New Zealand shares fell, paced by companies with exposure to a weaker Australian economy such as SkyCity Entertainment Group, Kathmandu Holdings and Michael Hill International. Trade Me Group slid after an analyst downgraded the stock. The NZX 50 Index fell 18.409 points, or 0.4 percent, to 5167.780. Within the index, 24 shares fell, 15 rose and 11 were unchanged. Turnover …

The Hawke’s Bay’s Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme has been dealt another blow after the South Island’s Ngai Tahu followed Trustpower in withdrawing from the irrigation project. The proposed development is part of the wider Tukituki Catchment Proposal that was granted resource consents by a Board of Inquiry last month. However, the board imposed more stringent conditions on run-off into waterways …

The New Zealand government will dust off the stalled initiative for a free trade agreement with India, following the election of a new Indian government promising an economic reform agenda more likely to be welcoming of foreign trade and investment. The Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Narendra Modi, won the Indian general election over the weekend, becoming the first government …