Property prices and sales fell in April, but the New Zealand residential property market is holding steady, says the Real Estate Institute.

Uncertainty over next week's Budget with its potential for tax increases for landlords is being blamed for a sluggish property market.

Homeowners looking to rent their properties out for the Rugby World Cup have been warned to let their insurance company know - or risk being hit with the bill if damage is done.

Receivers have been called in to protect the interests of 9000 St Laurence investors who are owed $245 million.

Investors in finance company St Laurence Ltd have been told they must choose between swapping their debt for new shares, or receivership.

May Wang, the public face of the Chinese-led bid to buy the Crafar dairy empire, appeared in court this morning.