A high-powered group of global oil and gas exploration companies have arrived in Wellington today for a targeted push to encourage new interest in New Zealand's under-explored frontier basins.

Commodities slid, taking stocks on Wall St. lower overnight, amid concern that rising food and raw materials prices would cut into corporate profits.

Gold investors have high hopes about price rises continuing in 2011.

Rio Tinto Group, the world's third-largest mining company, has made a A$3.5 billion ($4.53 billion) takeover proposal for Riversdale Mining, which is developing coal mines in Africa.

Kiwi diamond buyer Ange Hardy went up against the big boys to secure the rare 22-carat white diamond which Hollywood celebrity Kim Kardashian will brandish on her finger on Tuesday.

Can the gold price keep climbing?