BNZ has posted a solid lift in its half year profit on the back of improved margins and lending, and lower expenses.

Z Energy has reported a lower profit with higher fuel prices prompting people to avoid the pump and the lengthy shutdown of the Marsden Point refinery reducing oil margins.

The country’s biggest bank, ANZ , has warned that customers not shareholders will pay the cost if banks are forced to hold more capital as is being proposed by the Reserve Bank.

House prices have cooled off significantly in Auckland and property experts say buyers have the luxury of choice.

In today’s business news – the government offers new oil and gas blocks in Taranaki and A2 Milk revenue is up almost 50 percent on last year.

The telecommunications company has pleaded guilty and has been convicted on 14 charges under the Fair Trading Act.

The number of people out of work has fallen slightly amid signs a slowing economy is creating fewer jobs, possibly leading to lower interest rates.

A lower take from its gambling tables, combined with rising costs, has SkyCity now expecting its underlying net profit to be down for the financial year.

The country’s biggest bank has reported a smaller first half profit as the housing market slows and international uncertainty makes businesses cautious.

Another warmer than usual summer has increased the mortality of King Salmon’s fish.