Auckland real estate firm Barfoot & Thompson lifted its property listings and sales last month, which slowed the pace of price rises as more houses were available to meet overheating demand. New listings climbed 22 percent to 1,752 in February from a month earlier, while sales advanced 8.8 percent to 892, the realtor said in statement. Sale prices increased 0.6 …

Accident Compensation Corp named Scott Pickering, an executive at NYSE-listed insurance broker Willis Group Holdings, as its new chief executive. Pickering, a kiwi who has worked abroad for much of the past 22 years, will start on May 1, taking over from acting CEO David May, who has been at the helm since Ralph Stewart departed in December. He has …

Stock exchange operator NZX is looking to launch a new spot gas market in June this year expanding its range of services, and providing participants a new tool to manage their supply as the sector new pipeline requirements. The Wellington-based company’s launch is contingent on securing operating approvals, and will offer a baseline market from June to allow monthly, weekly, …