Dene Mackenzie

The Federal Reserve's final meeting of the year takes place this week.

Risks to the New Zealand economy have increased and are not being helped by events in Europe, the United States and Australia. Business editor Dene Mackenzie previews a volatile week of economic data.

The South Island received more good news with the release of the latest manufacturing activity statistics showing Canterbury-Westland and Otago-Southland leading the pack.

Dunedin's Blis Technologies has changed its media protocols after receiving a censure from the NZ Markets Disciplinary Tribunal and a fine that will cost the cash-strapped company $30,000.

Credit Union South, which has its headquarters in Dunedin, has had its long-term credit rating lifted to BB by rating agency Standard and Poor's.

Homeowners with mortgages got a welcome Christmas present from Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler when he held the official cash rate unchanged at 3.5% yesterday.

Telecommunications company Spark was yesterday accused of political posturing after it announced price rises for some of its home phone and broadband plans from February 1.

Returning the Crown accounts to surplus is proving elusive for Finance Minister Bill English, who may never see the balance sheet in black unless he is prepared to hang on in Parliament for the long term.

Transferring financial data from a client to their accountant seems such a simple process from the outside looking in.

Hiring sentiment is at its highest level in five years and South Island employers are leading the competition to build their teams for next year.

The latest GlobalDairyTrade product auction all but guaranteed another cut to Fonterra's farm gate milk price for the season, Craigs Investment Partners broker Chris Timms said yesterday.

Financial markets will be seeking clarity from the Reserve Bank on Thursday when the final Monetary Policy Statement for the year is released.

Dunedin businessman Ian Taylor has added another job to his busy schedule by being elected president of the Institute of IT Professionals NZ.

The Commerce Commission this week announced draft pricing of $38.39 per month under its final pricing principle process. Copper lines network operator Chorus was the benefactor but Spark and others warned of price rises. Business editor Dene Mackenzie unravels the process.

Prime Minister John Key's strong performance at home and abroad earned him Trans Tasman's choice of politician of the year.

Labour leader Andrew Little (49) set about setting the tone for his new caucus yesterday by rewarding loyalty but also identifying MPs who reflect the face of New Zealand.