Dene Mackenzie

Some industrial expansion evident in South

Some Otago-Southland manufacturers appear to have come through the recession well and are expanding their operations.

Economists question need for OCR increase

The rise yesterday in the Reserve Bank's official cash rate has been labelled premature and a decision that will further hurt New Zealand's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Opinion: English accentuates the negative

Finance Minister Bill English continues to ignore the good news buried within the Government accounts prepared by Treasury.

New Zealand among first countries to see iPhone 4

New Zealand will be one of the first countries after the United States to receive the new iPhone 4 which was launched by Apple chief executive Steve Jobs yesterday, New Zealand time.

Finding may allow IRD prosecutions

A much-awaited decision of the Court of Appeal could open the floodgates of Inland Revenue Department prosecuting professionals hiding behind a company structure to avoid high personal income tax rates.

Some risks seen in raised OCR

The Reserve Bank is expected to lift the official cash rate (OCR) by 0.25% to 2.75% on Thursday, the first increase in more than a year.

Tax changes require re-evaluation of company status

The Government recently announced changed tax rules that will force some company directors to rethink the tax status of their companies. While the Government is calling for submissions on the proposed changes, it seems unlikely that any changes, apart from some cosmetic tinkering around the edges, will take place.

Embattled BP leaking money, as well as oil

Shares of BP have fallen by nearly 35% in value since the start of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, wiping about 43 billion ($NZ92.2 billion) off the value of the company. Business editor Dene Mackenzie looks at some possible scenarios for the company.

Spill-hit BP's Fitch rating drops to AA

International ratings agency Fitch has lowered BP's rating from "AA+" to "AA" and placed it on negative watch, citing risks arising from the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster.

KiwiSaver scheme benefits available next month

Two KiwiSaver features, designed by the scheme's architects to make first-home ownership more affordable, will be available on July 1, the third anniversary of the scheme.

XT relaunched with risk-free trial

XT relaunched with risk-free trial

Telecom last night relaunched its marketing campaign for its fast, but troubled, XT mobile network with an advertising campaign led by chief executive Paul Reynolds and a 30-day risk-free trial.

Petrol, power set to climb

A 10C-a-litre rise in the price of petrol this year, plus an estimated 2% rise in electricity prices and an increase in interest rates, could leave some taxpayers struggling to find any benefit from the tax cuts announced in Thursday's Budget.

Continental steals march on Air NZ

Continental Airlines has "stolen a march" on Air New Zealand with its plans to introduce the first B787-8 Dreamliner service to New Zealand on November 16, Forsyth Barr broker Peter Young says.

Substantial blow from bad assets

Allied Farmers has taken another substantial hit on the assets it acquired from the failed finance companies once controlled by Mark Hotchin and Eric Watson.

Telecom confirms separation, alliance focus

Telecom confirms separation, alliance focus

After a horror week on the markets, with its share price crashing to a record low, Telecom's fortunes look like they have started to improve.

Softening us up before going for the hard sell

Many people are starting to believe that the National-led Government is preparing to partially privatise several state-owned enterprises, with Finance Minister Bill English indicating there would be strong demand for Kiwibank shares. Business editor Dene Mackenzie investigates what is on offer.

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Dene Mackenzie