The economy grew by 1.1 per cent in the first three months of this year, more than double the rate expected by economists. This strong growth follows revised growth of 0.4 per cent in each of the previous three quarters.

A look inside the workings of a multi-company family business...

New Zealand agri-tech company Tru-Test is bucking the trend of outsourcing manufacturing to China, saying it's good business to keep things close to home.

New Zealand manufacturing fell in April to its lowest level in six months, according to the PMI.

After seven decades, with annual revenue now nudging $200 million, this private company is happy to stay that way, reports Anthony Doesburg.

Throughout Gallagher's long history, the company has remained privately owned.

China has made the wool business more profitable. Next step: Make it sexy.