Construction activity rises

Total activity rose by 3.2% in the March quarter - well ahead of the average market pick of only 0.5% growth.

Stats New Zealand’s figures show underlying March’s rise was a 3.2% lift in residential work, as well as a 2.7% increase in non-residential construction.

The supercharged construction boom is expected to continue for the next few years, but staff and materials shortages are acting as a handbrake and costs are rising rapidly.

Strength has been widespread, with a particularly large amount of work in train in Auckland.