Building Consents Prompt Growth in the Mackenzie District
Building activity is flourishing in the Mackenzie District with the number of council building consents expected to jump
to record levels this year.
Mackenzie District Council building control manager Steve McLellan says the council usually processes an average of 250
building consents a year. Last year that increased to 301, and this year he predicts between 340 and 350 - the highest
ever. These figures include both commercial and residential, new buildings and renovations.
Mr McLellan says it’s difficult to say what’s driving the increase. The consents include young couples building their
first home, people from outside the district building holiday homes, older people building a place to retire and farm
buildings like dairy sheds.
The work is also spread across the district. New homes are being built in Tekapo and Twizel. There is a lot of
alteration work happening on old houses in the Fairlie township, and some consents have been for farm buildings in
farming areas around Fairlie.
“I talk to people who apply for building consents and there is one trend I’ve noticed,” Mr McLellan says. “A lot of
people say they have sat on their money through the recession and now they’ve decided the time is right to move on with
their lives and start building.
“There is definitely a sign of increased confidence from people. Many view Twizel as a growing holiday spot similar to
Wanaka, and building there is viewed as a good investment.”
Mr McLellan says the council has just added a new staff position to help with the increased workload and he appreciates
the extra help. He believes the increase will be sustained in the long term.
Council manager of planning and regulations Nathan Hole says it’s critical for a small local authority like Mackenzie to
see sustained growth in the district. The increase in building activity is good for everyone.
“This is positive for the district. It’s all about money coming into the local economy, with most of the work being
carried out by local builders and labourers.
“Also, when you build you increase the capital value of your property and this increases the capital value of the
district. This helps make a council more sustainable in the long-term.”
ENDS