The total number of building permits issued in February in New Zealand was up a seasonally adjusted 1.9 percent on month, Statistics New Zealand said on Thursday.
That was shy of forecasts for a gain of 3.0 percent following the 0.4 percent contraction in January.
"The trend for new houses continues to grow, whether or not apartments are included. The number of new houses consented has been trending up for almost two years and is now 53 percent higher than the most recent low point in March 2011," industry and labor statistics manager Blair Cardno said. "This trend for the number of new houses, including apartments, is now at its highest level since May 2008."
On year, there were: 1,493 new houses, including apartments (up 24 percent); 1,351 new houses, excluding apartments (up 18 percent); and 142 new apartments (up 80 from 62).
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