The mortgage belt and taxpayers have been the main winners in a $5.7 billion rise in households' collective income.

The New Zealand government had a smaller than expected first-half operating deficit after Treaty of Waitangi settlement costs didn't eventuate in the period.

As more people upgrade to smartphones there are growing fears that constant availability for work will destroy work-life balance.

Precarious work creates a group of people who are insecure in all senses - financial, self and social, writes Susan Guthrie and Gareth Morgan.

Food prices are not becoming more expensive as the increase in cost tracks the rate of inflation, an economist says.

Port of Tauranga's mixed ownership structure is considered a significant influence on its established position as New Zealand's best-performing port.

A teacher at one of New Zealand's most prestigious private boarding schools was sacked after a disagreement over grades descended into an drawn-out dispute.

Work in post-disaster Christchurch has officially swung from recovery and demolition to rebuild, the Government said today.

"Does anyone in Parliament now represent poorer consumers who spend proportionately more on fruit, veg and other foods than richer voters?" asks Norman Gemmell.

Prices would have to go up by 6 to 8 per cent to pay a "living wage" of $18.40 an hour to workers in the lowest-paid sectors - hospitality and retailing.

The conversation went something like this: "We, Fran, are a continent. You are an island."

A new free service has been launched by a Warkworth businessman to help close the gap on New Zealand's skills shortages.

House prices and overall sales numbers eased last month but the property market remains much stronger than a year ago, according to figures out this morning.

New Zealand house values continue to soar but the booming market is no longer being propped up by property powerhouses Auckland and Christchurch.

This weekend Prime Ministers John Key and Julia Gillard hold their annual pow-wow in Queenstown.

The Mainzeal receivership highlights once again the poor governance of the Richina Pacific group of companies.