The Government needs to focus on the real issues stopping job-seekers moving into work, Labour Party social development spokeswoman Jacinda Ardern says.
Tightening the rules around benefit dependency would have a marked effect on Otago unemployment figures, Otago-Southland Employers Association chief executive John Scandrett said yesterday.
The small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector will provide the solution to unemployment woes in Otago and the rest of New Zealand, Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie says.
Investment company Hellaby Holdings ticked every box on the way to reporting yesterday a further improvement in earnings and operating performance for the six months ended December 31.
The importing of a large aircraft and strong oil prices pushed New Zealand's trade balance into an unexpected $200 million deficit in January when most commentators were expecting a surplus of about $167 million.
New Zealand Post is working quickly to move into the digital age as fewer letters are posted and customers look for change.
Air New Zealand is planning its first foray into South America with a charter flight in September using the new all black Boeing 777-300.
Telecom's first profit result following its structural separation from Chorus has pleased market commentators and investors alike with the announcement of a $300 million buy-back of shares this year.
Air New Zealand, long regarded as one of the world's premier airlines, showed yesterday just how tough the global airline industry has become.
Exposure to the primary sector helped Colonial Motors to deliver another good financial result during uncertain economic conditions, Forsyth Barr broker Hayley Van Leeuwen said yesterday.
Electricity company Contact Energy came in for criticism yesterday for not providing enough detail in the outlook contained in its interim profit announcement.
Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams remains cautious about using regulation to control the delivery of premium content, such as live sport and first-run movies, over a high-speed internet platform.
The economic performance of the National-led Government was "tragic", Labour finance spokesman David Parker said yesterday.
The week ahead is looming as a large one for investors as several influential companies report their interim results starting with the NZX today.
Clarification of the role departing Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe will play for the rest of the year will be welcome when the national carrier reports its interim results later this week, brokers say.
Oceana Gold, the operator of the Macraes gold operation in East Otago, has reported another strong earnings result in the year ended December 31.
Sky Network TV unexpectedly lifted its interim dividend payment to 11c per share for the six months ended December after reporting an improved operating profit of $170.1 million for the period.
Heartland Bank is still seeking Reserve Bank approval for bank registration, something that will decide its future, brokers say.
The Government confirmed yesterday it was pressing on with the partial sell-down of some state-owned assets but the sale price has been lowered to $6 billion from an earlier forecast of up to $7 billion.
Long-established Otago printing firm Taieri Print was sold yesterday to Auckland-based Kalamazoo Group with the promise of no redundancies and a probable expansion.
