New zealand new building consents soar

New building consents in New Zealand soared last year, according to official figures.

Data from Statistics New Zealand shows that the number of building consents jumped 26 per cent in 2013 compared to 2012. The rise in construction activity was primarily driven by Auckland and Canterbury, where consents rose 38 per cent and 43 per cent respectively, but a high number of housing consents in Christchurch also fuelled the monthly rise in December 2013, as work to restore the city following the tragic earthquake continues.