The number of new homes approved for construction in August was up 17 per cent, the second month of increases, with retirement units and earthquake-related replacement homes lifting the numbers, says Statistics New Zealand.

Chinese Deputy Premier, Hui Liangyu, got concrete proof that Chinese investment in New Zealand is welcomed, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Wellington today.

Community groups and the Historic Places Trust face a huge claim for costs from the developer who wants to turn the Masonic Hotel

NZ's total of building trades workers needs to double to 155,400 over the next five years, say training groups.