New Zealand shares rose on the first trading day of 2013, following gains on Wall Street, as investors drove up companies that have featured on broker lists for 2013, such as PGG Wrightson and Ryman Healthcare.

Metlifecare has changed the terms of its much debated $216 million merger deal, as shareholders prepare to vote on the proposal today.

Ryman Healthcare may seek a listing on the ASX as it looks across the Tasman to extend a decade of profit growth.

Shares in Christchurch-based retirement village operator Ryman Healthcare have jumped by 5.2pc after it reported a record $84m profit.

Retirement village operator Ryman Healthcare has posted its 10th successive annual profit increase.