New Zealand commodity prices rose in December, led by gains in dairy products.
The ANZ Commodity Price Index advanced 1 per cent to 330.4 from November, touching its second highest level on record. The index is about 22 per cent above December 2012.
International prices for 10 of New Zealand's main commodities increased in the month, three fell and four were unchanged.
Cheese and butter prices led the gains, up 7 per cent, with cheese at its highest in more than five years and butter lifting to a two-year high. Skim and whole milk powders showed the next largest price rises, up 3 and 2 per cent respectively.
The price of logs, seafood and sawn timber increased 1 per cent, while the prices of casein, beef and lamb increased by 0.5 per cent or less. Wool prices fell from November's two-year high, down 12 per cent, while pelts dropped 4 per cent and aluminium prices eased 1 per cent.
In New Zealand dollar terms, the index lifted 1.7 per cent to its fourth-highest level on record.