The decline is the first in five auctions.

Businesses were more optimistic about the state of the economy and their own activity in September.

Shareholders of a Central Otago winery are fighting over a share sale.

A ship carrying palm kernel extract that's been barred from entering New Zealand for nearly a month should be sent back to Malaysia, says Damien O'Connor.

In just five years, more than 150 branches of NZ's major banks have disappeared, and more are earmarked to go the same way.

As more people do online transactions, small towns must adapt to closures.

Marlborough-based Giesen Wines has been awarded the 2016 Champion Pinot Noir Trophy.

COMMENT: Ex-Minister suggests new way to tackle emissions.

COMMENT: Trump has turned international trade into a political minefield with his opposition to agreements like the TPP.

Tatua Co-op dairy payout drops to $6.30 a kg, but is still well ahead of its larger competitors like Fonterra.

A stalled free trade deal with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries will be completed, Trade Minister Todd McClay has announced.

Regional vegetable supplies could be at risk under the Waikato Regional Councils ‘Healthy Rivers’ plan according to vegetable growers in Northern Waikato. Made with funding from NZ on Air

New report on the Resource Management Act is scathing about outcomes, and calls for sweeping reforms.

Shareholders have approved the second stage of a major South Canterbury irrigation scheme.

Topsy-turvy weather in Brazil is pushing up the cost of commodities in your breakfast drink.

Westland Milk has confirmed its final payout to suppliers will be well below break-even and Fonterra's payout.

JS270916NADFARM050.JPG: Tangiteroria farmer Jim Rhynd is cautiously optimistic milk prices will recover from here on. PHOTO/JOHN STONE By

Perhaps the real winner of the opposition in the current climate is NZ First Leader Winston Peters.

Comvita chief executive Scott Coulter says job cuts have been difficult.

The new tourism venture, which aims to attract 180,000 visitors a year, will showcase the story of manuka honey.

Eight years and three election victories have not been enough for National to push through reform of the Resource Management Act.

New legislation needs to safeguard both the environment and infrastructure says Business NZ's Kirk Hope.

The kiwi dropped to 72.28 US cents as at 8am in Wellington.

The apple and pear industry needs to attract hundreds more people in order to reach its full potential.

Long-serving Zespri chief executive Lain Jager says he has no set plans for what he will do after he steps down in early 2018 after

The best of NZ Herald Business 2016: A fake meat patty so realistic that it drips pink blood is just the start of food technology of the future.

A bumper profit and a milk price upgrade from Fonterra has raised hopes that the dairy slump may finally be coming to an end.

Eurofins Scientific, a Brussels-headquartered multinational involved in testing throughout the food production chain, has recruited

Robotics Plus has developed commercial clients for its robotic apple packers and is about to ship a number of machines to the US.

COMMENT: It is still too early for Fonterra's top brass to perform a victory roll.