NZ manufacturing sales activity rose in the third quarter, reflecting a rebound in petroleum and coal products, meat and dairy and chemicals.

Wall Street was mixed, after both the Dow and the S&P 500 touched record highs again, while oil prices rallied amid a fresh agreement

COMMENT: Getting the right number of workers with the right skills at the right time in an economy doesn't just happen.

But the new Prime Minister says he should not be confused as "Labour light."

Bill English delivered a few surprises in his first media appearance, including poetry, a u-turn on gay marriage and a nod to the trade unions.

New Zealanders are spending up more this Christmas compared with last year, as shopping ramps up in the first week of December.

The drop in Auckland house prices doesn’t appear to be a one off but more of a growing trend. The Real Estate Institute, has released its figures today showing prices in the country’s largest city have fallen four per cent while sales volumes are down five per cent. Joining Tristram Clayton to discuss what it all means is NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson.

Kiwis blame investors, migration, and foreigners for the housing crisis the BNZ Financial Futures survey revealed.

COMMENT: Leadership change is always the best time to reassess what any country or government should focus on.

Wall Street climbed to fresh records as optimism about the outlook for the US economy prevailed.

Incoming Prime Minister Bill English has confirmed that Wayne Eagleson will remain in the influential position of the prime minister's chief of staff.

Political instability, higher interest rates and inflation are some of the big global trends for investors in 2017, says Pie Funds CEO Mike Taylor.

COMMENT: There's little chance NZ will get through the next few years without an economic shock.

Income tax cuts are on hold as the government says "responding to the earthquakes and reducing debt are currently of higher priority".

Bill English will be appointing Steven Joyce as the new Finance Minister; says Government surpluses set to soar.

Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler says the prospects are good for "continued strong growth" in the New Zealand.

Wall Street rose, pushing both the Dow and the S&P 500 to record highs.

The Australian economy is officially in the doldrums, with the latest data revealing its worst quarterly performance since the global financial crisis.

Foreign investment in New Zealand stocks is at its highest since 2011, but investment specialist JBWere says the level may soon fall.

The New Zealand government's accounts recorded a smaller-than-forecast deficit in the first four months of the year.

John Key's surprise resignation has created an environment of uncertainty and leaves many unanswered questions, says Auckland Chamber

Wall Street rose, with the Dow climbing to a fresh record, as did oil prices.

Outgoing prime minister John Key also held the tourism portfolio which industry leaders say gave it a high profile.

Bill English is staying silent on whether he wants to be New Zealand's next Prime Minister and Judith Collins has not ruled out a bid to replace Key.

The New Zealand business community says the economy is in good shape, but an impact could be seen at the next election.

COMMENT: There are some business friendly policies that John Key had ruled out which may now be back on the table under Bill English.

Advances in whole milk powder prices at recent GlobalDairyTrade auctions is bolstering the outlook for New Zealand's largest export commodity.

Matteo Renzi, the Italian prime minister, resigned late on Sunday night (Italian time) after losing a constitutional referendum.

New Zealand has been spared half a billion dollars in damage from a notorious pest - and scientists say it's an Irish wasp we have to thank for it.

Treasury's forecasts are worthy of respect. Key may well be right that the Government can afford it all for the next few years.