The screech and hammer of tools returned to a Mainzeal construction site yesterday - but only as subcontractors were finally allowed to remove their equipment.

A mainzeal contractor has been issued with a trespass order after trying to remove $1 million worth of equipment from an apartment building yesterday morning.

New Zealand's commercial construction sector has been nailed into the ground by the recession, industry chiefs say, and Mainzeal Property and Construction's receivership came after a string of others.

The collapse of Mainzeal Property and Construction will cost Auckland ratepayers millions to settle a leaky-building claim.

Raja Sharma invested his life savings in an apartment in Hobson Gardens after falling in love with New Zealand and immigrating with his wife to Auckland.

Angry subcontractors are trying to retrieve their tools locked in a Wellington Mainzeal construction site after the company went into receivership.

Mainzeal Property and Construction - one of New Zealand's largest construction companies - has gone into receivership.

The Greens, not always practical in these policy areas, have come up with a solution that addresses the problem, writes Charles Waldegrave.

Consents for 127 retirement village units is one feature of strong building consents data for December.

The entrance of a European building products giant into the Christchurch rebuild market will increase competition in the industry.

One of New Zealand's largest mechanical engineering firms has expanded its presence in the mining equipment sector through its acquisition of a North Island manufacturer.

Australian workers are being sought for a large Auckland building project beginning soon, outraging NZ First leader Winston Peters, who says Kiwis have been snubbed.

Skills shortages for the Christchurch rebuild and a lack of homes in Auckland are likely to be key factors influencing the employment sector in 2013, a report says.

The building sector has taken off and Canterbury earthquake repairs are one of its biggest drivers.

The number of consents issued for new homes continued a 20-month growth trend by rising again in November, show figures out today.

Originally published on June 16, this Westmere home combines quirky architecture with artistic decor to create the creative's dream house.

Fletcher Construction was fined $45,000 today for a health and safety breach while workers pulled down Christchurch's quake-battered Hotel Grand Chancellor.

The New Zealand economy grew at a slower pace than expected in the September quarter, pushed up by increased building activity.