New Zealand shares rose yesterday, pushing the NZX 50 Index to its ninth straight record close, as New Zealand Oil & Gas signalled plans for a capital return given cash flow from production at its Tui oil field.

Quattro RE, an Australian asset management company, has paused its plans to list a NZ portfolio of six properties on the ASX blaming global stock market volatility.

Financial markets have been gripped by investor fear in recent days but the boss of the $26 billion New Zealand Superannuation Fund reckons volatility is as much an opportunity as a risk.

All Blacks including Dan Carter and Richie McCaw could receive a windfall from a proposed mega-merger of 19 privately-owned retirement villages.

Allied Farmers, which is rebuilding from a disastrous takeover of the Hanover and United Finance loan books has returned to profit.