Statistics New Zealand released its building permits data on late Sunday evening. Building permits in New Zealand rose 1.8% in November, after a 5.4% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 5.1% increase.

Residential work rose 23% year-on-year in November, while non-residential work climbed 25%.

"November is usually a big month for residential building consents, and 2015 was no exception. Dwelling consents were up 17 percent from the year before, driven by increases for houses and retirement village units," business indicators manager Clara Eatherley said.