Gyles Beckford

Fonterra has dropped its forecast payout to farmers and says it is unlikely to pay a final dividend because of pressure on its earnings' margins.

The Reserve Bank (RBNZ) has held its cash rate unchanged amid softening economic growth and stronger inflation, but signalled it expects to keep rates low for longer.

Fonterra is returning to one of the world's fastest growing dairy markets - India - with the formation of a joint venture with the sub-continent's biggest retailer, Future Group.

An increase in lending, and a lift in margins has helped lift ASB Bank's annual profit to a record.

The casino operator, SkyCity Entertainment, has reported a record full year profit as its New Zealand business improved, and its high rollers business recovered.

Analysis - Anticipating costs for tendering in the construction sector is like throwing a dart at a board, blindfolded. This high-risk approach has claimed another victim, writes Gyles Beckford.

The amount of money needed by retirees to have a basic lifestyle is growing, but there are signs people are coping. Audio

The threat of extra regulation has sent small business' pessimism about the economy to its highest levels in nearly a decade. Audio

Thousands of consumers may be millions of dollars out of pocket because insurance companies have improperly put their commercial interests ahead of clients.

The Reserve Bank has held its cash rate unchanged as expected amid subdued inflation and softening economic growth.

Jewellery retailer Michael Hill International will close its remaining Emma and Roe shops and concentrate on its core brand.

Economic growth was modest at the start of the year with the service sector making up for soft construction activity.

Fletcher Building is to streamline its business and focus on the basics as it looks to recover from heavy losses in its building division.

The difference between what the country earned and spent internationally has hit its highest level in three years.

Introducing a capital gains tax would cause house prices to fall, rents to rise but home ownership rates would improve, a new study shows.

Analysis - Global media may be in for a shake-up after a mega-merger between AT&T and Time Warner was approved, Business Editor Gyles Beckford writes.

Northland has rocketed to the top of the regional economic rankings on the back of free spending consumers in the ASB Bank's latest survey.

Insurance company Tower has posted a bigger first half loss as its earnings were hit by bad weather claims and an arbitration decision.

The firm has cut a new deal with its bankers, which will see it pay more for its lending and put the proceeds of asset sales immediately to paying back debt.

Manufacturing sector activity has hit its highest level in more than two years driven by a rebound in production and new orders.

The aluminium smelter at Tiwai Point is restarting an unused potline as rising metal prices and a power deal have made it economic to expand production.

Shares in Fletcher Building have jumped by more than 10 percent today, following unconfirmed rumours that the Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers has bought a stake in the business.

Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia will part ways in October after seven years of partnership.

Spotify has had a solid debut on Wall Street in one of the most anticipated technology listings in recent times.

Analysis - Sky Television has announced it is not the preferred bidder for Rubgy World Cup broadcasts. RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford looks at what that means for the behemoth.