Latest news with #Auckland-specific
Newsroom
10 hours ago
- Business
- Newsroom
City of No Sales: What's wrong with Auckland?
Auckland's been labelled the City of Fails after its annual State of the City report which highlighted glaring issues with the city's economy, productivity, innovation, education and more. Its flagging GDP, city sprawl, reliance on cars, a lack of walkability … the condemnation goes on. But it wasn't just this one report. Other issues have been regularly highlighted this year – the sudden increase in homelessness; endless road works and construction from the City Rail Link development; gaping holes where CBD developments have just stopped, the cranes in cold storage. All this while the South Island and rural communities are showing sparks of coming out of recession in a post-Covid era. It's a tale of two different economic recoveries. The Detail looks at what's wrong with Auckland, what's right and what needs to be done to make it better. The CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, Simon Bridges, has been pushing the Government to come to the aid of the city, where he's seeing the results of weak economic growth, a lack of investment and flagging retail trade. He says he's tried to put politics aside but yes, it's possible his former job as leader of the National Party has helped his advocacy. 'I think central government is listening,' he says. 'I think what we need to see now is just a bit of urgent action. If you think about Auckland, we've had several years of difficulty and you might say well, what's several more months? But the reality is even if things do get a bit better next year, there's a lot of pain out there. 'I've put forward some ideas of things that could be done, but I don't have a monopoly on the answers. Ultimately what we want to see happen is stuff that is going to improve the sentiment and get some spending happening, because if Auckland was a business it would be a business with a cashflow issue.' So far the Government hasn't raced in to help with any short-term stimulus. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told RNZ he would 'keep looking at what we can do' but 'Auckland-specific stimulus thing is quite difficult to do … I don't know how you'd go about doing that.' Bridges has given him a bunch of ideas, including relaxing visa requirements for Asian tourists to make it easier for them to come here, encouraging international students and letting Mayor Wayne Brown have his bed levy as a way of increasing council income and bidding for more big events to come to the city. 'We're not rich enough that we don't need that money swilling around at a time when in Auckland at least, hotel rates – occupancy and so on – is very bad. Worse than last year actually.' There are some bright lights on the horizon, including the scheduled opening next year of the long-awaited City Rail Link, and the International Convention Centre. However the infrastructure pipeline behind that is looking bleak, especially with government moves to cap rates rises, block councils from using other methods to raise money, and now the introduction of some hasty rules telling councils what they should focus on and how they should behave. The Local Government (Systems Improvement) Amendment Bill, which councils have just four weeks to submit on, tells them to stick to core services like roads, rubbish and water, and get rid of nice-to-haves like spending on cultural, community and environmental things – things the city is measured on internationally. North Shore resident Hayden Donnell is a senior writer for the Spinoff. He thinks the city is improving, and can list a raft of places in the CBD where it's lively, pedestrian-friendly and full of great cafes and restaurants. Donnell talks to The Detail about the good and the bad, including beaches, buses and bad planning rules. 'I think we probably are a little bit negative about Auckland,' he says. 'Maybe we do undersell the fact that we have this beautiful natural environment, there's a lot of places that are going really well. 'At the same time I think it's true … there are lots of areas where we could improve, where the rest of the world has caught up with this thing called 'walkable areas' and 'pedestrian malls' … that kind of vibrant shopping that you can go to Europe and experience doesn't really happen here to the same extent. 'But we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we're very fortunate.' Something Aucklanders do have is Auckland FC, which has lit the city up with it's nearly all-conquering ways this year breaking A-League crowd records in its debut season. The director of Auckland Football is Terry McFlynn, who grew up in a little village in south Derry, Northern Ireland. He's lived in Perth, Sydney and London. Now he lives in Auckland. 'There's a lot of people that take a lot of pride in Auckland as a city and want to see it progress, and want to see a vibrant city, which I believe it is. 'I think the restaurants and bars and that lifestyle that Auckland can give around the viaduct and down by the harbour … you know it's second to none in the whole world in my opinion.' Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here. You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
Time Business News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Best Deck Builders in Auckland: 8-Step Guide to Your Dream Deck
A deck transforms your Auckland home into an inviting outdoor haven, perfect for barbecues in Ponsonby or relaxing evenings in Remuera. But with Auckland's wet climate—averaging 1,200 mm of rainfall annually—and coastal winds piling debris onto properties, building a durable, stylish deck requires expertise. Choosing the best deck builders in Auckland ensures your outdoor space is both functional and stunning, adding value to your home in a market where median prices hover around $1.1M NZD in 2025. So, how do you find the right professionals for your dream deck? This guide walks you through the process in a friendly, step-by-step way, tailored to Auckland's unique needs, so you can hire deck builders in Auckland with confidence. Building a deck isn't just hammering boards together—it's about creating a space that withstands Auckland's relentless rain, coastal salt, and occasional storms. Poorly built decks can warp, crack, or violate Auckland Council regulations, costing you thousands in repairs. Professional deck builders bring: Expertise : Knowledge of local building codes and weather challenges. : Knowledge of local building codes and weather challenges. Quality materials : Options like Kwila or composite suited for Auckland's humidity. : Options like Kwila or composite suited for Auckland's humidity. Safety : Proper equipment for steep sections in Titirangi or multi-story homes in Parnell. : Proper equipment for steep sections in Titirangi or multi-story homes in Parnell. Value: A well-built deck can boost your home's resale appeal. Let's explore how to find the best deck builders in Auckland for your project. Before contacting builders, clarify what you want from your deck: Purpose : Entertaining in Epsom, relaxing in Devonport, or a multi-use space? : Entertaining in Epsom, relaxing in Devonport, or a multi-use space? Size and design : A compact corner deck for Grey Lynn's small yards or a multi-level design for North Shore's sloping sections? : A compact corner deck for Grey Lynn's small yards or a multi-level design for North Shore's sloping sections? Materials : Durable hardwoods like Kwila for coastal Takapuna or low-maintenance composite for busy households? : Durable hardwoods like Kwila for coastal Takapuna or low-maintenance composite for busy households? Budget: Expect $5,000–$20,000 NZD, depending on size, materials, and complexity. Consider Auckland-specific factors, like slip-resistant coatings for wet winters or UV-resistant finishes for sunny summers. A clear vision helps you communicate with builders and avoid costly missteps. Auckland's deck builders vary in expertise, so focus on those with local experience. Here's how to start: Search online : Use terms like ' Auckland decking services ' or 'best deck builders Auckland' on Google. : Use terms like ' ' or 'best deck builders Auckland' on Google. Check directories : Platforms like NoCowboys or Yellow Pages list Auckland builders with ratings. : Platforms like NoCowboys or Yellow Pages list Auckland builders with ratings. Ask locals : Neighbors in Mount Eden or Howick often recommend trusted builders. : Neighbors in Mount Eden or Howick often recommend trusted builders. Browse X: Look for posts about deck builders or Auckland home improvement groups for real-time recommendations. Shortlist 3–5 builders with strong online presence and local projects, like decks in heritage villas or modern flats. To ensure quality and compliance, check the builder's credentials: Licensing : Confirm they're registered with the New Zealand Certified Builders Association or hold a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) status. : Confirm they're registered with the New Zealand Certified Builders Association or hold a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) status. Insurance : Look for public liability insurance to cover accidents or damage. : Look for public liability insurance to cover accidents or damage. Experience : Seek 3–5 years of Auckland-specific work, tackling challenges like coastal corrosion or hilly terrain. : Seek 3–5 years of Auckland-specific work, tackling challenges like coastal corrosion or hilly terrain. Portfolio: Review past projects, especially in suburbs like yours (e.g., Parnell's heritage homes or Albany's modern builds). Request proof of licensing via email or the builder's website to avoid unqualified operators. Customer feedback reveals a builder's reliability. Here's how to evaluate: Multiple platforms : Check Google Reviews, NoCowboys, or TradeMe Services for consistent ratings (4+ stars). : Check Google Reviews, NoCowboys, or TradeMe Services for consistent ratings (4+ stars). Local relevance : Focus on reviews from Auckland homeowners, ideally in your suburb (e.g., Henderson or Orakei). : Focus on reviews from Auckland homeowners, ideally in your suburb (e.g., Henderson or Orakei). Details matter : Look for mentions of punctuality, communication, or quality (e.g., 'handled our sloping section perfectly'). : Look for mentions of punctuality, communication, or quality (e.g., 'handled our sloping section perfectly'). Red flags: Avoid builders with complaints about delays, messy sites, or incomplete work. A builder with glowing, specific reviews is a safe bet for your Auckland decking services. Get detailed quotes from your shortlisted builders to balance cost and quality: Provide specifics : Share your deck size, design, materials, and site challenges (e.g., sloping lot in Titirangi). : Share your deck size, design, materials, and site challenges (e.g., sloping lot in Titirangi). Expect costs : $5,000–$10,000 for small decks, $10,000–$20,000 for larger or multi-level designs. : $5,000–$10,000 for small decks, $10,000–$20,000 for larger or multi-level designs. Check inclusions : Does the quote cover permits, site prep, or debris removal? : Does the quote cover permits, site prep, or debris removal? Avoid lowball offers: Quotes under $4,000 may signal inexperience or cutting corners. Compare at least three quotes, ensuring they align with your budget and vision. Auckland Council permits (required for decks over 1.5m high) may add $500–$2,000 to costs. A builder's communication reflects their service quality. Test this by: Contacting them : Call or email to gauge responsiveness—expect replies within 24–48 hours. : Call or email to gauge responsiveness—expect replies within 24–48 hours. Asking questions : Inquire about materials (e.g., composite vs. pine), timelines, or Auckland-specific challenges (e.g., wet weather delays). : Inquire about materials (e.g., composite vs. pine), timelines, or Auckland-specific challenges (e.g., wet weather delays). Evaluating professionalism: Clear, polite answers and transparency about costs are good signs. Poor communication, like vague responses or pushy sales tactics, suggests unreliability. Choose builders who make you feel confident and informed. Top Auckland deck builders offer extras that enhance your project: Custom designs : Tailored solutions for unique spaces, like wraparound decks in Devonport. : Tailored solutions for unique spaces, like wraparound decks in Devonport. Maintenance advice : Tips for protecting decks from Auckland's humidity and rain. : Tips for protecting decks from Auckland's humidity and rain. Warranties : Look for 5–10-year guarantees on workmanship or materials. : Look for 5–10-year guarantees on workmanship or materials. Eco-options: Sustainable materials like recycled composite, popular in eco-conscious Grey Lynn. Ask about these during consultations to ensure long-term value and satisfaction. With research done, select the builder that best matches your needs, budget, and trust level: Confirm details : Agree on timeline, materials, and payment terms (e.g., deposit, final payment). : Agree on timeline, materials, and payment terms (e.g., deposit, final payment). Schedule smartly : Book before Auckland's busy summer season (December–February) for better availability. : Book before Auckland's busy summer season (December–February) for better availability. Get it in writing : Request a contract outlining scope, costs, and warranties. : Request a contract outlining scope, costs, and warranties. Plan maintenance: Schedule annual checks to keep your deck pristine in Auckland's wet climate. A reputable builder will guide you through the process, ensuring your deck is ready for Auckland's outdoor lifestyle. How much does it cost to build a deck in Auckland? Costs range from $5,000–$20,000 NZD, depending on size, materials (e.g., Kwila vs. composite), and site complexity. How long does it take to build a deck? Small decks take 1–2 weeks; larger or multi-level designs may take 3–4 weeks, weather permitting. Do I need a permit for my deck in Auckland? Yes, for decks over 1.5m high or with specific structural requirements, per Auckland Council rules. What materials are best for Auckland's climate? Hardwoods like Kwila or Vitex and composite decking resist rain and coastal corrosion. How do I know if a deck builder is reliable? Check licensing, insurance, reviews, and portfolios, and ensure they understand Auckland's weather challenges. Creating your dream outdoor space in Auckland starts with choosing the best deck builders in Auckland. By understanding your needs, researching local experts, verifying credentials, reading reviews, comparing quotes, assessing communication, and checking for extras, you'll find a builder who delivers a durable, stylish deck tailored to Auckland's rainy, coastal climate. Don't let a poorly built deck dampen your outdoor dreams—invest in professionals who understand your vision and Auckland's unique challenges. Start your search on platforms like NoCowboys or Google, and turn your backyard into a stunning extension of your home today! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
