Story: City history and people

Since the 1990s there has been a return to inner-city living. It still appeals mainly to those who want to be close to city amenities, particularly the single and childless. Once again, entrepreneurs have responded by erecting blocks of flats – on a much larger scale than before. Most have gone up in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, but other cities have also followed the trend. The high-rise building in the middle distance in this photograph of central Tauranga is an apartment block.