New Zealand's economy probably grew at the fastest pace in four quarters in the first three months of 2011, say economists.

Excited about bank account number portability?

Weak credit demand could curtail earnings growth for the big New Zealand banks, says credit rating agency Standard and Poor's.

Academic says it's important for banks to be seen as socially responsible.

The danger in that case would be that, as in the global financial crisis three years ago, everyone in the market starts looking sideways at their counterparts and worrying about how much they might be exposed.

Ash clouds and fresh quakes boost the need for strong leadership.

Households at risk of slow wage growth combined with rising costs.