Housing consent numbers back to 1982 levels

Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) said the number of new homes authorised, including apartments, has fallen 28% since April to be at its lowest point since 1982.

In March consent were issued for 1047 new homes - excluding apartments - and 40 new apartment units.

The figures came as no surprise to Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF) chief executive Warwick Quinn.

"The construction sector is well into its third year of recession and the contraction is picked to continue for most of the year," he said.