A United States debt default would drive a substantial fall in the New Zealand dollar's value, say currency strategists.

An Auckland property developer defending fraud allegations told a journalist in 2009 that he'd misled a trustee company caught up in an alleged $50 million loan scam, a court has heard.

Former flight attendant now heading up Qantas Loyalty.

Malcolm Mayer told a journalist in 2009 that he'd misled a trustee company caught in an alleged $50 million loan scam, a court heard today.

In a speech to the Property Council this morning the Reserve Bank's deputy governor has gone on a charm offensive over its LVR restrictions.

Australian mining magnate and long-time philanthropist Andrew "Twiggy"Forrest has donated A$65 million ($NZ73.9m) to universities in Western Australia.

Former finance company director Ann Butler - who was convicted this year of misleading investors - has regained control of a wine company after it emerged from receivership.

The battle over a proposed controversial Bunnings in Grey Lynn will likely be headed for the Environment Court - irrespective of a decision by planning commissioners.

ANZ is weighing up whether to launch action in Korea to try to get $8 million from property investor Danny Chung and his wife.

Xero is starting to "come up on the foils and sail away" while its massive US rival is "struggling to move online".

The NZ dollar has continued edge amid the ongoing stand-off between US legislators which is threatening a default on debt obligations of the world's biggest economy.

The number of first home buyers in the market since the introduction of new Reserve Bank mortgage restrictions last month has plummeted, real estate agents are reporting.

The former boss at a Canterbury clothing maker that kitted out some of our sporting heroes has today pleaded guilty to a multi-million dollar "top end" fraud.

NZ tech darling Xero has raised $180m in new capital - but it's not planning new acquisitions. It's "more about building a war chest" says founder Rod Drury.

New Zealanders who die or leave the country permanently are being replaced by citizens of other nations.

An academic says New Zealand's local stock exchange needs to step up its game.

Problem: you buy the perfect Northland beachfront section, on a calm, gently sloping beach - but how to get from your great smackingly beautiful house to your gigantic multi-level fast.

Another report containing another warning about the need to address rising costs of super has been met with another statement which says: "there's no problem".