Simon Hartley

The volume and value of building work in place for the quarter to March has declined, rubbing against the grain of economists' expectations.

Strength in primary prices in the ag sector - across dairy, beef and sheep meat - bode well for the year ahead for the farming community, economists say.

Transtasman travel has underpinned Australia’s spot as New Zealand’s top trading partner for the year to March. Each country has spent more than $2billion in visits.

Sealord's new $70million  freezer stern trawler will be making regular appearances in Dunedin after May next year,  sharing its port calls equally with its home port, Nelson.

Carpet manufacturer Cavalier Corp has issued its second profit downgrade in three months, now signalling a likely full-year loss of $2million.

The axe has fallen on Silver Fern Farms' Fairton plant north of Ashburton, with confirmation of its closure and the loss of 370 jobs.

Queenstown, Central Otago and Dunedin remain well above the national average for house values in May, which nationally gained almost 10% in value during the past year.

Dunedin probiotic company Blis has reported its smallest loss in 16 years, despite posting revenues of more than $6.5million for the full year to March.

Milk processor Synlait has matched Fonterra's next season forecast, also setting its farm-gate milk price payout at $6.50, further evidence of increasing confidence in the hard-hit dairy sector.

Utilities software developer Gentrack has posted a 24% increase in revenue, boosted by growth in its utilities division, and has been splashing out on a myriad of global acquisitions.

Crucial infrastructure spending of $4 billion announced in yesterday’s Budget was welcomed, but policies and spending on New Zealand’s housing issue remains a sticking point for the Government.

Dunedin cancer diagnostic company Pacific Edge's revenue during the past year is up 33%, but the sales boost is overshadowed by its record $21million loss.

Six privately owned South Island Little Wonders early child care centres have been sold to listed Evolve Education Group for an undisclosed sum.

Southern domestic and export log sales are continuing apace as the trifecta of Chinese demand, a weaker New Zealand dollar and favourable shipping costs continues for the sector.

Motor Trade Finance has recorded a rise in half-year sales and market share, but the underlying profit for the company headquartered in Dunedin has fallen 3.4% to $3.7million.