Dene Mackenzie

The European Central Bank cut its interest rates by 0.1% and confirmed the start of an asset-buying programme similar to that seen by the Federal Reserve in the depths of the recession.

Labour's jobs and skills policy showed a thoughtful approach to the economy's skill needs, BusinessNZ chief executive Phil O'Reilly said yesterday.

Labour hit back yesterday over claims its capital gains tax proposal was in disarray, misleading and complicated.

Federated Farmers is warning the Government to think carefully about the message its new water policy, announced yesterday, would send.

Labour's capital gains tax policy is starting to unravel as accountants and politicians take aim at the major party policy following a slip-up by Labour leader David Cunliffe.

Labour Party education spokesman Chris Hipkins has been in demand during the election campaign as party MPs and candidates seek his help in explaining education policy to voters.

Politicians should have a code of ethics and greater checks and balances to ensure they were as transparent as possible with the public, Labour Party open-government spokeswoman Clare Curran said yesterday.

Trade unions have thrown their support behind the Green Party workers policy announced yesterday, building on Labour's bid to get unions back into workplaces.

Prime Minister John Key yesterday announced further details on the inquiry into matters concerning former minister Judith Collins but the inquiry is unlikely to go far enough for Winston Peters.

There is a growing perception the economy is set to fall into a hole as the Canterbury earthquake-related rebuild stimulus fades but ANZ chief economist Cameron Bagrie disagrees. Business editor Dene Mackenzie reports.

Labour wants to spend $100 million establishing a commuter rail service in Christchurch which will include a network of local railway stations with park and ride facilities, pathways and cycleways.

National overwhelmingly won the party vote in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury area in 2011 by promising to get the rebuild of the earthquake-damaged city under way.

Motor Trade Finances managing director Angus Bradshaw has retired after deciding to do something else, the chairman of the Dunedin-based company, Stephen Higgs, said yesterday.

Strong house-building demand in both Auckland and Canterbury meant dwelling consents issued in July held up at high levels.

Angus Bradshaw, the managing director of Dunedin-based Motor Trade Finances, resigned suddenly yesterday from the position he had held for 17 years, with very little explanation from the company.