A rise in the value and number of building consents issued by Council in the past year has been led by new urban subdivisions and confidence in the local building sector.

In the 12 months to 30 June 2025 (Council’s financial year), 204 building consents were issued for new homes, up 25.9 per cent on the previous year.

Acting CE Neil McCann said the previous year had been quieter, but the increase was still greater than the 10-year average of 190 new home consents a year.

“Taking a long-term view, the district was growing steadily, then we experienced a covid-induced high and low, and now we are back on that steady growth track. We are also hearing a mostly positive commentary from the local building sector about work in progress or in the pipeline.”

Methven accounts for about a fifth of the new home consents. The consent data also showed a rise in the number of pole sheds being built, from 39 to 74.

The total value of the consented work was $186.7 million, compared to $142m the previous year. The value of the new home consents was $108m.

The total number of consents rose from 502 to 599, but is about a quarter less than the 10-year average because some types of building work no longer need consent.

“We’re receiving many enquiries from people looking to subdivide and also hearing from existing businesses looking to grow or improve their footprint,” Mr McCann said.

“Council’s wider role is making sure we have the drinking water and wastewater networks to support development, and that land is appropriately zoned for future growth.”

Earlier this year Council received a report from consultants Property Economics, showing the district had good land availability for future growth.

You can read the report online.