Decision looms on contentious Auckland rubbish trial

Why Auckland’s fortnightly rubbish trial has sparked a city‑wide debate Six months of testing a fortnightly kerbside rubbish collection could reshape how 10,000 Auckland households manage waste. The proposal, first floated in 2024, pits cost‑saving ambitions against strong community resistance. What the trial entailed Selected suburbs – Clendon Park/Weymouth, Te Atatū Peninsula and Panmure/Tāmaki – were slated to … Read more

What does shrinking GDP mean for your home loan rate?

New Zealand’s Economic Downturn: What It Means for Your Wallet The New Zealand economy is facing a tougher environment than anticipated, with GDP figures revealing a sharper contraction than expected. This has economists buzzing, and the implications could reach directly into your pocket. Let’s break down what’s happening and what it could mean for interest … Read more

How far NZ home prices have fallen since late 2021

New Zealand’s Housing Market: Navigating the Current Landscape and Future Trends The New Zealand housing market is in a state of flux. Recent data reveals a noticeable correction following the peak of the 2021 boom. Understanding these shifts is crucial for both homeowners and potential buyers. This article dives deep into the latest trends, offering … Read more

The city showing signs of life in a quiet property market

Wellington’s Property Market: A Harbinger of Change? The New Zealand property market is always a hot topic, and recent data suggests some interesting shifts are underway. All eyes are on Wellington, where a significant rise in average asking prices could signal a turning point. Let’s dive into what’s happening and what it might mean for … Read more

Improvements to Bombay SH1 southbound off-ramp get underway

The Evolution of Traffic Management: Improving Intersections and Overcoming Challenges Enhancing Safety and Efficiency at Busy Intersections At the intersection of prevalent commuter routes, such as the Bombay Interchange south of Auckland, enhancements are underway to significantly improve safety and efficiency. Recognizing longstanding concerns, projects extend ramps and adjust lanes to accommodate increased traffic and … Read more

Here’s what home loan borrowers are doing

The Shift in New Zealand’s Home Loan Strategies New Zealand’s housing market has witnessed a significant transformation in borrower behavior recently. Data from the Reserve Bank highlighted that 89.5% of new owner-occupier loans were floating or fixed for less than a year as of January, indicating a preference for flexibility amid economic uncertainty. However, the … Read more

Traffic congestion could cost Akl $2.6b annually by 2026

The Rising Costs of Traffic Congestion: Auckland‘s Economic Dilemma Auckland faces a growing economic challenge as traffic congestion threatens to cost its local economy a staggering $2.6 billion annually by 2026. This alarming projection, highlighted in a report commissioned by Mayor Wayne Brown, is driving pressing discussions around urban mobility and economic sustainability. The potential … Read more

What to know ahead of major bin collection change for Auckland suburbs

Transforming Waste Management: Auckland’s Kerbside Collection Shift Auckland’s approach to kerbside rubbish collection is set to undergo a significant transformation. The shift from prepaid bin tags to a universal rates system effectively marks a new era in waste management. This change is poised to impact several Auckland suburbs, starting on March 3 for North Shore … Read more

Mahé Drysdale still not living in Tauranga after seven months as mayor

The Housing Dilemma in Popular School Zones As urban areas continue to expand, many families face challenges similar to Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale. Finding housing in desirable school zones can be daunting, compounded by market pressures and local policies. For example, in New Zealand and beyond, elevated demand in these zones can inflate property prices, … Read more

Economist warns Kiwis not to ‘bet the house’ on housing market

House Prices in New Zealand: A New Normal? As New Zealanders brace themselves for a potential shift in the housing market, economists predict a future of flat house prices for the next five years. Infometrics’ chief economist, Brad Olsen, suggests that Kiwis may need to adjust their expectations, moving away from the traditional bet on … Read more