Authorities are urging home handymen to call in experts, rather than attempting DIY work, after yesterday's death of a man, 42, working under his house.

Building consents issued in February jumped 10 per cent, after rising one per cent the month before.

Some extra weakness is showing up in the residential real estate and investment market, the latest BNZ confidence survey has found.

Rotting buildings are NZ's worst catastrophe, but the Govt is cashing in, says a study commissioned by the North Shore City Council.

Owners in two townhouse complexes have been backed in drawn-out leaky-building repair battles with their council, which lawyers say may affect rates.