The New Zealand dollar has fallen to a near six-month low on a trade-weighted basis.

Fonterra is increasing its forecast payout for the current season by 60 cents per kilo of milksolids. This means an average payout of around $1 million to its farmers shareholders.

Investors flocked to oil and gold on world markets overnight amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with violence in Libya gathering steam.

Agriculture Minister David Carter has ruled out government intervention to keep milk prices down, saying high international prices will benefit the New Zealand economy.

The price of milk powder rose to the highest level since Fonterra began its online auctions in July 2008 in last night's auction.

Stocks on Wall Street were mixed as investors awaited a fresh reason to extend the rally, while commodities including oil, gold and copper were boosted on hopes that Chinese demand would remain strong.

Finalising a new transtasman investment agreement is on the agenda in talks between Julia Gillard and John Key.

Allowing the Australian Prime Minister to address NZ's Parliament could undermine its sovereignty, the Greens say.