Latest from Urban Design

Noble false widow spider establishes itself in New Zealand
One of the world’s most invasive arachnids is thriving in urban areas in Aotearoa.

Rotorua land once earmarked for bypass set for new development
The land was initially planned for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial.

Opinion: NZ cities are heating up – here are 5 things councils can do now for a cooler summer
Heatwaves could lead to 48 more days above 25°C in Auckland by 2099.

'Massively disappointed': Helipad approval sparks backlash
Council received 1400 submissions; more than 1300 opposed the helicopter flights.

Patrick Reynolds: What is a good model for Queen St?
OPINION: The busiest part of Queen St is now the car-free Te Komititanga Square.

Battery blaze: Ute fire damages electric vehicle, home in Westmere
Two vehicles went up in flames near a two-storey house.

Govt instructs Auckland Council to allow 15 storeys-plus buildings near key train stations
The Government says previous density requirements don't go far enough.

Ikea to hire 500 staff for NZ launch, 100 more than planned
Employees get five weeks paid leave as well as a 15% discount at the store.

Wayne Brown redesigns a railway station
Reroute buses to stop at the station and get a big developer on board now, says the mayor.

New, never-lived-in Auckland apartment project up for mortgagee sale
WFT Finance brought in a subcontractor to finish the apartments before calling Colliers.

First look at $1b warehouse hub by James Kirkpatrick Group
Heir's vision becomes a reality: 'Dad wanted this to be the best' – James Kirkpatrick jnr.

Hawke's Bay architecture shines at Te Kāhui Whaihanga awards
Sustainability and resilience were key themes in this year's architectural awards.

Wayne Brown: These are Auckland's three key areas for economic growth
OPINION: Rate rises have been kept to half the national average, saving $200m.

2300sq m of prime Auckland land selling for $2.5m - plus 15 cars if you can find them under the mess
The property is valued at $2.5m and is touted as 'an excellent opportunity'.

Mike Lee: Smith & Caughey’s closure a body-blow to Queen St
Smith & Caughey’s closure will result in 98 job losses in Auckland.

New 12-level $290m University of Auckland student block planned
Singaporeans involved in the new deal, Precinct to sell 80% of the development when done.

Opinion: Auckland's second harbour crossing could be practical and a thing of beauty
OPINION: A proposed second harbour link could destroy key parts of Auckland's waterfront.

‘Shotgun’ cladding: Homeowner complains about new $1.27m home, builder says nothing wrong
Sound's a known behaviour of the product and not a sign of a defect, says Fletcher Living.

Budget 2025: Every budget item in one interactive
Use the Herald interactive to explore Budget 2025.

Rich-lister wants to demolish iconic Auckland boatshed
Only viable option to address flooding: Build new boatshed at higher level – application.

Epsom's ex-Mercy Hospital vastly expanded in $150m project
It will be NZ's only private hospital with both intensive care and high-dependency units.