New Zealand's services sector expanded last month, an early indication the economy may be returning to growth after stalling in the middle of the year.

First it was Paul Henry. Now it's Michael Laws. These are cruel times for shock jocks and the people who love them, writes John Drinnan.

At the top level TVNZ is gradually forgetting how to run old-fashioned current affairs, writes Herald media commentator John Drinnan.

The Henry situation is interesting from an employment law perspective for two main reasons.

It doesn't have to be wacky, but a bit of fun at work is therapeutic for staff, and for the business.

NZ Post is hiring top Yellow Pages staff, fuelling speculation it is poised to launch a rival directories business.

The glow is starting to fade on working life in the lucky country.

Australian MP Eric Abetz is accusing the actors' union advocating a boycott of the film The Hobbit of threatening thousands of jobs on both sides of the Tasman.

Two firms caring for the disabled asked to be put under statutory management as they could not afford the potential $176m liability of a requirement to pay sleeping workers.

The Aussie film industry is lobbying for The Hobbit should industrial issues not be resolved in NZ, says the film's co-producer and co-writer.

An Australian ombudsman is taking a NZX listed New Image to court to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars it says is owed to 14 workers.

Never mind the cheaper carrots, try a few workouts instead.