Construction

"We reckon there we're $50,000-plus out of pocket," one family left in the lurch says, as a company goes into liquidation, owing hundreds of thousands.

Sydney's Darlington Public School beat more than 220 designs to win the annual prize at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore.

Getting a building consent is about to become easier, with some builders allowed to skip council inspections.

The new scheme would allow qualified trade professionals to sign-off on low-risk projects without needing council inspection. Audio

The move comes as Rotorua Lakes Council waits for a court decision to stop "interference" from mana whenua protesting the $29 million Tarawera Sewerage Scheme.

Tauranga City Council sold the precinct for $13.987m to a developer who proposed transforming it into a "premier superyacht refit destination".

The man who oversaw the construction of the ill-fated CTV building is appealing a ruling against him by Engineering New Zealand.

Fletcher Building says its first-quarter materials and distribution business is down 10 to 15 percent - and will stay that way for a while yet.

The building is among a host of courts nationwide that need expensive work done to make them safe or suitable to use.

But the proposed infrastructure fund is getting the thumbs up from Simplicity managing director Sam Stubbs.

Illegal dumpers continue to target the South Auckland - turning empty building lots into notorious dumping sites.

The government is continuing to crack down on dodgy builders, with a move to strengthen requirements for registration and licensing.

One of Wellington's most prominent property developers says the government's fast-track legislation makes him excited about building. Audio

Property developers for a central Wellington apartment which was evacuated on Sunday night say it was a false alarm triggered by one resident.

The projects will help the economy, housing crisis and infrastructure deficits, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says.

The Housing Minister says the plan would lower the risk for developers and ensure houses were ready for buyers to enter the market as interest rates drop.

With plans for the new hospital in trouble, the company is interested in getting a call from the Health Minister. Audio

A convoluted drama playing out for an Auckland property developer has ensnared small-scale investors and contractors alike.