Council heralds construction lift

Auckland Council’s chief economist Geoff Cooper said construction activity had been flat since the end of 2008.

But the number of residential consents rose 5% in the three months ended September 30, 2012, from the previous quarter and were up 27% on 2011.

Economic activity in the construction sector rose 3.6 per cent in the same period.

Cooper said residential consents were an important lead indicator of economic activity.

“After a long period of sluggish activity, the construction sector is showing signs of awakening and that’s likely to lead to stronger growth for Auckland’s economy as we progress through 2013.”

He said for every dollar spent in the construction sector, $1.60 was generated for other parts of the economy.