Rebuilding up to 100,000 damaged and destroyed homes in quake-hit Canterbury could take years, a building executive says.

The economic impact of the earthquake will be sharply negative in the near term but probably positive for GDP over a longer period, economists say.

The Christchurch earthquake is expected to provide a much-needed lifeline for NZ's beleaguered construction sector.

Aucklanders are being lauded for staying off the roads during a mammoth traffic management operation.

Aucklanders stayed off the roads last night as authorities shut the busiest stretch of motorway in the country.

Organisers of the country's largest motorway closure are praying they have scared enough Aucklanders off the roads this weekend to avoid the city grinding to a halt.

House prices in Auckland fell during August as the number of properties being listed continues to stall.

There have been more than 1000 submissions against plans to build houses on an unspoilt Coromandel beach.

The historic Birdcage Tavern started its slow move towards new temporary lodgings yesterday.

Businesses are concerned traffic diversions to be put in place while the Newmarket Viaduct is developed will create traffic mayhem.

There will be 36 hours of car chaos next weekend when the country's busiest highway closes to south-bound traffic.