The number of consents to build new houses and apartments has risen after two months of declines.
One of the developments in Auckland, to be built near the waterfront Photo: Supplied
Official figures show permits rose a seasonally-adjusted 5.1 percent in October, led by apartments in Auckland.
If apartments are stripped out, consents for houses fell 0.2 percent.
The Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions made up more than half of all consents in the month, with Auckland alone accounting for a third of the total.
Canterbury's contribution eased.
Christchurch construction. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Statistics New Zealand said the trend in consents was increasing, and was at its highest level since July 2004. This was due to demand for housing in Auckand from the swelling numbers of immigrants and returning New Zealanders.