The economic upswing is one thing, but the New Zealand economy is also going through a material transition. We’re moving from legacy to opportunity, amidst the demands of rebuilding our second-largest city, housing shortages in our largest city, demographic shifts, global wobbles and an overvalued currency. We present six themes intertwined with this journey. A common sub-theme is the heightened importance of …

Proud New Zealander David McLean has been appointed chief executive of Westpac New Zealand after performing an “outstanding” job acting in the role since August 2014 following the resignation of Peter Clare. McLean’s appointment will be highly popular with bank executives and staff. A “people person” he is credited with bringing the bank together again after a bruising period under …

Synlait Milk, the listed dairy processor, has cut its forecast market milk price for the 2014/2015 season along with a corresponding decrease in advance rates to farmers due to depressed global dairy prices.  The Canterbury-based company lowered its forecast payout to $4.40 per kilogram of milk solids from a previous forecast of $5.00/kgMS, it said in a statement. The move follows dairy …