Building activity picks up from historic low

Statistics New Zealand revealed the increase was led by a 4.4% increase in residential building activity.

"In Canterbury, there appeared to be a greater increase in building activity than in the rest of New Zealand," said industry and labour statistics manager Blair Cardno.

"This was true for both residential and non-residential building."

After adjusting for price and seasonal effects, non-residential building activity increased 1.4% in the December quarter, the rise coming after decreases in the three previous quarters.