Here is a selection of links to useful resources:

Consumer advice & the building process:
www.consumerbuild.org.nz
www.buildingguide.co.nz
www.hobanz.org.nz
www.fpb.co.nz
www.consumer.org.nz/reports/building-guarantees

Home ideas:
www.gibliving.co.nz/steps-to-building
www.refreshrenovations.co.nz
www.homeideas.co.nz
www.hometechnology.co.nz
www.nzhouseandgarden.co.nz
www.homestyle.co.nz
www.trendsideas.com

Legal, regulatory, contracts and local council information:
www.lawlink.co.nz
www.howtolaw.co.nz
www.inderlynch.co.nz
www.dbh.govt.nz
www.localcouncils.govt.nz
For a standard building contract: Standards New Zealand

Information on The Building Act:
www.dbh.govt.nz/info-for-homeowners-consumers

News articles about building horror stories:
Insurance woes lead to liquidation – The Press, 26th August 2011
Second housing company goes under – Waikato Times, 10th March 2011
Bay of Plenty builder folds owing creditors $500,000 – NZ Herald, 4th November 2010
Builder placed in voluntary liquidation – Otago Daily Times, 5th August 2010
Illegal DIY rife in Bay homes - Bay of Plenty Times, 13th August 2011
Homeowners must pay for bad choices - NZ Herald, 27th March 2011
Stress and cost of leaky home destroys marriage - NZ Herald, 27th September 2009
Dream of better life becomes eight year nightmare - NZ Herald, 24th August 2009
Insurer nails cowboys who built rotting homes - NZ Herald, 2nd March 2007