Strategic wins ruling on Duff debt
Failed lender Strategic Finance has won a court ruling ordering Christchurch property developer Dave Henderson to pay almost $2.4 million to cover debt on a property development once owned by author Alan Duff.

Shares head for fifth straight daily rise
New Zealand Oil & Gas led gainers on the NZX 50 Index, rising for a second day on plans to buy back 2.2 percent of its stock, which the company says is 'significantly' below fair value. Securities market operator NZX paced the advance.

Earthquake delays statistics releases
The Christchurch earthquake will delay the release of several statistical updates over the next couple of days after Statistics New Zealand was forced to close its offices in the city.

Redundant Westin workers protest
Redundant workers today staged a noisy protest in front of bemused guests and a handful of staff at the exclusive Westin Auckland Hotel this morning.

Wholesale trade sales continue up
Total wholesale trade sales rose a seasonally adjusted 2.2 percent or $472 million in the June quarter, Statistics New Zealand says.

Marac increases market share
Marac Finance, the Pyne Gould Corp’s finance unit seeking a merger with two building societies, has grabbed more of the automotive finance market, adding Holden to its books.

Employers hold off on hiring
Hiring intentions as measured by Manpower's quarterly employment outlook survey have plateaued as employers hold off on growth plans.

NZX trading volumes slip
NZX Ltd, the securities market operator, reported a drop in the volume and value of total trades last month, as uncertainty surrounding the global economic recovery kept some investors on the sidelines.

Stocks to watch: September 7
The following stocks may be active on the New Zealand exchange after developments since the close of trading. All prices are in New Zealand dollars unless specified.

Quake could crack building blues
Economists are forecasting a substantial boost to the economy from Saturday's earthquake once the dust has settled in Canterbury, with repairs driving a short-term boom for the construction sector.

Kiwi dollar opens higher
The New Zealand dollar opened firmer this morning as anxiety about the global economy eases, and could get further support following news across the Tasman.

NZ marketers moving to Australia
Marketing executives say New Zealand is turning into a branch office as big corporates shift their top marketing decision makers to Australia.

Insurance firm stocks down
Investors marked insurance stocks down yesterday, despite insurers saying they are well prepared for expected claims of hundreds of millions from New Zealand's biggest insured event.

Growth hopes boost global equities
World stocks rose on Monday on hopes the US economy can avoid slipping back into recession, although the International Monetary Fund's chief economist warned of weak growth in both the United States and Europe.

Quake damage puts ratings into review
Earthquake damage to Christchurch's port and airport has disrupted the trade hubs.

Crumbling block may close cheese shop
Surrounded on three sides by condemned buildings, Martin Aspinwall fears his small cheesemonger's shop is destined to be wrecked.

Plight of small businesses big worry
Small business owners in the central business district have been flooding the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce with inquires for help and advice.

For most it's 'business as usual'
Canterbury's large industries are weathering the earthquake reasonably well.

Dorchester benefits from bookings
The lighting was dim at Dorchester Pacific's first annual meeting since its successful capital reconstruction but a bright spark was provided by the promise of increased bookings at the company's Christchurch hotel in the wake of the earthquake.

IBM expects IT problems to become clearer
IBM has sent two truckloads of computer equipment to Christchurch and flown in five engineers and spare parts from Australia to try to ensure businesses affected by Saturday's earthquake can get working as quickly as possible.