A filmmaker and actor who worked on LOTR and Avatar says union demands to standardise pay rates could cripple dozens of NZ films.

The Hobbit is slipping away from New Zealand despite the best efforts of its producers, the film's co-writer Philippa Boyens says.

Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh's statement on The Hobbit and a release from the Council of Trade Unions in response.

The loss of The Hobbit film overseas is a "potential tragedy for the New Zealand film industry", Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Chris Finlayson said this morning.

The producers of The Hobbit say production is being moved off-shore after industrial action 'undermined Warner Bro's confidence in NZ'.

At least 15,000 workers from Kaitaia to Bluff have attended stop work rallies this afternoon in protest against new employment laws.

Thousands of workers have gathered in Auckland and Wellington as 28 protests against new employment laws take place around NZ.

Australia's biggest sexual harassment claim has been settled out of court for A$850,000.

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.