Business

In a bold move amid a softer building market, ZB Homes has opened its latest show home at Abergeldie Estate, timed to meet renewed demand for well-priced new-build homes in Cambridge. After a period of declining construction activity, market conditions are shifting in favour of buyers. Lower rates have improved affordability, with current repayments on a $1.1m home now similar to those on a $850,000 home two years ago. It’s a shift that many investors are recognising, and it’s also bringing new builds within reach of more buyers. “Today’s rates allow buyers to get more for their money and that makes a big difference.” says Kirsten Chisholm, General Manager of ZB Homes.  Cambridge sits within the North Island’s “Golden Triangle” and is forecast to see sustained demand for housing. Waipā ...

Auckland businesses continue to invest in websites that load fast, convert reliably, and scale with growth. This 2025 ranking recognises five agencies serving the region with consistent delivery, clear pricing or value, and transparent service scopes.  Our selection criteria Proven focus on small to mid-sized business outcomes, not just portfolio polish Clear positioning or specialist capability such as AI workflow, Shopify, or WordPress Public evidence of services, promises, or results on official pages or partner directories Auckland presence or New Zealand coverage with Auckland clients The 2025 List 1) Kiwi Web Design (Auckland) Kiwi Web Design leads this year’s list for its AI-first production workflow and small-business pricing. The agency adve...

At Precast Concrete Dunedin, we’ve been diligently manufacturing high-strength, wet-cast concrete products for over 80 years. Among our most popular and reliable paving solutions is the Plain Paver (Flagstone) - a simple yet versatile option that complements both traditional and contemporary outdoor spaces. Our Plain Pavers offer a clean and classic look that makes them a go-to choice for patios, garden paths, courtyards, and barbeque areas. With smooth or textured finishes and understated elegance, they blend seamlessly into any outdoor setting. The pavers are available in a variety of sizes, including 300×300, 450×450, 500×500, 600×300, and 600x600mm, allowing you to design with flexibility and scale. One of the key advantages of our concrete flagstones is their durability. Made using ...

Paving stones are a popular choice for patios, paths, and garden areas across New Zealand. They add style, create clean lines, and can last for decades with proper care. But exposure to sun, rain, wind, moss, and dirt can leave them looking worn or stained. The good news is that with the right maintenance, pavers can stay looking fresh for years. Regular upkeep not only improves appearance but also protects the surface, prevents weeds and moss, and saves money on repairs. Why Regular Maintenance Matters New Zealand’s climate is tough on paving stones. In coastal areas like Dunedin, salt can cause wear, while shaded or damp spots encourage moss and mould. Strong summer UV fades colours, and winter frost can damage unsealed pavers. Without regular cleaning, these issues build up and ma...

A Winter Wonderland Awakens There’s something truly magical about winter at The Cardrona. As the frosty mornings settle in, the valley transforms into a snow-globe setting that feels both invigorating and cosy at the same time. The fire is stoked every morning, sending out its comforting warmth, while the crunch of frost underfoot reminds you that you’re in the heart of a true alpine wonderland. Snow-Capped Backdrops and Clear Blue Skies On clear days, the sky shines a brilliant blue, contrasting perfectly against the snow-capped peaks that surround the valley. It’s a backdrop that makes every moment feel postcard-worthy. Whether you’re setting out on a 4x4 ATV or equine adventure or simply taking it all in, the winter scenery here is unbeatable. Shaggy Horses and High Country Trails ...

As New Zealand’s construction sector continues to contract, homeowners are increasingly drawn to bargain-priced services - especially for projects like roofing.  But industry experts warn that choosing the cheapest option can lead to far greater costs - from leaks and repairs to legal disputes and emotional stress. Take Tim Stewart, for example. He signed up with RoofBuddy after securing the lowest quote, but soon regretted it. “In hindsight, had I known the dramas, I would have been more than happy to fork out a bit more upfront and with the peace of mind,” he told the NZ Herald. Complaints are mounting against platforms like RoofBuddy, which connects homeowners with contractors. The NZ Herald and RNZ have reported multiple cases of shoddy workmanship, defective products, and serious s...

After 25 years helping New Zealanders buy and sell businesses, Christchurch-based NZBizBuySell has been sold to Bizstats, the country’s leading provider of business sales data. Founded by Richard O’Brien in 2000, NZBizBuySell has grown into NZ’s leading independent business-for-sale listing platform, connecting business buyers, sellers, franchisors and brokers nationwide. Richard says the opportunity arose when Bizstats owner Matt Stevenson approached him about a potential acquisition. “It’s great to pass the ball to someone with the vision, enthusiasm and skills – and who is New Zealand based – to take things to the next stage,” he says. “After 25 years building this highly successful platform, it’s time to focus on other projects, including our commercial property listing website, NZco...

Expressions of interest to buy the iconic Cardrona Hotel close on Friday, with keen interest from Kiwis and foreign buyers. The 162-year-old heritage-listed hotel and restaurant has been on the market for just five weeks, with expressions of interest closing Friday, August 15. Cardrona Hotel owners Cade and Alexis Thornton say the buyer enquiry has surpassed their expectations and they are looking forward to announcing a sale in the coming weeks.“We’ve had a lot of enquiry from Australia, as well as potential domestic buyers,” Cade says. “We have narrowed our discussions down to eight groups, so it’s looking promising. Each group are fantastic operators with a background in hospitality or hotels. Alexis and I are confident that we'll find a highly skilled and experienced publican who will...

UK Correspondent: Peter Minkoff In recent times, artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly transformed the geography of fiscal planning. As technology advances, AI-powered tools are becoming necessary for individual investors, various businesses, and financial professionals. These inventions offer new ways to dissect data, optimise portfolios, and prognosticate request trends. Understanding how AI reshapes fiscal decision-making is essential for anyone looking to enhance their wealth operation strategies. Here are five crucial insights into the role of AI in fiscal planning: Personalised Investment Strategies AI excels at processing vast quantities of data to knitter investment plans that suit individual pretensions and threat forbearance. Traditional fiscal advice frequently reli...

Leading Auckland cleaning service provider joins New Zealand's premier home and lifestyle exhibition with exclusive raffle prizes. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Premium Clean, a trusted provider of residential and commercial cleaning services in Auckland, today announced its participation as an exhibitor at the Auckland Home Show 2025. The company will showcase its comprehensive range of professional cleaning solutions while offering visitors the opportunity to win valuable prizes through an exclusive raffle. The Auckland Home Show, recognised as New Zealand's largest home and lifestyle exhibition, provides Premium Clean with a platform to connect directly with homeowners, property managers, and business owners seeking reliable cleaning services. The event will take place at ASB Showgrounds an...