Government ministers urged Solid Energy to take on more debt and to pay bigger dividends despite company warnings that falling coal prices threatened profitability.

The fundamental conflict between the Govt's political imperatives and Solid Energy's commercial imperatives needs to be probed further, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

The 68 boxes carried onto Parliament's forecourt this afternoon contained 393,000 signatures. It is thought to be the biggest ever petition in support of a citizen's initiated referendum.

Labour Leader David Shearer says the fact someone was able to pre-register for Mighty River shares in his name shows how "shonky" the sales process is.

The Government will push ahead with asset sales regardless of a referendum on the issue, Finance Minister Bill English says.

Former Solid Energy boss Don Elder has confirmed he will go to Parliament to answer questions about the company's problems.

The frenzy of preregistration for the Mighty River Power float spoke volumes about the mood of stock market investors. Bernard Hickey gives his view.

Mighty River Power has admitted its $250 million investment in geothermal exploration in Chile could come to nothing, but believes it is worth the risk given Chile's massive geothermal resources and energy demands.

Mighty River Power needs to promote loyalty bonus scheme...

The Government's confirmation that Mighty River Power is finally on the block has spurred a rash of activity among brokers.

Geothermal is the ultimate renewable energy source - and one reason why Mighty River Power is kicking off the government's asset sales. Energy reporter Grant Bradley visits the company's brand-new plant

Mighty River Power chairwoman Joan Withers has defended the decision to raise the company's dividend policy.

The unresolved issue of Maori water rights may yet have an impact on Mighty River's future operating costs.

If you don't have a broker, you may not be able to sell Mighty River shares quickly, says one fund manager.

One hundred thousand kiwis have now pre-registered for a stake in Mighty River Power as massive public interest puts pressure on the share sale website.

Prime Minister John Key says the rush on pre-registration for Mighty River Power shares is a reflection of the interest in the float but he will not speculate on whether there is a danger it will be over-subscribed.

The Mighty River Power share offer website was this afternoon buckling under the weight of hits.

The Government has grossly underestimated the value of hydro-energy assets to New Zealand citizens, writes Wayne Cartwright.

Indeed TV3 reported last year that David Shearer and John Key hold the same position, that "nobody owns water. It's everybody's resource".

Market players are anticipating strong demand for the Government's partial float of Mighty River Power.

Ordinary New Zealanders will be favoured "at every turn" of the Mighty River Power share sale which gets underway today.