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Tuesday 05th April, 2016
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Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has the government's backing in her bid to head the United Nations.
She's in the running to be the eighth Secretary-General, replacing Ban Ki-moon.
And a local political expert thinks she could be the pick of the bunch.
Thursday 31st March, 2016
All Dick Smith stores are being closed within the next month, following receivers' failure to sell the multinational chain.
The company went belly-up at the start of the year owing about $430m in New Zealand currency.
About 3000 workers, including almost 500 nationwide are losing their jobs.
Some are being offered redundancy, as individual store closure dates are confirmed.
Branches throughout New Zealand are expected to shut by the end of April, after the Australian franchises.
There are two Dick Smith retail outlets in Dunedin.
Thursday 17th March, 2016
A flourishing services sector, including retail and accommodation, is boosting the country's gross domestic product.
Last year the economy's value was $246b in current prices.
GDP has been rising in conjunction with service industries, which are up 0.8% overall.
Growth in trade and hospitality was offset slightly by a slowing down in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Household spending increased by 1% last year, with more money going into restaurant and ready-to-eat meals, as well as travel and accommodation.
Thursday 10th March, 2016
Retail spending continues to increase throughout the country, with large growth in the consumables and hospitality industries.
They were both up almost 2% last month, collectively expanding by $45m.
The sector's total electronic spending in February reached $4.6b.
That's an almost 10% jump from the corresponding period last year.
The expansion was despite a significant drop in fuel, down $12m for the month.
Thursday 03rd March, 2016
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Voting has begun in the second national flag referendum, with papers being sent to residents throughout the country.
People are being asked to choose between the existing flag and an alternative design selected last year from five options.
The substitute flag features a silver fern in black, white and blue with a red Southern Cross.
It's a move away from the traditional Union Jack on the current design.
More than three million voting packs are being posted over the next week.
Thursday 03rd March, 2016
The country's exports have fallen in value for a second consecutive quarter.
The merchandise terms of trade was down 2% heading into the start of the year.
It fell by almost double that amount in the previous quarter.
Export prices dropped more than imports, meaning the country had less buying power.
Dairy and meat products led the downturn.
But overall the country made $2.5b more from outgoing goods than what was spent on imports in 2015.
Wednesday 02nd March, 2016
Three local accountants are receiving top honours in a worldwide fellowship programme.
Malcolm Wong, Ralph Adler and Scott Mason have been awarded accolades from Chartered Accountants New Zealand and Australia.
They're among 58 fellowship recipients globally, 33 of which are in New Zealand.
Each year honours are given to members of the accounting organisation, recognising outstanding service to the profession and community.
Other award winners are based in Australia, Asia and the United Kingdom.
Monday 29th February, 2016
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A Palmerston motocross rider has claimed victory in the opening round of the world championships in Qatar.
20 year old Courtney Duncan made a memorable debut at the women's championship, claiming the round with a rare double race victory.
She won the opening event by a convincing 27 seconds, and cruised her way to a second win shortly after.
The Qatar event was the only round of six that Duncan entered into, as a way to test the waters.
She beat the current world champion as well as previous title-holders.
Monday 29th February, 2016
The government's increasing the minimum wage by 50c.
From April workers will be getting an hourly rate of at least $15.25.
The starting wage for trainees is also going up, by 40c to $12.20 an hour.
Changes were announced today by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse.
It's expected the increase will equate to about $75m per year.
Annual inflation's sitting at 0.1% and wages are going up 3.4%.
Monday 29th February, 2016
International trade is growing, with more goods being imported and exported compared to this time last year.
Statistics New Zealand has revealed the latest figures, showing a $261m jump in the value of imported goods.
The total value of exports also increased by more than $200m.
Both markets were worth just under $4b in January alone.
Crude oil was one product bucking the trend, slipping about 8%.
Meanwhile cherries have led export growth to China, setting new records for value and quantity.