Simon Hartley

Otago's economy fared poorly in the latest ANZ regional trends quarterly economic survey, coming at the lower end of the 12 regions of the 14 which recorded back-to-back quarterly increases.

Political parties are rushing to begin their respective campaigns on deepwater oil and gas exploration around New Zealand as the latest round of offshore oil and gas block tenders opens on May 24.

Tight space for fish exports at Timaru have prompted two Dong Won trawlers to visit Dunedin during the past week, discharging their cargoes before heading back to sea.

Oceana Gold has formally moved to include gold and copper production from its newly commissioned northern Philippines mine on its balance sheet.

Interest in east coast South Island deep-water oil and gas basins is again the focus of exploration.

Port Otago's 15.5% stake in Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) has grown in value by $5.6 million in recent weeks, in the wake of an almost 30% share spike since early April.

Dunedin-based cancer diagnostic company Pacific Edge has added China to its growing list of countries recognising patents on its products.

Ryman Healthcare's stellar share price during the past year has been vindicated after it yesterday booked its 11th consecutive after-tax profit, rising 13% from $120.7 million to $136.7 million.

Manufacturing activity in Otago and Southland was up slightly during April, but remained in contraction and well below the more positive, seasonally adjusted national rating.

No decision has been made yet on whether investors who are millions of dollars out of pocket because of former Dunedin lawyer John Milne will club together to seek any financial compensation.