New Zealand business confidence slipped from a seven-month high as sentiment waned in retailing, manufacturing, agriculture and construction. A net 30 percent of firms were optimistic about the general economy in April, down from 35.8 percent in March, according to the ANZ Business Outlook. Sentiment improved in the services sector. The survey shows business confidence remains sturdy, recording the third straight …

Criminal charges against Jamie Peters, a high-profile former property developer discharged from bankruptcy against the wishes of the Official Assignee, have been dismissed by the District Court at Auckland, which found his rights to a fair trial had been breached. Peters was bankrupted in October 2009 by Marac Finance for just over $3 million relating to a personal guarantee he gave in …

Shares of Tower were halted on the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges, as it reviews its Canterbury provisions and flags a “material impact” ahead of reporting its first-half earnings next month. In its request for a trading halt to the ASX and NZX, the insurer said in preparation for reporting its earnings in the six months ended March 31 it is “reviewing its Canterbury …