Wellington stories
The trial will run until December 9. But the trial is far from fully-fledged – only five users can connect to the 5G device and only for five minutes at a time.
Better freight services and more reliable trains are set to follow, as the funding also covers new ferries and ageing locomotives.
Queenstown looks most exposed, with tourism reliance and Airbnb saturation making its property market vulnerable to a COVID-19 downturn.
A slump in private development could let ministers add 9,400 state houses, easing a record waiting list and propping up builders.
Transaction volumes are expected to fall sharply after lockdown, with weaker demand and limited listings likely to push prices lower.
COVID-19-driven revenue losses could force councils to cut infrastructure spending, hurting local economies and slowing recovery.
Lower borrowing costs are expected to bolster New Zealand property demand, with record-low interest rates giving buyers greater certainty and confidence.
Border curbs are set to reduce the risk of imported infections, but officials warn New Zealand must still bolster testing, tracing and isolation.
Economic worries are deepening as COVID-19 threatens recession, job losses and delayed launches across New Zealand's fintech sector.
Transport spending could lift office, industrial and retail demand, but it may also squeeze supply and push up development costs.
The programme could help ease New Zealand’s engineering skills shortage as students earn while studying for a first-of-its-kind degree apprenticeship.
Lifestyle property sales picked up over summer, with the national median price reaching NZD $725,000 and demand still firm across several regions.
A new report has reinforced pressure on ministers to back council infrastructure spending, after all eight cities were classed as severely unaffordable.
Tight supply and stronger demand lifted New Zealand house sales 12.3% in December, with prices rising in 15 of 16 regions.
Long-term upgrades to tracks, trains and ferries could finally be unlocked as the government shifts rail funding away from annual budget battles.
Higher borrowing demand and scant listings pushed New Zealand’s national median house price to a record NZD $630,000 in November.
Civil contractors say the Government must back already designed transport works quickly to protect jobs as big projects finish.
Crowds at New Year’s Eve and major events are prompting calls for hidden anti-ram barriers and bollards to secure open public spaces.
Falls from just a few metres can still kill, as complacency around ladders, roofs and trucks leaves workers exposed to severe head and neck injuries.
Poor housing could be costing New Zealand health services almost USD $8 million a year, with under-twos especially at risk.
