The Government is claiming credit for low price rises, saying people have more money in their pockets on the back on low inflation and increasing wages.

Roads, schools, prisons - business wants a share of the action, but the Government is in no rush, reports Nick Smith.

South Canterbury Finance chief executive Sandy Maier became a director of Ngai Tahu Holdings the day after Allan Hubbard's finance company was placed in receivership.

The Govt's financial statements show the deficit shrank as bigger returns from the ACC and the Cullen Fund kicked in.

The Kiwi dollar will likely extend its run higher this week as the Australian currency looks set to test parity with the greenback, dragging the kiwi along with it.

Only seven companies - including the three "Heartland Bank" merger partners - have signed up for the Crown's extended retail deposit guarantee scheme.

About 80,000 people now on sickness and invalid benefits could be shifted on to the unemployment benefit under radical welfare reforms.

The "GST-income tax switch" will from tomorrow leave the vast majority of income earners with at least a few more dollars in their pockets each week.

The Treasury and ANZ Bank had a stab yesterday at quantifying the impact of the Canterbury earthquake on GDP.

Will ultra-fast broadband be a game-changer or a costly toy? Anthony Doesburg found five companies already showing what better internet connections can mean.

Global re-insurance companies will probably take the bulk of losses for claims from the Christchurch earthquake not covered by EQC, says Moody's.