Finance Minister Bill English says New Zealand is still "reasonably well placed" compared to many other countries despite today's weak economic growth news.

The economy grew at an unexpectedly slow rate in the last months of 2011, with GDP stats showing growth of 0.3pc - half what most were predicting.

Europium, terbium and yttrium - vital rare earth minerals at the centre of a world trade battle with China.

Equities on Wall Street and in Europe fell amid signs from China and Europe that the economic outlook is dimming.

Extensive renovations give this 1960s office building a contemporary look.