Good news for chippies

[MotherBear]

I'll stick this up here as not everyone ventures down to read What's in the News.

Chippies raking it in
Page 1 of 2 ........ 5:00AM Sunday February 17, 2008
By Anna Rushworth

Skilled tradesmen are raking in $2000 a week, thanks to an industry shortage that's pushing up wages and causing long delays to home renovations.

Builders and carpenters are still in high demand, despite construction consents dropping to a six-year low.

The situation could get worse if significant Auckland building projects such as the Western Ring Route tunnel and the harbour redevelopment go ahead.

Some think luring skilled migrants to New Zealand will solve the problem, others fear it could drive down wages.

More here .