Simon Hartley

The new year could herald the beginning of the end of Oceana Gold's New Zealand operations, with the winding down of some West Coast and Otago production.

Undeterred by the 2007-09 global financial crisis, Port Otago has successfully navigated its way through tough times to deliver 100% owner the Otago Regional Council more than $50 million in dividends during the past five years alone. Port Otago has been chosen as the Otago Daily Times Business of the Year. Simon Hartley talks to Port Otago chief executive Geoff Plunket about its performance and contribution during the past decade.

Declining dairy exports to China have led to a 9.5% fall in goods exports during November.

Sports and outdoor leisure retailer Kathmandu has warned of a looming substantial profit downgrade in the wake of diminishing, pre Christmas sales in Australia. Its shares hit a 16-month low yesterday.

Business confidence as Christmas approaches remains elevated and 30% of firms are optimistic about their general prospects.

Immigration to New Zealand has climbed 17% to a record 108,838 for the year to November, underpinned by Kiwis returning from Australia and a surge from Indian students lifting arrivals from that source to 11,167.

Queenstown and Dunedin are at opposite ends of the commercial property investor spectrum.

A long-running employment dispute in Dunedin has been settled out of court, following mediation.

Six Dunedin lawyers are offering their services free to at least 11 victims of jailed former lawyer John Milne, who ran a Ponzi scheme and stole $2.8 million of their savings.

Queenstown remains one of the least affordable areas in New Zealand, while Dunedin homes are among the most affordable across 25 urban districts around the country.

The volume of Otago house sales during November surged more than 23% on a year ago.

To achieve Fonterra's down-graded $4.70 farmgate milk price requires a ''significant rebound'' of more than 40% in global milk prices during the rest of the year, analysts have cautioned.

Oceana Gold is expecting a lift its gold production in the next calendar year, underpinned by increased production from its northern Philippines mine.

Liquidators are hoping to sell Dunedin founded Green Man Brewery - which owes 52 creditors $330,000 - as a going concern.