Dene Mackenzie

Alistair Jeffery, the founder and chairman of Bluestone Group announced yesterday he had bought the troubled Bendemeer Development, near Lake Hayes.

The Government yesterday gave Telecom approval to split its assets after structural separation, described by Communications Minister Steven Joyce as the first major step in the proposed demerger process.

Mark Quickfall, one of Queenstown's most recognisable tourism operators, is taking a step back from the day-to-day running of his Totally Tourism portfolio of tourism brands.

Act New Zealand MP Hilary Calvert was philosophical yesterday despite being dumped from the party list for November's election less than a year after entering Parliament.

Dunedin businesswomen are among those throughout New Zealand who are being encouraged to aim for an appointment on NZX-listed boards.

Listed-company annual meetings are becoming increasingly important for shareholders to attend if they want accurate and up-to-date financial information, Craigs Investment Partners broker Chris Timms says.

Auckland International Airport (AIA) is expected to be a major beneficiary of the Rugby World Cup later this year and the results are expected to flow on to the 2012 financial year.

The reaction to the Otago Daily Times two-part investigation into who creates jobs for young people ranged from Dunedin city councillor John Bezett talking about local government-inspired job creation to Act New Zealand list MP Hilary Calvert telling the Government to try harder.

Hellaby's Holdings is actively seeking investment opportunities after successfully completing its business turnaround and balance sheet reform, managing director John Williamson says.

Hillside worker redundancies, after owner KiwiRail decided to accept Chinese tenders to build rolling stock, have united opponents across the political and business divide.

One of the largest problems employers face is finding employees with enough relevant skills, Otago-Southland Employers Association chief executive John Scandrett says.

Job creation is largely the role of business, National Party list MP Michael Woodhouse says.

An uproar from the Opposition greeted Prime Minister John Key's policy announcement that 16 and 17-year-olds would receive stricter monitoring if they were on a benefit. Labour and the Greens say young people need jobs, not welfare reform. In a two-part series, business editor Dene Mackenzie investigates where the jobs will come from and who will pay.

Michael Hill International has reported a sparkling profit for the 12 months ended June with operating revenue, same store sales and operating profit all well up on the previous corresponding period (pcp).

In an increasing trend for reporting companies this season, Telecom yesterday adjusted its profit to make it seem better than it was in the year ended June.

The publicity generated by some book chains refusing to stock Breaking Silence - The Kahui Case will ensure there is an audience for this piece of self-serving literature.