Locally-owned banks provide higher levels of satisfaction for their customers, a new Consumer NZ survey has found.The organisation’s latest banking survey involved more than 9000 members – 89 per cent of which rated their bank’s…
Your Business: Workplace diversity – Bev Cassidy-Mackenzie
With 213 different ethnic groups living in New Zealand, and 186 of those residing in Auckland alone, embracing diversity in the workplace isn’t a ‘nice to have’ these days – it’s a necessity.Along with our large and diverse migrant…
Invivo first to equity crowdfund $2m
Invivo Wines has become the first company in New Zealand to raise the maximum amount allowed through an equity crowdfunding campaign.The Auckland-based wine company hit the $2 million limit at 10am this morning, with two weeks…
Liam Dann: Enjoy sunny economic weather while it lasts
My bank has been harassing me to refix my mortgage. I’ve been getting reminders for a month and there is still another month to go before my current contract ends.I’m not quite sure what the hurry is. It was only a six-month term…
Fran O'Sullivan: Australia, NZ need to find more ways to work together
When the Black Caps played Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last night it was a perfect example of the aggressive transtasman competitiveness which can spur on extraordinary sporting triumphs for either New Zealand or Australia.But…
Employment confidence increasing: Westpac
The country is more optimistic about the state of the labour market, according to a new Westpac report.The Westpac McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index rose to 108.5 in the March quarter – up from 106.5 in the December quarter.However,…
Christopher Niesche: Iron magnate's call to cap production a desperate bid
Iron ore baron Andrew Forrest likes doing things his own way.But even by his own maverick standards, Forrest’s latest idea to help miners withstand the plunging iron ore price is a radical one. It’s also a sign of his desperation…
High Court forces North Shore property sale over rates bill
The High Court has ruled that an Auckland North Shore property at 2/57 Northboro Rd, Belmont must be sold because of $59,393 unpaid rates.Auckland Council has just released information on the unusual situation, saying the vacant…
Govt releases new areas for oil and gas exploration
Delegates filing into a petroleum summit in Auckland were greeted by activists holding montages of what they say is damage caused by oil drilling as new areas of the country have been opened up for exploration.About 20 protestors…
Zespri bounces back after Psa
The first shipment of New Zealand kiwifruit set off from the Port of Tauranga yesterday, marking the start of a season that looks set to see volumes bounce back to pre-Psa levels, says Zespri chief executive Lain Jager.The harvest…