The publicity-shy Spencer family have been banned from building two sleek new architect-designed houses on their Waiheke Island estate.

Preparations are under way for NZ's largest corporate relocation with Telecom's new $280m Auckland headquarters nearly finished.

The ink is almost dry on a deal to finally revamp Auckland's tired Victoria Park Market.

House prices firmed up last month, but turnover stayed low said the Real Estate Institute.

Destination retail complex has childcare centre as key tenant, writes Colin Taylor.