Board helping NZ companies in China resigns

Members of a private sector board helping New Zealand companies expand into China have all resigned, saying NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) was undermining their work.

Super rate rise 'would hit families'

An increase in compulsory superannuation would reduce the rate of wage rises for Australian workers, the opposition's assistant spokesman for superannuation says.

No NBN for new housing developments

New housing developments slated for the national broadband network (NBN) are being provided with wireless services because fibre installation isn't ready, a telco executive says.

NZ office to review land release policy

The New Zealand government's independent Productivity Commission is set to probe whether reductions in the rate of land "release" for suburban development are among the factors making housing less affordable.

Australian population growth slows

The slowdown in jobs growth since the turn of the year may prove to be a welcome outcome given net migration fell by 35 per cent in 2010 to the smallest number in four years.

NZ dollar falls vs greenback and yen

The New Zealand dollar fell further against the greenback and yen from five-week highs reached earlier this week as investors turned risk averse.

Christchurch home owners to learn fate

Quake-hit Christchurch residents will this week learn which areas of the New Zealand city must be abandoned because the ground has become too unstable to rebuild.

Fairfax to send jobs to India, close Blenheim print works

New Zealand's biggest newspaper proprietor, Fairfax Media is looking to lay off up to 45 staff by outsourcing their jobs to India, and to also close its printing site at Blenheim, where it publishes the Marlborough Express.

Stockland acquires housing, retail assets

Property developer Stockland will acquire two residential projects in Western Australia and a shopping centre in Victoria while selling its 50 per cent holding in Perth's BankWest Tower.

Reuters currency rates at 8am today

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Fire ants unvanquished 10 years on

Fire ants first found near Brisbane in 2001 are certainly living up to their scientific name.

Exit fee ban a win for households: Swan

Treasurer Wayne Swan believes that the Senate's decision to vote in favour of the government's banning of mortgage exit fees is a victory for households in getting a better banking deal.

RBA in no rush to raise the cash rate

The central bank has again signalled interest rates will go up "at some point", but says it will wait for more news on the international and domestic economies.

Bank fees still too high: RateCity

Australia's banks are still raking in over $4 billion in fees from households, despite recording the first fall since 1997, financial comparison website RateCity says.

NZ current account deficit $1.8b seas/adj for March quarter

New Zealand’s seasonally adjusted current account balance was a deficit of $1.8 billion in the March quarter, Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) says.

Rate hike necessary at some point: RBA

The central bank has again signalled that interest rates will increase "at some point" but says it will wait for more news on the state of the international economy and on Australia's domestic demand.

Visitor numbers fall 1 pct in May

The tourism industry is thanking recent increased airline capacity from China, Malaysia and Singapore for helping limit the fall in overseas visitors last month.

Mortgage exit move a cheap stunt: Swan

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has described as a "cheap stunt" an opposition move to overturn a looming ban on mortgage exit fees.

Immigration falls to low level

 Population gains from immigration fell to an 18-month low in May, as the number of people leaving permanently and long term for Australia rose.

Household financial conditions fall

The financial position of Australian households has deteriorated, a survey that measures household savings shows.