Latest from Rural business

'Sound position to invest': Auckland's Vector plans higher capex

Energy distributor Vector plans to escalate capex in the second half.

Silicon Valley builds 'shadow grid' of private gas plants for AI data centres

Approved off-grid projects could generate power to run New York City many times.

Higher KiwiSaver contributions may mean lower pay rises

From April 1, default KiwiSaver rates rise to 3.5% from both sides.

Fonterra puts forecast payout up to $9.50kg/ms, adds Mainland special dividend | Herald NOW

Business with Forsyth Barr: Fonterra narrows the range for the forecast farmgate milk price to $9.20-$9.80kg/ms and announces special dividend on Mainland FY25 earnings.

'Subdued economic environment' – Winton Land half-year revenue down 60%

Unemployment, net migration and lower concrete volumes are cited as examples of downturn.

Fonterra plans special divdend, upgrades milk price

The forecast milk price range has tightened to $9.20 to $9.80 per kg.

Stock Takes: So far, so good – reporting season brings steady gains, few major shocks

Freightways led the pack with half-year net profit rising 17.2% to $52.5 million.

Oil up on Trump’s ten-day Iran deadline, Xero restructure, Airbus cuts production target

Business with Forsyth Barr: Brent crude over US$71/barrel as US forces mass in Middle East, Xero targets Canadian engineers, Airbus drops A320 production target until end of 2027.

Elderly mum loses $720 in HouseSmile layby scam targeting vulnerable shoppers

Pensioner says smooth-talking cold caller promised her a lounge suite before Christmas.

How Auckland Airport plans to grow, upgrade and cut queues at the same time

Domestic jet passenger numbers are now at 93% of 2019 levels.

$3.2b windfall: Fonterra farmers back $2.00-a-share capital return

The $2.00 a share payout, totalling about $3.2b, is expected to be tax-free.

'A number of commercial buildings' – SkyCity eyes $200m asset sales

Underlying FY26 ebitda guidance is confirmed at $190m-$210m as dividends remain suspended.

Auckland Airport profit up, expects passenger numbers to keep growing

Total passenger numbers hit 9.64m, up 2% on the previous year.

Roger Partridge: Damned if they do, damned if they don't – the billion-dollar bill for Labour's gas ban

OPINION: The LNG levy will cost up to $180m a year for 15 years to secure back-up fuel.

Reserve Bank's dovish statement to pause mortgage rate hikes for now

ANALYSIS: Could change in housing market dynamics slow the economic recovery?

Market close: NZ sharemarket rebounds with 1.6% gain

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed at 13,247.02, up 215.4 points or 1.65%.