Changes the Government is making will improve the standard of the financial advice industry, Commerce Minister Simon Power says.

Investment returns from the Cullen Fund and ACC have rescued the Crown's bottom line in the first three months of the fiscal year.

Recoveries in the investment performance of the ACC and New Zealand Superannuation Fund portfolios have helped offset a dramatic fall in the tax take over the past three months, says Treasury.

Auckland property prices surged nearly 6 per cent in October, says real estate company Barfoot & Thompson.

A finance company that received investment advice from a Commerce Commission member is facing legal action over the investments it recommended.

Chairman of freshly recapitalised Pyne Gould Corporation Sam Maling is to step down shortly, as will three other directors.

Briscoes Group, which owns Rebel Sport, Urban Loft and the Living and Giving chains, says sales are up and second half profits will be "well ahead" of last year.

Auckland International Airport, the country's major gateway to the world, has kept its earnings guidance amid small gains in total passenger volumes in the last quarter.

Jetstar warns it could have to push up fares if it is hit with New Zealand safety levies it says it already pays in Australia.