New Zealand shares rose yesterday as another consumer confidence survey showed improving sentiment, especially in Auckland, even as Australian jobs data disappointed financial markets.

New Zealand's ministers and officials have been given a new set of rules outlining how they can talk about listed companies.

New Zealand shares rose on the first trading day of 2013, following gains on Wall Street, as investors drove up companies that have featured on broker lists for 2013, such as PGG Wrightson and Ryman Healthcare.

The number of sharemarket trades hit a record high in December capping off the best year for the New Zealand stock market since 2004.

Veritas Investments chairman Mark Darrow says many opportunities exist for expanding the Mad Butcher retail chain.

Fairfax has completed a sell-down of its 51 per cent stake in Trade Me, the online shopping site confirmed this evening.

Trade Me shares are in a trading halt, as announcements confirm Fairfax is selling its 51 per cent stake in the company.

Restaurant Brands' newly opened Carl's Jr burger store in Mangere has performed ahead of expectations during its first five days of trading, the company says.