Universities are gobbling up vast parcels of land from one end of Auckland to the other, with the country's top institution now planning to put down roots in Newmarket (+graphic).

New Zealand’s first building to be awarded 6 Green Stars in sustainable office design has opened its doors. The Geyser office building in Parnell, Auckland, has glass walls on all sides, is set above a 180-vehicle automated car park stacking system, and has 100 per cent fresh air. Designed by Andrew Patterson, the 5040-square metre Geyser has been designed to use 27 per cent of the energy of a typical office building of its size, require only half the artificial lighting, and use only half the water. nzherald.co.nz Business Reporter Ben Chapman-Smith spoke with Chief Architect Andrew Patterson. Excerpts of Geyser video courtesy of Buildmedia music by FC Kahuna/ Hayling

Auckland's first six Green Star-rated building is just about to open its doors.