The Government's shake up of the electricity sector could be the last chance the competitive pricing model has, says Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin.

The Government is confident its shakeup of the electricity market will slow increases in power prices ... but it is making no promises about them coming down.

Perceived cost and inconvenience are the main reasons people hold back from switching banks.

In a move that reverses changes during the 1990s, Westpac is opening 10 new community branches in Auckland.

The number of hazardous Christmas lights in New Zealand is on the decrease, but consumers still need to exercise care, according to Energy Safety Services.

Many lights designed to adorn Christmas trees could cause serious injury or death, according to secret tests revealed today.

Dozens of cases of a special red wine are being distributed this morning as the race to bring wine lovers the world's first 2009 French vintage begins.

Changes the Government is making will improve the standard of the financial advice industry, Commerce Minister Simon Power says.

Investment returns from the Cullen Fund and ACC have rescued the Crown's bottom line in the first three months of the fiscal year.

Westpac today reported net profit for its New Zealand division has been cut in half during the current recession.