Stories by Nicholas Pointon
News
Signs plasterboard supply problems could be easing
The plasterboard shortage has eased considerably amid greater supply and slowing demand.
Online cryptocurrency exchange launches NZ platform
The world's largest online cryptocurrency exchange has launched a New Zealand version of its marketplace to help shape future industry regulation.
Sharp drop in New Zealand dollar pushes steel prices up by 10 percent
The NZ dollar had declined by more than 3 percent since Friday to 52.26 US cents - a low last seen during the March lockdown in 2020.
Investors advised caution over information from 'finfluencers'
Young investors reliance on social media influencers for financial advice is raising questions about the quality of the information they are receiving.
Move Logistics pulls out of Fluidex Transport deal
Transport company Move Logistics has walked away from a deal to buy Fluidex Transport, saying the company wanted to "jack the price up".
Retirement village sector unveils voluntary reforms
Changes to be trialled for a year deal with payment of interest on money owed for unsold units, aspects of weekly fees, and removing "unfair" clauses on occupation rights agreements. Audio
NZAI shareholders vote to elect independent directors to board
NZ Automotive Investments largest shareholder remains tight-lipped about the ructions that caused the company's board to implode, after being grilled by investors at its annual meeting.
Local cryptocurrency platform put up for sale after failure to secure capital
Under-pressure cryptocurrency trading platform BitPrime has been put up for sale, after failing to secure a capital injection, RNZ has been told.
Corporate business appears resilient in face of economic woes
Corporate New Zealand appears to be in good health, despite emerging signs the economy is slowing under the weight of high inflation and rising interest rates.
Pay, work-life balance, career development key for job seekers survey suggests
New research suggests businesses need to tailor their job adverts and offers to the needs of employees if they want to attract talent.
Kiwibank government ownership a setback for competition, fund manager says
Kiwibank risks becoming a "zombie bank" under direct government ownership, according to a KiwiSaver fund manager. Audio
Electricity Authority barring low-price power deals a deterrent to investors, analyst says
An investment analyst has criticised the Electricity Authority for inserting itself between energy companies and industrial power users during contract negotiations.
Carpet makers' feud to head to court without damages claim
US giant Godfrey Hirst says it has dropped a damages claim against local rival Bremworth, but will still pursue court action over what it calls greenwashing.
Tiwai Point begins talks to continue operating after 2024
The Tiwai Point aluminium smelter has begun talks with power companies to continue operating beyond 2024.
Local insurance technology firm planning for ASX listing
A local insurance technology firm has its eyes set on a Australian stock exchange listing, after completing a successful funding round.
SkyCity's Adelaide casino faces independent review
South Australian authorities have launched an independent inquiry into SkyCity's Adelaide casino, following similar investigations in other states.
Number of failed businesses down 50 percent on pre-Covid-19 levels
The number of business failures continues to track below pre-pandemic levels, despite the end of Covid-19 support measures and stiffening economic headwinds.
First-home buyers 'signing themselves up for a lifetime of debt'
Home affordability for first-home buyers is the worst it has been in 65 years, according to an economics consultancy. Audio
Sanford targets growth in salmon, mussels as it sets ambitious earnings target
Fishing company Sanford is ramping up investment in a bid to quintuple its underlying earnings by 2026.
Report warns not-for-profits must adapt or fail to fulfill purpose
Many of the country's not-for-profits will soon be at breaking point, as they grapple with legislative changes, competition for staff, and stiffening economic headwinds.
'Everyone's a bit spooked': Inflation woes hit crypto, share markets
The crypto market nose-dived overnight, with investors panicking over high US inflation, which led to a bank-style run on a major crypto lending platform.
BitPrime negotiates with three possible backers
Under-pressure cryptocurrency trading platform BitPrime is in negotiation with three possible backers to secure the company's financial future.
KiwiSaver members hold their nerve amid financial market volatility
Balances have come under intense pressure as equity markets contend with decade-high inflation, rising interest rates and the economic fallout from the war in Ukraine.
Average cost of building three-bedroom home up about 21% in 12 months - QV
The average cost of building a three-bedroom home is nearly 21 percent higher than a year ago, according to Quotable Value.
Climate change being considered as a factor in setting interest rates
The Reserve Bank also wants to know if it has the right inflation target and if inequality should be in the mix for interest rates.