Statistics New Zealand released its building permits data on late Sunday evening. Building permits in New Zealand jumped 5.1% in October, after a 5.8% drop in September. September's figure was revised down from a 5.7% decline.

Residential work rose 2.4% year-on-year in October, while non-residential work climbed 4.9%.

"Dwelling consents are well above the historical average in both Auckland and Canterbury. Auckland dwelling consents have continued to increase, while Canterbury has come down from the peak we saw last year," business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly said.