The seasonally adjusted volume of residential building activity rose 7.4 per cent in the December quarter, while non-residential volume fell 6.1 per cent.

Builders will put up 18,000 to 20,000 new houses this year, according to a forecast.

Couples are rushing back to wedding chapels after putting off getting married during the recession.

Sheep numbers have continued to fall, dairy cow numbers are rising and grain crops increased markedly, latest agricultural production figures show.

Exports have fallen for the fourth quarter in a row, but the trends are easing.

South Auckland small business owners are feeling safer after a series of violent attacks in 2008, but say more police and security are needed.