Business NZ

The service sector returned to a a more subdued level of expansion in December, the latest BNZ-BusinessNZ performance of services index shows.

BusinessNZ chief executive Phil O'Reilly has expressed disappointment that a major piece of legislation freeing businesses of red tape appeared to be dead and buried.

Australia has provided stability for New Zealand manufacturers during the current volatility in world financial markets.

Manufacturing showed signs of slow and steady improvement last month, with the latest BNZ-Business NZ performance of manufacturing index (PMI) indicating a continuing rise in new orders.