Is big end of China town's NZ investment a political issue, asks Fran O'Sullivan.

The New Zealand dollar fell ahead of a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.

New Zealand tech stocks led the local market higher in morning trade, snapping a two-day decline as investors returned to tech and biotech stocks.

Trade Minister Tim Groser is not impressed by Australia’s free trade agreement with Japan and hopes it will be ignored by the US within the Trans Pacific Partnership.

The New Zealand dollar held its gains of last week against the greenback before public statements by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen amid speculation she may clarify the central bank's view on the start of any interest rate hikes in the US.

The Kiwi dollar extended its decline against its trans-Tasman counterpart after figures showed Australian unemployment unexpectedly fell last month.

NZ's "buoyant" manufacturing sector expanded for a 19th consecutive month as domestic demand for goods fuels economic momentum.

Kiwifruit marketer Zespri is poised for a major push into the Middle East, including a relaunch in Saudi Arabia after a five-year absence.

The Middle East remains an untapped business opportunity for exporters as their focus is dominated by booming Asian markets such as China.

Prices have plunged nearly 9 per cent in the latest overnight global dairy auction. It is the fourth consecutive fall in prices, with average prices falling 5.2 per cent on March 18.

If we are to move at a pace that keeps Auckland in the game we need to move from a government-led economy to a shared leadership, writes Michael Barnett.

The taxpayer's $36m investment in Team New Zealand has paid off handsomely according to reports released Steven Joyce today.