Penny Macdonald Many trade negotiators in Indonesia for the famous pre-Bogor APEC meetings were excited about the emerging vision of free trade.  It was hard to believe that everyone was poised to sign on to such an ambitious goal.  In a bar in Jakarta, having somewhat patronisingly congratulated one Senior Official on (finally) joining the consensus, I can still hear …

The New Zealand government posted a smaller operating deficit than forecast as the corporate tax take continued to beat expectations, while its cash balance was bolstered by a more successful float of MightyRiverPower than anticipated. The operating balance before gains and losses (obegal) was a deficit of $3.27 billion in the 11 months ended May 31, smaller than the $4.03 …

The New Zealand dollar surged against the British pound and the euro after central banks there highlighted their easing bias, increasing demand for the higher yielding local currency as rates in New Zealand are set to climb. The kiwi rose to a month high of 52.17 British pence, and recently traded at 51.95 pence, from 50.97 pence at the 5pm …