The record number of pre-registrations for Mighty River Power shares shows there is strong appetite for well-structured businesses, says one fund manager.

The drought is a timely reminder of how much the New Zealand economy depends on rainfall, writes Brian Fallow.

Wind turbines tend to be placed high up on towers to catch the air, but what say they could be only a metre or two off the ground and horizontal?

The 68 boxes carried onto Parliament's forecourt this afternoon contained 393,000 signatures. It is thought to be the biggest ever petition in support of a citizen's initiated referendum.

Labour Leader David Shearer says the fact someone was able to pre-register for Mighty River shares in his name shows how "shonky" the sales process is.

The Government will push ahead with asset sales regardless of a referendum on the issue, Finance Minister Bill English says.

NZ firms are missing out on $1.6 billion in potential energy savings by not putting in place simple measures which a conservation group says could prove equivalent to a "killer app" for business.

Mighty River Power has admitted its $250 million investment in geothermal exploration in Chile could come to nothing, but believes it is worth the risk given Chile's massive geothermal resources and energy demands.

Prime Minister John Key says he has no problem with former Solid Energy boss Don Elder appearing before a select committee to answer questions.

Gas station chain Z Energy has confirmed this morning that it is being prepared for a sharemarket listing by its main shareholders, Infratil and the NZ Super Fund.

Geothermal is the ultimate renewable energy source - and one reason why Mighty River Power is kicking off the government's asset sales. Energy reporter Grant Bradley visits the company's brand-new plant

Former chief executive of Solid Energy Don Elder could be forced to appear before a government select committee.

Former PM Dame Jenny Shipley was quizzed about her reputation as a company director today when she appeared before the commerce select committee at Parliament.

Dennis Tito is planning a private mission to Mars in 2018. Inspiration Mars Foundation aims to inspire and wants to take advantage of the way the planets line up in 2018.

Solid Energy wants to keep secret details of the final payment made to former chief executive Don Elder.

The Labour Party is calling for Solid Energy's former chief executive Don Elder to appear before the commerce select committee when its financial review is heard in March.

Officials are investigating a proposal which could lead to the Pike River mine being turned into an opencast coal pit stretching into a national park.

State Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall has denied allegations from the Opposition that the former chairman of financially troubled Solid Energy approved a big pay rise for chief executive Don Elder as one of his last acts in the job.

The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal by the New Zealand Maori Council to block the Mighty River Power partial privatisation.