How a fibre optic link changed the world.

Will ultra-fast broadband be a game-changer or a costly toy? Anthony Doesburg found five companies already showing what better internet connections can mean.

The first round of quake-affected businesses signed up to the Government's wage assistance package will see money in the bank tomorrow.

Peter Wood writes on the importance of resuming commerce after an emergency.

An estimated 5000 uninsured homes damaged in the Christchurch earthquake will have to make a case of "true hardship" to be considered for financial help.

New Zealand is among only a handful of advanced economies where the government's budget is best placed to deal with "unexpected shocks", says the IMF.

Benefits for the elderly are being targeted by ministers in the hunt for spending cuts in the UK.

A sole parent says she has lost a sixth of her bodyweight because she has not been able to eat properly since the Govt tightened access to training subsidies for beneficiaries.

We asked nzherald readers what they thought of a Christchurch councillor's $4000 US trip to study sandcastles.

When it comes to getting the biggest bang for the broadband buck, it seems playing nicely with our mates across the ditch may be NZ's best strategy.

The outcome of a bidding war for ultra-fast broadband will result in a major shake-up of the local telecommunications sector, writes Simon Hendery.