The Ministry for Primary Industries will impose a controlled area in Whangarei and is contacting international partners after finding a Queensland fruit fly in the country’s northernmost city. The ministry plans to restrict the movement of fruit and vegetables out of a defined area in Whangarei as it looks to minimise the risk to the local horticultural industry after discovering …

New Zealand manufacturing activity expanded for a 15th straight month in December, with more production likely in the coming year on strong new orders and dwindling inventories. The BNZ-BusinessNZ seasonally adjusted performance of manufacturing index slipped to 56.4 from 56.7 in November, but was up from 50.7 in December 2012. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector. New …

Meridian Energy sold more electricity in the first six months of the current financial year than in the previous year, but prices achieved were significantly lower, despite what the company says are signs that growth in demand emerging after a long period of weakness. In its monthly operating report for December, the government-controlled power company, whose instalment receipts covering 49 …