The decline is the first in five auctions.

Businesses were more optimistic about the state of the economy and their own activity in September.

John Key has signalled a rapid and unexpected rise in interest rates and "something big that happens internationally" as the biggest threats to the NZ economy.

A ship carrying palm kernel extract that's been barred from entering New Zealand for nearly a month should be sent back to Malaysia, says Damien O'Connor.

A stalled free trade deal with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries will be completed, Trade Minister Todd McClay has announced.

Topsy-turvy weather in Brazil is pushing up the cost of commodities in your breakfast drink.

New Zealand's trade deficit widened to the biggest monthly gap since September 2014 as dairy and meat exports slumped in August.

Trustpower has been hauled through the courts and fined $390,000 for misleading consumers over a campaign for an unlimited broadband deal.

Trade Minister Todd McClay says the Government is closely watching Canada's plans to protect its own dairy sector.

Controversial trade deal a massive opportunity for US, says Key.

A free trade deal between New Zealand and the GCC was concluded in 2009 but has not been signed or ratified.

A group representing New Zealand dairy companies has joined forces with overseas counterparts in a bid to get the World Trade Organisation

COMMENT: Public interest test aims to find best solution for industry and consumers.

Comment: Time is ripe for New Zealand Steel to leverage off "possibly the most valuable iron in the world".

COMMENT: The science is clear: we must rapidly transition from fossil fuel energy. But industry won't let this happen without a fight.

The world's largest mobile payment company has launched a new payment system in New Zealand.

COMMENT: The great Asian opportunity for Australia is largely untapped despite years of trying to get it right.

Larger countries may be able to protect their own steel makers but New Zealand needs to think carefully.

World dairy prices put on their third significant gain in a row at the latest GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) auction overnight.

Manufacturing exports slumped by more than 20 per cent in July as a persistently strong Kiwi dollar puts pressure on the sector.

An award-winning Auckland plumber has claimed her original request for an apprenticeship was turned down because she may have "distracted" male staff.

NZ commodity prices rose for a fourth month as the rebound in dairy continued, although a strong kiwi dollar limited gains for local producers.

New Zealand shouldn't be concerned that Australia appears to be edging ahead in securing a crucial free trade deal with Britain, a local expert says.

Farmers and industry leaders are pressing the government to support domestic business.

Most Western countries have quiet Sundays. We had only one remaining. Councils will probably succumb to their business lobbies, one after another.

New Zealand's merchandise trade deficit narrowed in July as imports such as crude oil fell faster than exports such as milk powder and meat.

The British High Commissioner's message to New Zealand and British businesses trading in the post-Brexit environment is "keep calm and carry on".

COMMENT: Critics of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal lack a strategic alternative.

More than 10,500 registrations from people considering moving here from Britain have been lodged with Immigration New Zealand since the Brexit vote.

Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler might be wondering right now what he has to do to move the needle on retail interest rates or the dollar.