According to Statistics New Zealand (SNZ), during the month of June, the issued value of non-residential building consents was the lowest monthly figure since September 2007, at $307 million, that came after record non-residential values in April and May.

SNZ, while making the figures public today, said that since the monthly series started in 1965, the 14,175 new dwellings authorized in the June year was the lowest annual number.

Nearly 1100 new dwelling units received consents during June, which is down 20.3 per cent from the earlier year. If apartments are excluded, then 967 dwelling consents were issued last month, down 24.4 per cent from June 2008.

However, SNZ did specify that when apartments were excluded, then the seasonally adjusted number of new dwellings authorized was up 3 per cent as compared to May.

The seasonally adjusted number was down 9.5 per cent from May, when apartments were included.

"Of 133 new apartment units authorized last month, 68 per cent were for assisted-living apartment units associated with retirement villages. The value of residential building consents in June was $385m, 18 per cent lower than in June 2008," said SNZ.