Analysis – The brain drain of New Zealand talent and future earnings may be slowed by one of the government’s few business-centric Budget policies, writes Gyles Beckford.

In today’s business news – ANZ’s chief executive is taking extended sick leave and Contact Energy will drill four wells in a geothermal field near Taupō.

The business sector gets little from the Budget but should benefit from work generated by the big spending on infrastructure and consumer spending from family support programmes, Business editor Gyles Beckford writes.

In today’s business news – My Farm sets up an investment fund and the RBNZ makes three new appointments.

Business confidence has improved slightly but generally remains deeply pessimistic, although firms are slightly more upbeat about their prospects.

The multi-million-dollar Commercial Bay development in downtown Auckland has been delayed again.

The Reserve Bank says debt levels in some sectors are still high and is warning that insurance and finance companies need to increase their capital levels.

IAG has shifted 50,000 of its life Insurance policy holders to the life insurer Aon.

The property management and investment company has posted a lower net profit, with slower growth in the value of its portfolio.

The dairy company has lifted its forecast farmgate milk price for the current season by 15 cents.