Rotorua Lakes Council is addressing the operation of two motels – Victoria Lodge and Gibson Court Motel – that have been providing emergency housing without the required resource consent. Under the District Plan, motels are permitted for short-term visitor accommodation, not as residential housing. Compliance and Council Action Council destination development manager Jean-Paul Gaston stated … Read more
Brisbane’s Property Boom: Will the Heat Continue Through 2026 and Beyond? Brisbane’s property market is showing remarkable resilience, with forecasts predicting continued price growth well into 2026. A recent KPMG report indicates a potential surge of nearly 11% this year alone, positioning Queensland’s capital as a national hotspot, second only to Perth. But what’s driving … Read more
Back to Campus, Back to Bugs & Germs: The Future of Student Health & Hygiene The return to college after winter break always brings a spike in colds, flu, and unfortunately, unwelcome houseguests of the pest variety. But the challenges facing students in shared accommodation aren’t static. We’re seeing a shift in both the types … Read more
Government ministers are offering differing levels of reassurance to prospective homebuyers as debate continues over the future of Auckland’s housing market. While Finance Minister Nicola Willis encourages confidence, the government is also moving to adjust a major housing intensification plan. Government Weighs Housing Policy Adjustments The National-led government is planning to tweak directions to Auckland … Read more
Peaky Blinders Bootcamp: A Glimpse into the Future of Regional TV Production The West Midlands is rapidly becoming a UK hotspot for television production, and a recent initiative is ensuring local talent is ready to seize the opportunities. A new bootcamp, designed to align with the upcoming series of Peaky Blinders, has equipped 60 students … Read more
Winter Vaccine Push Signals a New Era of Proactive Public Health As winter descends, health officials across Kent and Medway are urging residents to bolster their defenses against a trifecta of respiratory illnesses: flu, COVID-19, and RSV. This year’s push isn’t just a repeat of pandemic-era measures; it represents a potential shift towards a more … Read more
China’s Housing Revolution: From Quantity to Quality – What the Future Holds For decades, China’s breakneck economic growth fueled a housing boom focused on sheer volume. Now, a significant shift is underway. Driven by widespread reports of shoddy construction and frustrated homeowners, the government is prioritizing “quality over quantity” in residential development. This isn’t just … Read more
After decades of delays, the first homes are finally set to rise at Kings Forest Estate on the New South Wales north coast. But this isn’t just a local housing story; it’s a microcosm of a national trend: the complex challenges of unlocking land supply and the growing pressure on regional housing markets. The Long … Read more
Los Angeles officials are seeking volunteers for the annual homeless count, scheduled to take place January 20-22. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) aims to recruit 6,500 volunteers for the effort. Understanding the Annual Count The point-in-time count involves volunteers covering over 4,000 square miles of Los Angeles County. Working in small groups, they … Read more
A $387 million affordable housing and wellness community, Alafia, is under construction in Central Brooklyn. The project has begun its second of six planned phases, aiming to address social, economic, and health disparities by providing stable housing and supportive services. A New Neighborhood Takes Shape The development is a collaborative effort between L+M Development Partners, … Read more