I received this note yesterday from a small supplier situated in Christchurch:

The New Zealand labour market closed out 2010 on a low note, with employment declining and the unemployment rate rising to 6.8%.

The New Zealand economy struggled over the second half of 2010.

The recent announcement by the Supreme Court will put more emphasis on the central government 25-25-50 scheme, with the landmark ruling that councils owe a duty of care to establish that inspection ensures compliance with the Building Code.

The New Zealand economy finally produced some good news in October, with September quarter unemployment falling to 6.4%.

469 industry professionals participating in last weeks survey, and we have your combined results above.

The Department for Building and Housing (DBH) this week published a guide for building practitioners, updating what remedial work can (and can't) be completed without a building consent.

Over the next few weeks we will collect and publish your feedback and views from the wider design network on to local and government officials all with the purpose of aiding the recovery from the Christchurch Earthquake.

How connected are the people in your office? how easy is it to collaborate with your project partners, clients of product suppliers?

The recovery from recession has continued to be patchy, with the NZIER’s latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion showing that firms have become more nervous about the outlook for the economy.