Simon Hartley

Total building activity around the country rose 2.7% for the quarter to September, based on a 4.1% rise in residential activity, according to Statistics New Zealand data.

New Zealand has a $4billion surplus with the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) group, largely underpinned by a $3billion surplus with China fuelled by dairying and tourism receipts.

New Zealand's terms of trade rose  0.7% in the quarter to September, as import prices fell more than export prices, pushing the index to a record high.

Building consents nationwide were almost flat for the year to October, which was mirrored throughout Otago and Central Otago, but Queenstown Lakes managed to book a 35% gain.

Forward orders for diversified Dunedin engineering company Scott Technology have hit a record $80million as the company pursues further acquisitions from a healthy $26million war chest.

Dunedin cancer diagnostic company Pacific Edge’s increase in laboratory tests has underpinned a more than 40% operating revenue surge, plus reined in its expenses.

Acquisitions by utilities and airport software provider Gentrack have boosted revenue by more than 40%, and a further 21 customers take its overall global clients beyond 200.

Silver Fern Farms has named Zespri chief operating officer Simon Limmer as its new chief executive.

Creditors owed more than $400,000 by Laurie Mains' company Clan Construction Commercial have voted to accept his offer of 68c for each dollar owed.

All three divisions of Turners Automotive Group booked growth for its first half year trading to September, underpinning an almost 20% gain in profit.

Houston oil giant Anadarko is leaving New Zealand waters, beaten back by the consistently low global price of oil for almost three years.

New Zealands housing crisis is being compounded by a number of issues, not least  a dire shortage of apprentices and qualified trades workers  available in the overall construction sector.

Dunedin's economy is buoyant with 2% growth in gross domestic product (GDP) for the year to September, underpinned by population growth, including migrant gains.

Foodstuffs has confirmed 14 finance and administration staff at its Dunedin distribution centre have lost their jobs, with the last expected to be gone by the end of the month.

Would-be seabed miner Chatham Rock Phosphate has identified lucrative rare earth minerals on the Chatham Rise seafloor, and is now studying whether they can be separated from the mined sand.

Secured creditors caught up in the receivership and liquidation of Dunedin engineering company DC Ross appear unlikely to see much of the more than $18million they are owed.

Bolt-on business acquisitions and electric cars are the immediate focus of car auctioneers Turners Cars, which is just entering its next 50th year of trading.

Creditors owed more than $400,000 by Laurie Mains-owned Clan Construction Commercial Ltd have a big decision to make on Friday.