Economy up 3 percent in the final quarter of 2021 – Stats NZ The economy rebounded at the end of last year as consumer spending picked up after Covid lockdowns were eased. Stats NZ data showed gross domestic product (GDP) rose a seasonally adjusted 3.0 percent in the three months ended December, slightly below expectations, […]

Napier’s beach was illuminated last week by the glowing “aurora of the sea”: blooms of plankton that glow blue-green after nightfall. The elusive, beautiful phenomenon that sometimes sweeps into the coasts was witnessed by local “biohunter” enthusiasts who scour the shorelines for bioluminescence. The light is activated by movement: cresting waves begin to glow, splashes […]

The Port of Napier, already one of New Zealand’s busiest container ports is scheduled to receive over 40 ships over the next two weeks. The Port is currently undergoing an expansion which will see increased birthing capacity. The Port is a major contributor to the Hawke’s Bay economy and a significant employer. Hawke’s Bay is […]

Construction in Ōpōtiki of one of the largest pieces of non-roading infrastructure seen in New Zealand in decades has now reached the halfway mark, with the Bay of Plenty town’s Mayor, Lyn Riesterer, describing progress as “outstanding.” The $100 million redevelopment will re-establish the Ōpōtiki harbour, build two training walls and open a new harbour […]

Fast-track consenting made available for Provincial Growth Fund projects could see work start on a $29.4 million marina in Whakatāne mid-year. Funding of $19.6 million has been provided by the Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit to build the boat harbour, and $9.8 million is to be contributed by Whakatāne District Council, with Te Rāhui […]

Housing investors may assume the most significant opportunities are found in big cities, but that isn’t the case. Over the past ten years, the largest capital gains have occurred in small-town New Zealand. Realestate.co.nz has released new data showing the change in asking prices for areas around New Zealand since 2012. Kawerau led the table, […]

The Government has made financial support available for businesses and organisations affected by the Omicron outbreak. Small Business Cashflow Scheme On 21 March the Small Business Cashflow Scheme loan amount will increase to $20,000 (from $10,000), plus $1,800 per full-time equivalent employee. A top-up loan will also be available for businesses and organisations that currently […]

You can apply for support if your employees need to self-isolate, as long as you meet the criteria and agree to meet your obligations. The support payments you can apply for are to contribute to the costs of the wages or salaries of your employees. You can also apply if you are self-employed. Your employees […]

Senior defense officials of South Korea and New Zealand held talks in Seoul on Monday to discuss bilateral cooperation in the arms industry, security and other areas. During the meeting, Vice Defense Minister Park Jae-min met counterpart Andrew Bridgman and discussed regional security issues, along with ways to bolster cooperation in the defense sector, the […]

Last month South Korea removed requirments for self isolation when arriving in the country. With the removal of the seven day stand-down period many Koreans who have avoided international travel are preparing to once again holiday, study and do business overseas. According to bookings at travel agency company HanaTour, the Americas and Europe and Southeast […]