Waikato building industry 'buoyant'

Waikato had the second highest regional increase in new dwellings last year.

But the number of building consents issued in January fell to 216, down 22 per cent from 277 in December.

It was still 21 higher than in January 2003.

Statistics New Zealand information showed the January 2004 total was similar to the number issued in November 2002.

Hamilton City Council chief building officer Phil Saunders said his council traditionally had a quiet December or January, depending on when builders took a break.

Mr Saunders said February's activity was back to the level of before Christmas and most of the builders he had talked to were booked for at least 12 months.

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