BT’s Back in Time

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20 years ago — June 1999

Funding of $113,000 to go towards a review of the Building Act, which controls the construction and health aspects of building in New Zealand, was approved in the Budget.

Minister of Internal Affairs Jack Elder said the Act provided for national building standards to be set, but did not specify how these standards should be met.

This meant builders and manufacturers had considerable scope to be innovative, giving builders and home owners greater choice, improved products and lower prices.

But there were some industry concerns that these opportunities for innovation were not, in fact, happening, partly due to the Act and partly due to its implementation.

“What we want to do is iron out some problems limiting the full effectiveness of the Act — in particular, those holding back further innovation,” Mr Elder said.

15 years ago — June 2004

New Zealand’s oldest spa resort — the Waiwera Thermal Resort and Spa, which dates back to 1875 — was to undergo a $125 million transformation over a five-year period.

The redevelopment plan included a four-star hotel, international-standard spa wellness centre, conference facilities and enhanced water experiences, including a meandering pool which would wind itself around the entire 1.7ha site. Stage one was also to involve the construction of 120 apartments.

10 years ago — June 2009

The concrete sector congratulated the Government’s announcement to allocate $50 million over three years for the New Zealand Cycleway Project.

“The development of a series of Great Rides that will connect across the country will offer a brilliant recreational experience for New Zealanders and international tourists,” Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) chief executive Rob Gaimster said.

“If the cycle network is to achieve its various economic, social and environmental objectives it will need to make extensive use of the long-term maintenance and user benefits of concrete.”

5 years ago — June 2014

Queenstown’s snow-sprinkled peaks and pristine lakes were being recreated in a multi-billion dollar development in mainland China.

The country had teamed up with Australian developers Besgate Group to build a replica of the South Island ski resort in Xi’an Province, 1400km west of Shanghai.

The area, ringed by five mountains and with an artificial lake, was being developed as a gateway to the Terracotta Warriors tourist site, and the Chinese Government wanted a “Queenstown-type feel”.

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