The Govt's financial statements show the deficit shrank as bigger returns from the ACC and the Cullen Fund kicked in.

Lyn Provost is to review the Crown's Retail Deposit Guarantee Scheme which ended earlier this week having paid out $1.85bn.

The Kiwi dollar will likely extend its run higher this week as the Australian currency looks set to test parity with the greenback, dragging the kiwi along with it.

Only seven companies - including the three "Heartland Bank" merger partners - have signed up for the Crown's extended retail deposit guarantee scheme.

The "GST-income tax switch" will from tomorrow leave the vast majority of income earners with at least a few more dollars in their pockets each week.

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.

Global re-insurance companies will probably take the bulk of losses for claims from the Christchurch earthquake not covered by EQC, says Moody's.

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

Four Canterbury All Blacks, including captain Richie McCaw, have been enlisted for a campaign to help quake victims.

Water restrictions have been lifted for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula but some Waimakariri residents must still boil their water and their river is contaminated.

When the tremors return, residents at one Christchurch rest home band together with cups of tea and company.