English upbeat on economy
English upbeat on economy
Finance Minister Bill English was uncharacteristically optimistic about the state of the economy yesterday after data showed New Zealand narrowly avoided a double-dip recession in December.
Dene Mackenzie
Musings on Budget as quake effects weighed
Musings on Budget as quake effects weighed
The Budget on May 19 will be a pivotal document as ratings agencies continue to focus on New Zealand's current accounts outlook.
High prices boost profit but squeeze margins
High prices boost profit but squeeze margins
Fonterra says it is on track for one of its best years ever but chief executive Andrew Ferrier is warning that high milk prices could mean consumer resistance in the future.
Otago employment confidence lags
Otago employment confidence lags
Otago has missed out on generally improving employment confidence throughout New Zealand, although confidence levels still remain on the positive side of the ledger.
Business, not payouts, likely Fonterra focus
Business, not payouts, likely Fonterra focus
All eyes will be on the Fonterra interim result out today for a variety of reasons, not least for clues on progress of the capital restructuring proposal.
Return to surplus advised
Return to surplus advised
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the Government should not let the effects of the Christchurch earthquake slow its efforts to get the nation's budget back to a surplus.
However, the task may be harder than the IMF predicts as the Government weighs up options for paying for the rebuilding of Christchurch.
Uncertainty surrounds this week's GDP news
Uncertainty surrounds this week's GDP news
The GDP release this Thursday is probably as low a priority as it can get, sandwiched between two quake-affected quarters and with the market more concerned about developments overseas.
F&P strikes supply deal with Haier
F&P strikes supply deal with Haier
Fisher & Paykel Appliances Holdings has reached agreement with 20% shareholder Haier for the supply of components and technology, mainly motors.
Beefing up smartphone protection
Beefing up smartphone protection
Five years ago, Symantec Asia-Pacific products manager David Hall just used his mobile phone for texting and for making and accepting calls. Now, his smartphone was his mini computer which he...
Market reaction to quake 'overdone'
Market reaction to quake 'overdone'
Weaker economic growth in Japan is expected to have some impact on the global economy, although the country is a smaller share of world GDP than in the past and is now much more domestically...
Conditions of low-ball offer alert
Conditions of low-ball offer alert
Fletcher Building yesterday warned shareholders to treat with caution an offer for their shares by Fairfield Securities, a company associated with businessman Bernard Whimp.
Interim 'villages' of units planned for Christchurch
Interim 'villages' of units planned for Christchurch
The Department of Building and Housing this week released a tender document for "imminent" temporary accommodation in Christchurch. Business editor Dene Mackenzie looks at what is proposed.
Shanty towns may spring up in Christchurch
Shanty towns may spring up in Christchurch
Parts of Christchurch could resemble shanty towns if a plan by the Department of Building and Housing to provide portable dwellings for earthquake-affected residents is adopted.
Logistics of rehousing Christchurch will be daunting
Logistics of rehousing Christchurch will be daunting
The logistics for housing displaced Christchurch residents are daunting, builders say.
More investor security with new funder: Hide
More investor security with new funder: Hide
A New Local Government Funding Agency would provide more security to mum and dad investors keen to buy local authority bonds, Local Government Minister Rodney Hide said yesterday.
Southern consumer confidence down
Southern consumer confidence down
Consumer confidence in the South Island plunged in the three months ended March, driven almost completely the the February 22 earthquake in Christchurch.
Small businesses offered free ICT help
Small businesses offered free ICT help
The information, communications and technology community is being urged to give its time and energy to help businesses damaged by the Christchurch earthquake get back online.
Low-ball tactics resurface
Low-ball tactics resurface
NZ Property Fund and Abano Healthcare Group are warning that companies associated with businessman Bernard Whimp are again trying to buy shares at a discounted rate.
Carpet plant not reopening
Carpet plant not reopening
Carpet maker Godfrey Hirst New Zealand has become the latest victim of the Christchurch earthquake, announcing it will not reopen its yarn plant in the city with the loss of more than 200 jobs.
'Imperative' to keep people in south
'Imperative' to keep people in south
There was a growing sense of urgency that people, skills and businesses affected by the Christchurch earthquake could be lost to the South Island, Otago Chamber of Commerce president John Christie said yesterday.