Latest news with #DanielDavies
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
From Shortages To Choice: Davies Homes Welcomes A Market Reset For New Builds
Press Release – Digitalstream While the broader market remains subdued, Davies Homes is building for a diverse audience from high-end custom homes to investment properties and first-home buyers. After years of post-COVID disruption, runaway material costs, and long lead times, the building industry in the Waikato is experiencing a welcome shift — and Davies Homes says the current conditions are ideal for well-planned new home construction. 'Right now, everything's lining up in favour of new builds — pricing, availability, and quality,' says Daniel Davies, founder of Davies Homes. 'Subcontractors are more accessible, lead times are manageable, and product options have never been better.' A Shift from Panic to Planning During the housing boom, material shortages and long wait times forced compromises. Now, the pressure has eased. 'Back then, we were constantly substituting materials just to keep projects moving,' Davies explains. 'Today, clients can make decisions based on preference — not desperation.' Costs for key components like timber decking and steel have also come down, while manufacturers have released improved claddings, flooring, and energy-efficient products. Buyer Confidence Returns The fear-of-missing-out mentality has given way to thoughtful planning. Land is no longer snapped up in panic, and buyers can work through scenarios with more clarity. 'It's a buyer's market in terms of mindset,' Davies says. 'People have the breathing space to make the right decisions — and avoid buyer's remorse.' 'People are taking the time to do their homework. We've got clients from all walks of life — from investors to multigenerational farmers — and they're looking for quality and long-term value.' While the broader market remains subdued, Davies Homes is building for a diverse audience — from high-end custom homes to investment properties and first-home buyers. 'We're seeing demand across the board,' says Davies. 'We are building homes from 175 sqm to 775 sqm.' Lending Competition Opens Doors The financial side has also seen a shift. While some buyers still face hurdles, competition among banks is making it easier to secure funding. Davies notes 'We're seeing cashback offers and special low-interest loans — sometimes as low as 1% — for energy-efficient upgrades like solar, water tanks, and insulation. If you structure things properly, you can really make the numbers work.' Skilled Subcontractor Shortage Ends A significant shift in the current construction market is the increased availability of skilled contractors — a change that's proving especially valuable for builders like Davies Homes, who rely on a loyal network of highly experienced tradespeople. During the building boom, the most talented subcontractors were often stretched thin 'Whether it's a 175 sqm starter home or a 775 sqm estate, every project gets the same top-tier tradespeople,' says Davies. 'And that's the beauty of building right now. With contractor availability back to normal, clients can access the best of the best, no matter the size or spec of their build.' Looking Ahead With supply stabilised, costs easing, and clients once again able to build on their own terms, Davies Homes believes this market reset is long overdue. 'If you want to build well, with confidence, and without the chaos — now's the time,' says Davies. 'You have access to better products, better pricing, and the freedom to plan properly — without pressure.'
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
From Shortages To Choice: Davies Homes Welcomes A Market Reset For New Builds
After years of post-COVID disruption, runaway material costs, and long lead times, the building industry in the Waikato is experiencing a welcome shift — and Davies Homes says the current conditions are ideal for well-planned new home construction. 'Right now, everything's lining up in favour of new builds — pricing, availability, and quality,' says Daniel Davies, founder of Davies Homes. 'Subcontractors are more accessible, lead times are manageable, and product options have never been better.' A Shift from Panic to Planning During the housing boom, material shortages and long wait times forced compromises. Now, the pressure has eased. 'Back then, we were constantly substituting materials just to keep projects moving,' Davies explains. 'Today, clients can make decisions based on preference — not desperation.' Costs for key components like timber decking and steel have also come down, while manufacturers have released improved claddings, flooring, and energy-efficient products. Buyer Confidence Returns The fear-of-missing-out mentality has given way to thoughtful planning. Land is no longer snapped up in panic, and buyers can work through scenarios with more clarity. 'It's a buyer's market in terms of mindset,' Davies says. 'People have the breathing space to make the right decisions — and avoid buyer's remorse.' 'People are taking the time to do their homework. We've got clients from all walks of life — from investors to multigenerational farmers — and they're looking for quality and long-term value.' While the broader market remains subdued, Davies Homes is building for a diverse audience — from high-end custom homes to investment properties and first-home buyers. 'We're seeing demand across the board,' says Davies. 'We are building homes from 175 sqm to 775 sqm.' Lending Competition Opens Doors The financial side has also seen a shift. While some buyers still face hurdles, competition among banks is making it easier to secure funding. Davies notes 'We're seeing cashback offers and special low-interest loans — sometimes as low as 1% — for energy-efficient upgrades like solar, water tanks, and insulation. If you structure things properly, you can really make the numbers work.' Skilled Subcontractor Shortage Ends A significant shift in the current construction market is the increased availability of skilled contractors — a change that's proving especially valuable for builders like Davies Homes, who rely on a loyal network of highly experienced tradespeople. During the building boom, the most talented subcontractors were often stretched thin 'Whether it's a 175 sqm starter home or a 775 sqm estate, every project gets the same top-tier tradespeople,' says Davies. 'And that's the beauty of building right now. With contractor availability back to normal, clients can access the best of the best, no matter the size or spec of their build.' Looking Ahead With supply stabilised, costs easing, and clients once again able to build on their own terms, Davies Homes believes this market reset is long overdue. 'If you want to build well, with confidence, and without the chaos — now's the time,' says Davies. 'You have access to better products, better pricing, and the freedom to plan properly — without pressure.' Davies Homes are Waikato Builders that have built a reputation over more than two decades for high-quality, site-specific homes designed to maximise lifestyle, functionality, and long-term value. With an in-house design team, highly sought after subcontractors, and an uncompromising standard of To learn more or view current projects, visit:
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Wales Online
'Devious predator' caused severe psychological harm to his teenage victims
'Devious predator' caused severe psychological harm to his teenage victims The victims of Daniel Davies, 38, bravely spoke about their experiences at the hands of their abuser, and how his actions had affected their lives Cardiff Crown Court (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE ) A "devious predator" caused severe psychological harm to three teenage girls after exposing himself and performing a sexual act in front of them. He sexually assaulted two of the girls by touching them on their bottoms and inside the rips on their jeans. Daniel Davies, 38, of Hengoed, Caerphilly, exposed himself and masturbated in front of the young girls on a number of occasions and touched two of his victims in a sexual manner, despite their protestations. After he was reported to the police, he initially claimed the accusations were not true but he pleaded guilty to the charges against him on the first day of his trial. A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday heard victim personal statements from all three of the teenagers who had been abused by Davies. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter. In her statement read to the court by prosecutor Emma Harris, the first victim said: "The incidents have affected me greatly and in all areas of my life. It was in my final year of school and I was preparing for my GCSEs. My most favourite subject in school was textiles which I felt so positive about. Due to what I experienced at the hands of Daniel I lost all motivation in school, fell behind with work and stopped going to school. "I felt overwhelmed and turned to alcohol which helped me to lose my worries and anxiety.... I spent many nights alone crying so much I made myself physically sick. I feel a sense of responsibility and anxiety and stress from thoughts of seeing him again." Reading out her own statement to the court, the second victim said: "I have always been a shy and quiet girl. I have never had much confidence and struggle to open up to people and this has made it difficult to talk about what happened with Daniel. He made me feel like I could not tell anyone and I wouldn't be believed. Article continues below "He always made me think it was normal behaviour. What happened with Daniel has affected me in so many ways. I have trouble sleeping and each time I close my eyes I remember what happened and imagine him standing in my bedroom doorway. "I turned to drink and drugs as it was the only thing that would make me forget it all. I have no other way to express what I was feeling, I cannot open to anyone, I felt I no longer belonged and turned to self harming to cope with my feelings. "I struggle to be around older men, I went into myself and stopped having contact with those around me. I didn't like being touched by anyone. It's affected my schooling but I am now starting to rebuild my life and relationships after what happened. What Daniel did made me feel worthless." The third victim broke down into tears while reading her statement. She said: "The situation with Daniel has affected me in many ways. I have nightmares of Daniel touching me and chasing me in the car. The nightmares affected my sleep and I became scared of my own body and of people touching me. "I was unable to take a bath, touch my own hair, I stopped eating and lost a lot of weight. I started to take drink and spent days not being able to get out of bed. I hardly went to school, I felt like I was uncounted. "I got lost not knowing what to do or say. I worry about seeing Daniel in the community and it makes me feel anxious and scared." Davies, of Hill View, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault and six counts of exposure. He is also to be dealt with for dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified following an incident August 20 last year. The court heard he has 14 previous convictions for offences related to dishonesty and driving. None of his convictions are related to sexual offences. In mitigation, Abigail Jackson said her client had voluntarily surrendered himself into custody having been made aware by the police and said there had been "no touching of the victims' genitalia". Sentencing, Judge Simon Mills said: "I have no idea whether you have any sense of shame for what you did to those three excellent young women. You have in each case spoiled their lives. You have pleaded guilty but you still told a probation officer you didn't commit the offences. "Whether you have got any shame for behaving in this predatory way, I have no idea. When I read your pre sentence report I can detect no remorse at all for what you did." Davies was sentenced to a total of eight years and four months imprisonment. Article continues below He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, sex offender notification requirements and was disqualified from driving for three years and five months upon his release from prison. A request for a custody photo of the defendant was made to Gwent Police but this was declined due to the "impact on the victim".
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Football fans stuck in hotels after historic match hit by travel chaos
Football fans stuck in hotels after historic match hit by travel chaos Wales' team is set to face off in their first Euro 2025 match but fans might not be able to make it to the venue Wales' Angharad James getting a picture at with young fan at the Cardiff Airport (Image: PA ) Welsh football fans are facing disruption ahead of a historic match, as French air traffic control strikes continue to cause chaos for those headed to France. Welsh women's team made history after qualifying for the Euro 2025 tournament last year. They are set to take on the Netherlands this weekend on July 5 in their first match of the tournament but some fans are now having to deal with an unexpected snag. As the strikes by air traffic controllers in France continue to cause flight delays and cancellations, fans who hoped to see players battle it out on the field in Switzerland are now stuck. Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Daniel Davies, a fan from Rhondda Cynon Taf, said he was due fly from Heathrow Airport to Basel at 8.20 BST but his flight was cancelled on the night of July 3. He was supposed travel with his family including his wife, three children, and parents. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here However, he is now stuck at a hotel in London, worried about how the family will make it to the match. He told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast: "My brother was on the flight last night, that was also cancelled, due to air traffic control strike in France. Article continues below "They've managed to get on a flight from Bristol but their car's in Gatwick and we're planning to get on that flight, but that's full so at the moment I don't think we're able to get to Switzerland." Daniel added that there is lack of flights to Switzerland owning to the strike, and he's not left with many options due to the cost. Strikes by workers in France means that hundreds of flights in the country have been cancelled with planes flying over France also being grounded or diverted. Airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, HOP! and Air France cancelled nearly 500 flights at the start of the strike action which is taking place on July 3 and July 4. Ryanair has announced that cancellations will impact flights to and from France in addition to flights over the country that are headed to places like the UK, Greece, Spain and Ireland. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has requested a decrease in airport capacity nationwide, which would mean airlines having to cancel flights. This comes just as the school summer holidays are about to kick off in France, a time when air traffic typically reaches its peak. According to the DGAC, these dates are among the busiest of the year, with many people setting off for their summer holidays. Despite the strike action continuing into Friday, only one of the two unions is participating, which should result in less disruption. The strikes could also affect 'overflights' or those that pass through French airspace. Article continues below This could potentially mean aircraft have to be rerouted around France, leading to delays. Flights to and from Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Morocco have been among the most severely impacted during previous ATC actions in France.
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wales fans face travel disruption ahead of Euros
Fans have faced with travel disruption as they head to Switzerland for the women's Euros. Wales are set to play the Netherlands on Saturday afternoon after making history in December last year by qualifying for the first Welsh fans have been left stuck as strikes by French air traffic controllers have caused flight delays and cancellations. Daniel Davies, from Rhondda Cynon Taf, was due to fly from Heathrow Airport to Basel at 08:20 BST but his flight was cancelled on Thursday night. Daniel was due to travel with his wife, three children and parents but he is now stuck in a hotel in London wondering how they are going to get to the match."My brother was on the flight last night, that was also cancelled, due to air traffic control strike in France," he told Radio Wales Breakfast. "They've managed to get on a flight from Bristol but their car's in Gatwick and we're planning to get on that flight, but that's full so at the moment I don't think we're able to get to Switzerland."Daniel said there is a lack of flights going to Switzerland due to the strike, and there are not many options open to him due to the cost. The strike by French air traffic controllers has entered its second day on Friday, causing further flight delays and cancellations at the start of Europe's peak travel aviation agency DGAC told airlines to cancel 40% of flights at the three main Paris airports on Friday because of the strike, which the air traffic controllers say is over staff shortages and ageing to half of flights at France's other airports, mostly in the south, were also affected, DGAC also using French airspace have also been with the cancellations, DGAC warned that passengers could be affected by delays and significant Airlines for Europe (A4E) lobby group said late on Thursday that 1,500 flights had been cancelled over the two-day strike, affecting 300,000 passengers and causing cascading Wales' first minister faced her own travel issues in getting to Switzerland, but the Welsh government insisted she would make it in time for the game. A statement said: "The first minister's flight had to be rescheduled due to technical issues with the plane. "Alternative arrangements are being made to make sure she will be present to represent Wales at tomorrow's game."
