Consumer prices rose 0.3pc in the first quarter as a hike in tobacco taxes was offset by cheaper in-season vegetables.

RBNZ and economists agree inflation remained tame in the fourth quarter, keeping intact expectations OCR doesn't need to rise until March.

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

Christmas shoppers are being tempted with offers of "interest-free" cash loans before an interest rate in excess of 500 per cent kicks in.

Buying a home has become more affordable in every part of the country over the the past twelve months - except in Auckland.

Eleven Auckland suburbs now have average house values of $1 million or more - and New Zealand could have its first $2 million suburb by Christmas.

Bank economists suggest it is time to fix at least part of your home loan.

Investors need to be wary of risks posed by overseas economies.

The New Zealand dollar fell from a post-float high against the greenback, before the release of a survey on business confidence.