sector as international arrivals slump and businesses await the effect of a new campaign.
With mortgage rules easing, the Government is being urged to soften New Zealand's foreign buyer ban to help revive property sales and investment.
Experts say the $50 billion COVID-19 recovery plan will lift jobs and infrastructure, but warn it leaves big tax and housing gaps.
Repeated breaches of WorkSafe notices led to a total GBP £63,000 in fines after workers were left exposed to deadly falls.
New Zealand house prices climbed to a record high in April even as lockdown froze the market and sales volumes plunged 78.5%.
