NZ recorded its first annual trade surplus in nearly eight years in the year to April, Statistics NZ says.

The number of young people aged 20 to 24 with no income almost trebled between 1996 and 2006, according to new figures.

The kiwi dollar has surged in value after a stunningly low unemployment stat and a speech by Alan Bollard.

A low divorce rate shows Kiwis avoid marriage unless they're truly committed, a relationship counsellor said.

Salary and wage rates as measured by the labour cost index rose just 1.5 per cent in the year to the March quarter, the slowest rise in more than nine years.

Dairy products helped push the value of exports to more than $4 billion for only the second time on record.

In 2001, Consumers Institute head David Russell warned food prices were likely to rise once the supermarket industry shrank from three big players to two.

The cost of travel basics like accommodation and flights may have gone up a bit over the past few months as the global economy stabilises, but they're still incredibly good value, writes Jim Eagles.

A cut-price supermarket chain in Australia is offering a $108,000 starting salary to university graduates, prompting further concern over the increasing wage gap between New Zealand and Australia.