New Zealand (NZ) stories
New rules will impose tougher farm controls and swimming standards, but scientists warn implementation will determine whether waterways actually improve.
Workers were exposed to a risk of death or serious injury after a known faulty gate injured two men and triggered a near-$271,000 fine.
Homeowners could save NZD $18 million a year as councils drop consents for sheds, carports and other low-risk work from August.
Workers may be left exposed to silica and asbestos if respiratory masks sold as compliant do not meet approved standards.
Public buildings face tighter access controls as coronavirus drives demand for safer, greener entrance systems across Australia and New Zealand.
Domestic travel spending could help cushion the sector as international arrivals slump and businesses await the effect of a new campaign.
With mortgage rules easing, the Government is being urged to soften New Zealand's foreign buyer ban to help revive property sales and investment.
Experts say the $50 billion COVID-19 recovery plan will lift jobs and infrastructure, but warn it leaves big tax and housing gaps.
Repeated breaches of WorkSafe notices led to a total GBP £63,000 in fines after workers were left exposed to deadly falls.
New Zealand house prices climbed to a record high in April even as lockdown froze the market and sales volumes plunged 78.5%.
Better freight services and more reliable trains are set to follow, as the funding also covers new ferries and ageing locomotives.
Buyers in Auckland’s Belmont are being offered sustainably built terraced homes with electric bikes as New Zealand eases property viewing restrictions.
New Zealand’s wage subsidy extension and infrastructure spending are meant to blunt soaring unemployment as the economy heads into recession.
Businesses must review hygiene, distancing and contact-tracing controls as thousands return to work under Alert Level 2.
New distancing and travel rules aim to help builders restart safely under Level 2, with updated protocols now available online.
Queenstown looks most exposed, with tourism reliance and Airbnb saturation making its property market vulnerable to a COVID-19 downturn.
A slump in private development could let ministers add 9,400 state houses, easing a record waiting list and propping up builders.
Recognition of waste-to-energy plants as essential has sharpened focus on their role in safely treating infectious rubbish during the pandemic.
New Zealand commercial rents and capital values are expected to keep falling as occupiers and investors stay cautious amid coronavirus uncertainty.
A Singapore research project is warning against over-optimism as its Covid predictions remain uncertain and meant only for educational use.
