A substantial drop in the dairy payout has slashed $330 million from Northland's economy and could force some dairy farmers out of business.

Norwegian oil firm Statoil has been granted a permit to explore a further 1670sq km of seabed off Northland's west coast.

A Northland surfboard shaper and one of the oldest fashion companies in New Zealand have joined forces to create a new summer clothing range.

Alan Clarke writes: The average New Zealand houseland has about $400,000 in housing (March 2014). Kiwis just love houses and put all their money into them.

Jeremy Tauri writes: As of this year, it's become a lot easier for the average investor to put their money into high-risk, high-return start-ups and small personal loans.

Far North air travellers have been thrown a lifeline, with a Tauranga company vowing to operate flights from Kaitaia after Air New Zealand's decision to axe flights to the town.

The core business of a bank is to gather up funds from investors to lend to borrowers, writes Liz Koh.

Bream Bay is poised to anchor a $60 million-a-year kingfish production facility, with early indications from a government market study suggesting the project could get the green light.

It pays to be prepared and when it comes to taking care of your financial affairs, a good way to prepare is to set up an Enduring Power of Attorney, or EPA, writes Liz Koh.