There were fewer building consents granted for new dwellings last year than in any year since Statistics NZ started collecting the figures in 1965.

New Zealand building consents issued dwindled in November as the number of approvals in the South Island almost halved from a year earlier.

Six out of 11 analysts who cover Fletcher Building shares have cut their 2012 and 2013 earnings forecasts.

Methven, the tapware and bath fittings maker, posted a 25 per cent slump in first-half profit, blaming a sharp downturn in Australian activity.

Advocacy services are emerging up to help quake-stricken Christchurch residents resolve disputes with EQC and insurance companies.

Christchurch's loss has been Auckland's gain as demolition companies ship north thousands of metres of native timber salvaged from quake-damaged buildings.

Companies specialising in the tricky task of re-levelling buildings are gearing up for a massive amount of work fixing up damaged land in Christchurch.