Federated Farmers says a report on Fonterra's botulism scare has highlighted the need for a stronger food safety regime.

'We've got momentum.' Trade Minister Tim Groser is optimistic a Pacific-wide trade deal can be struck early next year, as it misses its 2013 target.

The Reserve Bank has left the official cash rate unchanged at 2.5 per cent. Interest rates are expected to increase early next year.

Tribunals have too much discretion and can broadly interpret that text as protecting the expected future profits of foreign investors, writes Simon Terry.

When it releases its monetary policy statement on Thursday the Reserve Bank is expected to turn up the volume on its warning that it is preparing to remove the support of ultra-low interest rates in place since the recession.

A new international trade agreement is good news for exporters whose products are held up at borders but will make little difference for consumers, experts say.

The signs are growing that the TPP is in trouble, writes Bryan Gould. As more information is leaked, the chances of a secret deal being agreed are falling quickly.

International dairy product prices are pushing sharply higher, driven by strong demand from China.

Surging dairy prices have pushed the terms of trade to a 40-year high.

Higher dairy export prices have driven New Zealand's terms of trade to their highest point since 1973, Statistics NZ says.

A deal cannot be a foregone conclusion, writes Jane Kelsey. It seems incredible that any trade minister would be so reckless as to put their cards on the table, let alone agree to trade-offs, when the US cannot guarantee to deliver.

Fonterra has to lift its game in food safety and quality, and also sustainability, says chief executive Theo Spierings.