New Zealand's third-largest retirement village operator, increased first-half profit at a slower pace as it focuses on developing villages for future growth.

Retirement village operators will fail, more law changes are on the cards and businesses in the sector will undergo more mergers, says Norah Barlow.

NZ shares rose yesterday, led by Goodman Property Trust, after the property investor said full-year net profit rose 72 per cent. Trade Me and Xero paced the gains while Ryman Healthcare fell ahead of reporting earnings today.

New Zealand's male-dominated business culture with its old-boy sports and education network is sabotaging the promotion of women, says exiting Summerset Group boss Norah Barlow.