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Fuel manufacturing costs have fallen by more than half in the last four years, reducing prices for consumers.
The petroleum and coal product manufacturing industry makes things like petrol, diesel and aviation fuel.
The ongoing global downturn in crude oil prices has been influencing costs for the sector in New Zealand.
Input and output costs for the industry fell about 20% in the last quarter.
That's having a flow-on effect for transport and construction, and ultimately households.
A couple of local teenagers are heading to Singapore for an international science camp.
There are just four New Zealanders going on the trip, having been chosen by the Royal Society of New Zealand.
Otago Girls' High School pupil Hayley Dick is attending with Palmerston resident Nicole McLeod from East Otago High School.
They'll be participating in the annual Singapore International Science Camp later this month with two students from Auckland.
A positive snapshot of government finances has just been released by Statistics New Zealand.
Data shows the government's net operating balance increased in the last financial year to a $2.5b surplus.
Rising individual income tax boosted total revenue, which was up 5.6%.
But expenses were also up, by 2.8%, due to higher superannuation payments.
As at the end of June last year the government's net worth totalled $80.6b.
The government is under fire for reportedly cheating its way towards its international climate change obligations.
A report released this week highlights the government's purchase of fraudulent Russian and Ukrainian carbon credits.
That's being described as scandalous by a top local academic, who has an alternative suggestion.
There's been a downturn in the rural property market, with 42 fewer farm sales in the first three months of this year compared to the same time last year.
That's a 10% reduction across the country.
The median price per hectare has also fallen by about $700, to just over $27,000.
In Otago property agents are noticing more neighbour to neighbour sales and splitting of farms.
They say that's happening throughout the country to achieve sales.
But commentators say well-established Otago farmers seem to have a solid footing in the current economic climate.
Long-signalled changes to the way the country's social service agencies are funded is causing concern locally.
A new government strategy requires charitable organisations to prove effectiveness in helping clients, in order to retain funding.
But some say it's a positive change that'll help streamline the sector.
Local employees of fast food chains are missing out on industrial action being taken in four North Island locations today.
It's the Unite Union's international day of action for fast food workers, and members are targeting Restaurant Brands.
The company owns and operates master franchising rights for Carl's Jr, KFC, Pizza Hut and Starbucks in New Zealand.
Unite's unhappy with the company's treatment of staff and is calling for a collective agreement to be honoured.
It's also concerned about holiday pay being mismanaged.
The country's largest primary healthcare provider is appealing to the public for help.
St John is aiming to raise $2m this week to buy more ambulances and lifesaving equipment.
And local staff say the demand for services has never been greater.
It's becoming more common for businesses to invest in research and development, leading to gains through innovation.
Statistics New Zealand has just released the latest data on the topic, showing about half of all companies are spending money on developing better goods and services.
The government's welcoming the figures, happy more firms are taking a leadership approach to product enhancement.
Research and development is seen as an effective way to diversify and strengthen the economy.
Associated spending rose by almost $200m last year, to $1.4b.
New Zealand Post is planning to sell almost half of Kiwibank to other government agencies.
The deal is expected to be confirmed later this financial year and values Kiwibank at $1.1b.
It would see the New Zealand Super Fund owning 25% of the company.
The Accident Compensation Corporation would own 20%.
Kiwibank is a subsidiary of New Zealand Post, and the deal would mean it stays within state ownership.
The government would have a right of first refusal over any further sale of shares.