John Key says the signing of a free trade deal with Malaysia is another vital move towards a "step change" for the NZ economy.

New Zealand's largest exporter, Fonterra, says it will receive no protection under planned changes to the emissions trading scheme.

New Zealand avocados could be sold in prepackaged halves or as guacamole that can be stored for as long as 60 days if a new company achieves its goals.

A group of top wineries is joining forces with NZ Trade and Enterprise to target the "ultra-premium" American wine market.

New Zealand escaped major damage during the recent global financial crisis, says the Reserve Bank in its Annual Report.

Bidding in Fonterra's latest monthly online auction of whole milkpowder early today saw a lift in prices.

NZ's export commodity prices made their biggest monthly rise in 22 years last montth, rising 6.8 per cent from August, the ANZ Commodity Price Index shows.

New Zealand will not consider the unilateral reduction of any tariffs until 2015 at the earliest, says Trade Minister Tim Groser.

Federated Farmers Dairy chair Lachlan McKenzie responds to recent controversy over the mistreatment of animals on a NZ dairy farm.

Inspectors have begun urgent checks on the welfare of livestock at farms owned by the Crafar family, amid concerns that publicity over alleged cruelty could harm New Zealand's reputation.

The New Zealand economy is better placed than many but is still at the mercy of an uncertain global economic recovery, says credit reporting agency Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).