Mortgage approvals reached their highest levels in almost four years last month, as people rushed to make the most of low interest rates.

New Zealand shares rose yesterday as another consumer confidence survey showed improving sentiment, especially in Auckland, even as Australian jobs data disappointed financial markets.

The Government plans to hound student loan holders who have gone overseas leaving big debts behind.

Christmas shoppers are being tempted with offers of "interest-free" cash loans before an interest rate in excess of 500 per cent kicks in.

New Zealanders are collectively paying more than $600 million a year in interest on personal credit card debt, according to figures from the Reserve Bank.

Bollard bids farewell to his 'cool job.'

A reclusive millionaire with a secret treasure trove of gold and silver may face perjury charges after fleeing to the other side of the world to escape a debt he didn't want to pay.

BNZ had a 64 per cent drop in its provision for bad and doubtful debts in the first half.

News on jobs and dairy prices a worry when Govt spending is at low ebb

Last year was one of the strongest in recent times for the profitability of New Zealand's banks.