New Zealand and South Korea have concluded a free-trade agreement that’s expected to cut into export tariffs in the nation’s sixth-largest export market that currently run to about $230 million a year.  The deal, which was announced on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane, will initially eliminate tariffs on 48 percent of current New Zealand exports, with duties largely eliminated …

New Zealand shares fell, snapping four days of gains, led by Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy and MightyRiverPower as investors looked to crystalise gains in the energy companies. Kiwi Income Property Trust, DNZ Property Fund and Goodman Property Trust gained after posting earnings. The NZX 50 Index fell 2.904 points, or 0.1 percent, to 5487.887. Within the index stocks were mixed as 15 stocks fell, 24 rose …

Fonterra Cooperative Group  had to set the benchmark for a competitive farmgate milk price, former director Jim van der Poel told the diary exporter’s annual meeting in his exit speech. His comments came after shareholders raised concerns over the reduced forecast milk payout for the 2015 season. The forecast farmgate milk price it pays farmers was slashed in September from …