It seems to be everyone's favourite topic at the moment: the housing market.

Port of Tauranga has reported an improved financial result for the year to June 30 and a strong outlook following a successful year.

You don't ever want to compete on price - or do you? When I talk to business owners, I usually focus on looking for ways to increase their top line. Price is part of the formula in doing that.

A jump in retail spending and house prices have boosted the Bay of Plenty to fourth equal in the latest economic scoreboard.

Kiwisaver is a "no brainer" - as long as governments will leave it alone.

Our forebears lived through hard times and if they were alive today would no doubt remark that we live in luxury by comparison.

The fair trade market is growing as people become aware of where and how food and other products are made.

A doctor associate read the article I wrote on this subject about three months ago and sent some helpful tips for those debating the costs of medical insurance.

A childhood that ranged from Africa to Indonesia was an ideal upbringing for Peter Tinholt, Taura Natural Ingredients general manager, Asia Pacific.

Spending topped $264.7 million across the Bay of Plenty last month - 6.7 per cent up from the same time last year.

A total of 1175 sections across Tauranga City and the Western Bay will be selected to be fast-tracked for new homes in the next two years.

Dairy owners say loss-leading supermarket bread deals are hitting them in the pocket.

This week's Newsmaker is lawyer Michael Cooney.

House prices in Tauranga are up more than 5 per cent since last year and agents are hinting now is the time to sell.