Latest fromEconomy

Rugby World Cup's economic boost
The New Zealand economy expanded at the fastest pace since 2009 in the third quarter, beating estimates, as manufacturers cranked up production, making up for a contraction in the construction industry.

Dairy keeps title as 2011 commodity king
The dairy industry has been a star performer for decades, but the time has come for others in the New Zealand family of commodities to share the limelight...

EU woes linger over world markets
Worries over the fate of the euro and the EU's member states continue to drag on the single currency and equities in Europe and on Wall Street.

Consumer confidence plunges in new survey
Consumer confidence in New Zealand tumbled in the fourth quarter to the lowest level since the depths of recession in 2009.

Sir Ralph Norris banking on a long holiday
Running Australia's biggest bank made Ralph Norris the country's best-paid chief executive and, at times, its most-hated, too. Now, he tells Karyn Scherer, he's looking forward.

Council land rules slammed by new Commission
The new Productivity Commission says land needs to be freed up to allow more homes to be built for first-home buyers.

Fonterra says free milk for Northland primary schools
Dairy giant Fonterra has unveiled a pilot scheme to put free milk into Northland primary schools.

AMI sold to Aussies for $380m
Insurance Australia Group has agreed to buy AMI, for $380 million in a deal that will see the target's liabilities transferred to a new state-owned company.