Economists have wound back their expectations for NZ's recovery.

An impoverished small town has reached a world-leading business deal that could bring in millions of dollars.

John Armstrong writes that the working group's prescription for change may be blinkered by ideology such as time limits.

Stocks in the US dropped for a third straight day as a worse-than-expected report on US jobless claims.

Dita De Boni wonders whether a food stamp scheme for those on low incomes could work in New Zealand.

The NZ dollar is recovering this morning after a sharp fall yesterday.

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has reacted with horror to new figures showing Maori out of work is up from 14.2pc to 16.4pc.

Pressure is going on the Reserve Bank to stop hiking interest rates, after today's surprise jump in the unemployment rate.