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.

Shareholders in rural services company Allied Farmers stand to lose out over an estimated $24 million mortgage on the Jack Nicklaus-designed Kinloch Golf Club near Lake Taupo.

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.

Sir Peter Jackson has raised the ire of neighbours by starting work on a second lake at his fairytale Wairarapa estate.

He is supposed to be one of the country's richest men, but a $19 million lawsuit could send venture capitalist Bill Birnie under.