Little change in construction rates

There were 1513 new houses consented for in August, including 140 apartments.

Acting industry and labour statistics manager Clara Eatherley said the differences in both the North and South Islands were largely due to the change in the number of apartments built, which she said tended to be volatile.

Compared to August 2011, there were 0.3 per cent more new houses consented in August, 3.2 per cent more new houses excluding apartments and 39 fewer apartments.

Canterbury and Southland regions had the largest increases in new housing numbers in August 2012.

The growth in Canterbury was in the Waimakariri, Selwyn, and Ashburton districts, while the number of new houses consented fell in Christchurch city.

Compared with July 2012, and after removing seasonal fluctuations, the number of new houses, including apartments, increased 1.9 per cent in August 2012. Excluding apartments, the number of new houses increased 4.3 per cent.
Earthquake-related building consents in Canterbury totalled $47 million in August 2012.