The New Zealand dollar is trading at its highest level against the pound in three decades.

Mum-and-dad shareholders in NZ's top listed companies are the target of a predatory offer to buy shares for much less than they are worth.

Petrol prices are likely to remain stable over 2011 but will slowly creep up, say analysts.

The Pike River mine will not be handed over to receivers while the operation to recover the bodies of the 29 workers continues, police say.

Families of the 29 miners who died at Pike River Coal mine have been given a chance to spend Christmas near the bodies of their loved ones after police offered to take them to the mine on December 25.

As a new machine arrives to help recovery efforts at Pike River, receivers say they may not be able to claim a full $100m insurance payout to reimburse creditors of Pike River Coal.

The Govt is considering fast tracking the expansion of coal mining operations on the West Coast.

The Government has agreed to work on an economic stimulus package for the West Coast.

As many as 30 per cent of the notes, printed at a cost of roughly $120m, have been left with a blank strip on their face.

Pike River Coal's board is to meet tomorrow to talk about options for the company's future.

Pike River Coal says all its staff are being kept on full pay, with some being reassigned to jobs including helping out at the mine site

The New Zealand dollar slowly recovered yesterday after it fell to its lowest level against the greenback in nearly four weeks overnight after a shelling exchange on the Korean peninsula added to the US currency's appeal as a safe haven.