The actual physical rebuild of Christchurch won't be complex but will remain frustratingly on hold until the aftershocks come to an end, says Fletcher Building CEO Jonathan Ling.

The number of new homes approved in April has fallen 32pc from a year earlier, but the rate of decline is easing, says Statistics NZ.

The building industry is in crisis.

National architecture awards have been handed to projects including an Onehunga helicopter base, a group of Waiheke houses, and a Queenstown bus shelter and toilet.

City officials say they are confident the Christchurch Town Hall can be saved.