Shareholders in rural services company Allied Farmers stand to lose out over an estimated $24 million mortgage on the Jack Nicklaus-designed Kinloch Golf Club near Lake Taupo.

Rotting buildings are NZ's worst catastrophe, but the Govt is cashing in, says a study commissioned by the North Shore City Council.

Owners in two townhouse complexes have been backed in drawn-out leaky-building repair battles with their council, which lawyers say may affect rates.

Sir Peter Jackson has raised the ire of neighbours by starting work on a second lake at his fairytale Wairarapa estate.

He is supposed to be one of the country's richest men, but a $19 million lawsuit could send venture capitalist Bill Birnie under.

New Zealand's biggest shopping mall is planning a major expansion, including multi-storey apartments and office blocks to create a "mini CBD".

House prices were stable in February, says the Real Estate Institute, while the number of properties sold recovered from a poor January.