New Zealanders work longer hours than the average of their peers in other developed countries but produce a fifth less, a new report finds.

The economy grew faster than expected in the second three months of the year, as engineering and architecture expansion offset drought impacts.

As Emirates Team NZ push hard for victory in the America's Cup, marine companies are pinning their hopes on a win and a boost to the industry.

The words "Made in New Zealand" will disappear from Bic ballpoint pens if the company's cost-saving proposal to shift manufacturing overseas goes ahead.

US factories expanded last month at the fastest pace since June 2011 on a jump in orders. And a new report signals that manufacturing output could strengthen in coming months.

Skellerup, the industrial rubber goods manufacturer, beat its guidance with a 23 per cent decline in annual profit after a pickup in the last two months of the financial year.

Many workers are struggling to understand health and safety documents used in their workplaces, a new study has found.

Sixty-four Dunedin manufacturing workers will have their working week reduced by a day, following KiwiRail's decision to award a manufacturing tender offshore.

Methven's purchase of a Chinese manufacturing facility will give the company a competitive edge and full control over its supply chain.

New Zealand honey manufacturers are confident the quality of their products will be proven after Hong Kong testing found additives in some "pure" products.

Competitive car prices and the relatively strong Australian dollar are tempting more Australians to upgrade to a new set of wheels.

Business remains upbeat in the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research's quarterly business opinion poll.

The dollar has dropped on news the economy limped along in the first three months of the year, thanks largely to the North Island drought.