New Zealand’s trade deficit was smaller than expected in July as exports of fruit and meat drove overseas sales higher, and offset flat dairy export receipts. The trade deficit narrowed to $649 million in July from $943 million a year earlier, and was smaller than the $755 million shortfall predicted in a Reuters poll of economists. Exports climbed 14 percent …

Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon says the national carrier’s record result stacks up against any airline in the world, and was underpinned by strong demand, cost efficiencies and cheaper fuel. Net profit rose to $327 million in the 12 months ending June 30, from $263 million a year earlier, the Auckland-based company said in a statement. The result included …

SkyCity Entertainment Group may raise more capital selling notes in the US private placement market after completing the sale of as much as $125 million of seven-year bonds next month that it plans to use to repay bank debt. Standard & Poor’s today assigned a BBB- rating to the casino operator’s bond sale, which is to open on Sept. 3 and close on Sept. 22. That matches …