French food giant Danone says it will lose more than half a billion dollars in sales in the current financial year as a result of Fonterra's botulism false alarm.

The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) is calling for an appeal to be launched after the Waitakere District Court ruled that the death of a young security guard is not the responsibility of his employer.

The NZ dollar has continued edge amid the ongoing stand-off between US legislators which is threatening a default on debt obligations of the world's biggest economy.

John Key has raised the issue of two Kiwi protestors being held in Russia with Russian President Putin - but it was not by way of protesting their treatment.

After falling out of favour during the global economic turmoil, Apec's propensity for dressing up its leaders in "silly shirts" returned with gusto.

Prime Minister John Key is signalling it is crunch time for the Trans Pacific Partnership talks and countries need to decide if they are in or out.

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research's quarterly survey of business opinion has found the sector in good heart and evidence of a recovery that is becoming broader-based.

Apec's focus is trade liberalisation, writes Audrey Young. The East Asia Summit focus is wider; leaders will talk about regional questions of the moment, including security issues such as North Korea.

Prime Minister John Key will seek an opportunity today to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of Apec in Bali.

The absence of US President Barack Obama from the Apec leaders summit leaves a gaping hole, and a lot of disappointment, if not misery, writes Audrey Young.

Labour's trade spokesman and a former Trade Minister Phil Goff says he understands why the Government is not releasing text of the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement.

Better to have patience and aim for a comprehensive trade pact, PM says.

Editorial: Kiwis will be mildly amused that their PM has stepped into the breach left by Barack Obama's inability to be at Bali this week - but should be proud too.

Ambition and speed. That's what leaders of the 12 countries negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership should seek as they meet in Bali this week, writes Phil O'Reilly and Jay Timmons.

Prime Minister John Key says he can understand why United States President Barack Obama won't give in to the demands of Republicans who want to delay his healthcare law.

New Zealand really likes being characterised as the firm but fair "honest broker" in matters of world affairs, writes Audrey Young.