Bill English says the long term outlook for the NZ economy is good, but the recovery will be flatter in the short term.

Auckland Council has approved a controversial plan that will allow St Lukes shopping mall to expand.

The value of seasonally adjusted total retail sales rose 0.8 per cent - $133m - in the September quarter, Statistics NZ says.

The economic recession and increasing awareness about environmental and ethical concerns have spurred many in the fashion industry to look more closely at its image.