New Zealand boat builders are savvy and determined but the strong kiwi dollar is making it difficult for exporters to remain competitive.

The New Zealand dollar climbed more than half a US cent after new Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler gave no indication he's leaning towards cutting rates.

Editorial: The first interest rate move by a new governor of the Reserve Bank is bound to be closely watched this morning.

The consumers price index (CPI) rose just 0.3 per cent for the September 2012 quarter, taking the annual rate to just 0.8 per cent.