Statistics New Zealand has announced a huge increase in building consents, with 771 new apartment units authorised in April 2008, compared with 204 in April 2007. This is the highest monthly total since March 2005, and includes three apartment buildings with more than 150 units each.

Excluding apartments, there were 1,602 new housing units authorised in April 2008, 24 more than in the same month last year. The trend has been declining since June 2007.

There were two extra working days in April 2008 compared with April 2007 (and two fewer in March) due to Easter occurring in March this year. Although it is not possible to quantify the impact, this may have contributed to a higher number of consents issued for housing units in April 2008.

In nine of New Zealand's 16 regions, there were more new housing units authorised in April 2008 compared with April 2007, with Wellington and Auckland recording the largest increases, due to apartments.

Residential building consents issued in April 2008 were valued at $645 million, up $70 million from April 2007.

Non-residential building consents issued in April 2008 were valued at $468 million, up $171 million from April 2007, boosted by the extension to the Ngawha Geothermal Power Station. « Back to News