The New Zealand dollar fell against the euro as the common currency climbed against most of its trading peers after Standard & Poor’s upgraded Greece and Spain managed to sell all the debt it targeted in its last auction of the year. The kiwi dollar fell to 63.62 euro cents from 64.07 cents at 5pm yesterday in Wellington. The local currency …

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has announced the nomination of Dr the Rt Hon Lockwood Smith as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. McCully describes New Zealand’s relationship with the UK as “one of our most important”. “While we have strong historical connections, the relationship with the UK today remains one of our closest. It is appropriate that the appointment …

 Wall Street climbed amid signs that budget talks between US Democrats and Republicans are finally progressing, raising optimism an agreement to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff will be reached by the year-end deadline. President Barack Obama is said to have offered House Speaker John Boehner a lower target for new tax revenue. The two met at the White House yesterday. …