New Zealand’s building consents showed a clear rebound at the start of the year, rising 1.9% month-over-month in January 2026, following a sharp 4.5% decline in December 2025. The latest figures, updated on 2 March 2026, signal a tentative stabilization in construction activity after a weak end to last year.
On a month-over-month basis, the “actual” January result compares the change in consents from January to December, while the “previous” figure reflected December’s drop relative to November. The move from a -4.5% contraction to a 1.9% increase suggests a modest return of momentum in the sector, which is closely watched as a leading indicator for broader economic activity and future investment in New Zealand’s property market.
While the January uptick does not erase December’s fall, the positive swing may offer some reassurance to investors tracking the construction pipeline and its potential contribution to growth in early 2026.