News

The Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to make honest and accurate claims for flood damage, amid growing concern from New Zealanders about the rising impact of natural hazards on insurance affordability and accessibility. Based on responses from more than 1,000 people, 67% of respondents believe natural hazards affect their […]

Approximately 7% of New Zealanders live in flood-prone areas, threatening our road network, urban centres, and national grid sites, according to new research by Earth Sciences New Zealand. More than 750,000 New Zealanders live in locations exposed to flooding from one-in-100-year rainfall events, and the public research institute warns this number could increase to over […]

The release of the draft National Infrastructure Plan marks a pivotal moment for New Zealand’s infrastructure sector, offering what Infrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett describes as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reset the country’s approach to infrastructure planning, delivery, and asset management. “We’ve been given a clear-eyed look at the long-term challenges facing our […]

Arson crime is on the rise. A fire was deliberately lit at a Hibiscus Coast café over Halloween weekend. It’s the latest in a series of attempted arson on Ōrewa businesses. “I want the community to know that these attacks on local businesses won’t be tolerated and we are working hard to hold those responsible […]

Homeowners can now build granny flats up to 70 square metres in their backyard without a building consent. The legislation, which will come into effect early in 2026, was a key commitment of the coalition government. The Building Act changes were passed through their third and final readings with unanimous support from MPs. Homeowners will […]

Showing how building costs have surged ahead of other common costs, national construction costs have increased by about 61% since 2015, compared with a 33% increase in the CPI. The Consumer Price Index is a measure of inflation for the nation’s households that records changes in the price of goods and services. New Zealand’s construction […]