Air NZ has edged out New Zealand Post to claim the top spot in a study of corporation reputation, while Telecom has avoided the wooden spoon - but only because Exxon Mobil has just joined the list.

The impact of Alasdair Thompson’s controversial comments last week is still being felt with Air New Zealand withdrawing its Employers and Manufacturers Association membership.

Air New Zealand has aligned itself with a troubled Hollywood actress currently under house arrest for theft.

Airlines on both sides of the Tasman are crying foul over rumours as passengers battle disruption caused by a volcanic ash cloud.

Rob Fyfe has hit back at "malicious rumours" out of Australia that Air NZ has grounded ash-damaged aircraft.

Industry sources are warning that the volcanic ash cloud's impact on the tourism sector will be serious if the disruptions continue much longer.

Qantas hopes 350 - or five per cent - of its cabin crew will take up voluntary redundancy.

To infinity and beyond ... Kiwi ingenuity is alive and well and flying a jetpack 5000 feet above sea level.