Gisborne: How New Zealand’s most isolated spot became its priciest rental market, costing a fortune

Gisborne, a remote New Zealand city, faces a rental crisis, becoming the nation's most expensive due to Cyclone Gabrielle's damage and pandemic-related construction delays. An influx of recovery workers further strains the limited housing supply, driving up rental costs. Efforts to build affordable housing are underway, but completion is not expected until August 2026, leaving many residents struggling.