The latest quarterly GDP figures show a slight increase, with growth in several industries.

Agricultural production has risen 3%, despite falling milk prices and last summer's dry conditions.

Food, beverage, and tobacco manufacturing is also up, along with the mining industry.

That's grown 2.5% to recover from recent falls.

Overall household spending is up, with increases in fruit and vegetable purchases as well as big-ticket items like cars and furniture.

The economy's sitting around $240b.

Food prices are up, rising 0.4% overall in the last year.

Fresh fruit is significantly more expensive and fresh vegetables are also slightly more costly.

Those increases are offset by cheaper dairy products, with fresh milk at its cheapest rate in two years.

Retail spending is also up, rising to $4.5b last month.

That's despite a large drop in the cost of fuel, bringing down the overall spend in vehicle-related industries.

Otago's missed out on glory in a national secondary schools rugby tournament being hosted in the city.

Two Auckland teams contested the final, won by Wesley College.

But organisers say local players put in a solid effort.

Locals have mixed opinions on the four flag designs shortlisted for public vote.

They've just been revealed in Parliament, ahead of two national referendums.

But not everyone's happy with the plan to change flags, or how much it's costing the government.