The Kitchen House chain is understood to have closed its doors and sent staff home.

New Zealand's unemployment rate fell more than expected in the final three months of last year, reflecting a sharp rise in part-time employment.

Sanitarium has indefinitely suspended Weet-Bix manufacturing operations at its Christchurch factory after it was damaged by last year's earthquake. 36 workers will lose their jobs.

There was more bad news from Europe overnight, with data showing the German economy contracted in the last quarter.