The NZ dollar fell more than half a US cent after second quarter gross domestic product grew just a quarter of the pace expected.

Auckland and Queenstown have again been confirmed as having the most unaffordable housing for locals.

The number of overseas visitors coming to this country hit a record for the month of August.

Dairy and meat exports were the main contributors to a 3.8 per cent rise in exported goods prices in the June 2010 quarter.

Retail sales rose a seasonally and inflation adjusted 1.3pc in the June quarter, better than expected by economists.

The Gulf of Mexico spill may have hit BP here...

Couples without children are expected to overtake two-parent families as the most common household formation by next year, according to Statistics NZ.

A 10pc fall in the number of nights New Zealanders spent in short term commercial accommodation in May, led to an overall 6pc fall in total guest nights.

The number of consents issued for new homes fell 9.5 per cent during May, following a 13.4 per cent rise during April, Statistics New Zealand says.