Building activity reaches record high

Building activity reaches record high

3 March 2016

Building activity reached a record high in the December 2015 quarter, with an increase from the previous quarter in Auckland but a decrease in Canterbury, Statistics New Zealand said today.

The total volume of building work rose 2.5 percent (seasonally adjusted) from the previous quarter, with rises of 2.8 percent for residential buildings and 2.3 percent for non-residential buildings.

“This is the most building activity we’ve seen since the series began 26 years ago, with total activity slightly higher than the previous record,” business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly said.

“Paid hours in the construction industry also reached a new high, and ready-mixed concrete production surpassed one million cubic metres for the first time.”

The actual value of building work put in place in the December 2015 quarter was $4.4 billion, comprising $2.8 billion of residential work and $1.6 billion of non-residential work.

Five of the six regional areas saw increases in the seasonally adjusted value of building work. Auckland was the largest driver of growth in the quarter, while Canterbury was the only area where the value decreased. However, Canterbury still accounted for one-quarter of the national total. Auckland accounted for one-third.

Building activity grows in 2015 year

Building activity grew throughout 2015.

Auckland saw growth in residential building activity throughout the year, with a resurgence in nonresidential growth during the second half of the year.

Canterbury saw growth in non-residential building work, especially at the start of the year, but residential work decreased.

For more information about these statistics:
• Visit Value of Building Work Put in Place: December 2015 quarter

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