Dene Mackenzie

Big spending packages targeted at New Zealand’s major cities account for the majority of the increases in the Taxpayers Union’s election-costing "Bribe-O-Meter" this week.

Mark Patterson, a farmer from Lawrence, looks set to enter Parliament after the September 23 election having been  ranked No 7  on the New Zealand First list released  yesterday.

National has changed its mind on extending paid parental leave by announcing yesterday  it would be extended from 18 weeks to 22 weeks, if it is re-elected on September 23.

Labour has gone straight for one of the oldest tricks in the book by telling students they will get  an increase in  student allowances and living costs  of $50 a week.

Another check on the strength of business and consumer confidence as New Zealand moves closer to the September 23 election will be provided to the markets on Thursday.

The strong demand for fibre meant Chorus was trialling new connection approaches, chief executive Kate McKenzie said yesterday.

National yesterday  announced a $379 million package that included money for primary school pupils to learn a second language.

Prime Minister Bill English says he can see a time when child poverty in New Zealand will be almost non-existent, when all families live independently and children will be safe from violence.

Labour wanted to offer certainty to Christchurch residents, developers and investors about exact plans for the central business district, party leader Jacinda Ardern said yesterday.

Young voters made a significant contribution to the elections in the United Kingdom, the United States and France and George Sabonadiere (16), of Dunedin, is hoping for similar results in New Zealand.

The Maori Party is calling on Maori businesses throughout the country to rethink doing business with ASB, the sponsor of Seven Sharp, hosted by Mike Hosking on TV1.

The Government upped the ante on election promises yesterday, and economists say the Crown accounts can cope with tax cuts or an increase in spending.

National announced what it called an ambitious goal of having 90% of New Zealand goods exports covered by free-trade agreements by 2030.

Voters will get their chance today to see how the promises being made in the election campaign will be paid for when the Treasury opens its books.

The fallout from Metiria Turei's resignation as co-leader continued for the Green Party yesterday as one leading staff member resigned and one moved to special projects.

Two of New Zealand's listed energy companies - Mercury and Genesis - provided different perspectives of the industry for investors and analysts.

Listed jeweller Michael Hill reported an improved profit for the year ended June but provided no outlook commentary or guidance in its release to the NZX and ASX.

New Zealand's annual net migration continues to soar but there was little political reaction when the latest Statistics New Zealand figures were released yesterday.