Chris Penk: Building and Construction Minister on the 19% annual increase in new home approvals

The Construction Minister believes a picture is clearly being painted of a recovery in the sector.  Stats NZ figures show new home approvals rose 19% annually to June – topping 40 thousand for the first time since 2023.   More than 18 thousand consents were issued for standalone houses and 22 thousand for townhouses, representing increases of 17% and 21% respectively.  Chris Penk told Mike Hosking consents are just the start of a building process, and although people can't live in them, you wouldn't apply for one without the intention to build.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.