The entrance of a European building products giant into the Christchurch rebuild market will increase competition in the industry.

One of New Zealand's largest mechanical engineering firms has expanded its presence in the mining equipment sector through its acquisition of a North Island manufacturer.

Economic activity in Canterbury is gathering pace, according to the January edition of the ASB Bank's Cantometer.

Australian workers are being sought for a large Auckland building project beginning soon, outraging NZ First leader Winston Peters, who says Kiwis have been snubbed.

The building sector has taken off and Canterbury earthquake repairs are one of its biggest drivers.

New Zealand's house building activity shrank in the first three months of the year as most new work was largely in non-residential construction.

Companies specialising in the tricky task of re-levelling buildings are gearing up for a massive amount of work fixing up damaged land in Christchurch.