The February Canterbury earthquake, combined with the fact the NZ economy was already struggling, pushed the Reserve Bank to cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points at its March meeting.

From Statistics New Zealand:

I received this note yesterday from a small supplier situated in Christchurch:

The New Zealand labour market closed out 2010 on a low note, with employment declining and the unemployment rate rising to 6.8%.

The New Zealand economy struggled over the second half of 2010.

The recent announcement by the Supreme Court will put more emphasis on the central government 25-25-50 scheme, with the landmark ruling that councils owe a duty of care to establish that inspection ensures compliance with the Building Code.

The New Zealand economy finally produced some good news in October, with September quarter unemployment falling to 6.4%.

469 industry professionals participating in last weeks survey, and we have your combined results above.

The Department for Building and Housing (DBH) this week published a guide for building practitioners, updating what remedial work can (and can't) be completed without a building consent.

Over the next few weeks we will collect and publish your feedback and views from the wider design network on to local and government officials all with the purpose of aiding the recovery from the Christchurch Earthquake.