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.

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.