Personal income statistics from the 2013 national census show the annual median income in Canterbury was the second highest in the country, overtaking Auckland since the last census in 2006, in a trend that appears to reflect strong dairying growth overcoming earthquake impacts. The census shows that Wellingtonians’ median income remains the highest in the country, at $32,700, although the …

New Zealand commodity prices rose to a record in January, led by gains in butter. The ANZ Commodity Price Index advanced 1.2 percent to 334.3 from December. The index is 23 percent above January 2013. International prices for 10 of New Zealand’s main commodities increased in the month, three fell and four were unchanged. Butter prices led the gains, up …

Calibre Group, an ASX-listed mining and rail consultancy, has acquired New Zealand engineering and survey advisors Spiire Group from Downer EDI Group for $1.9 million. Perth-based Calibre said the acquisition by its Brown Consulting unit would add to earnings immediately and extend its reach in civil and urban infrastructure. Spiire, which has about 120 workers, is expected to generate $19 …