Irish media group Independent News & Media is backing the board of APN News & Media to grow shareholder value, as the Australasian publisher and broadcaster considers carving out its New Zealand unit. The Dublin-based company, which is controlled by Irish billionaire Dennis O’Brien, will support any moves by APN to increase the value of its 18.6 percent stake in the trans-Tasman …

New Zealand house sales fell in August as a lack of listings compounded the chilling effects of rising interest rates and mortgage loan restrictions, and as the upcoming general election adds another uncertainty for buyers. The number of houses sold fell 16 percent to 5,481 in August from the same month a year earlier, and were down 7 percent from …

New Zealand food prices rose in August, paring the previous month’s fall, as more expensive tomatoes, lettuce and broccoli offset discounted breads. The food price index rose 0.3 percent last month, paring a 0.7 percent fall in June, according to Statistics New Zealand. The index was 0.7 percent higher than August 2013, bolstered by a rise in restaurant and ready …