Concern about Europe's fiscal crisis was at the forefront of investors' minds again as they sold equities, the euro and European government debt.

A spokesman for the New Zealand Jewish community has defended the animal-killing practice of shechita.

Australian Ministers say the country has no choice but to accept they have lost the long-running bid to ban imports of New Zealand apples.

Animal welfare organisations are disappointed by the Government's decision to reverse a ban on the kosher killing of chickens.

NZ posted a smaller-than-expected trade deficit in October as the nation lifted exports, led by a surge in shipments of dairy and logs.

Tapware maker Methven says the slower than expected economic recovery has forced it to cut full year guidance.

A farming company part-owned by a Cabinet minister was able to brief him on how the Govt could protect its trade with Muslim countries.

Pike River Coal says work on evaluating the impact on its West Coast mine of Friday's explosion is "down the line", as it focuses for now on finding the 29 men unaccounted for.

The possibility of a credit rating downgrade for NZ reflects global concerns, and is 'more of a warning' says Finance Minister Bill English.

Ireland's travails may be short-lived, but the eurozone's future is not looking good.