Business confidence has declined for the third month in a row, ANZ's Business Outlook survey has found, though optimists still outnumber pessimists nearly 10 to one

New Zealand business confidence extended its slide from a record high to a third month, in the face of rising interest rates, declining dairy prices and a persistently high kiwi dollar.

Sharp slowdowns in the Auckland housing market or in China are the main risks the NZIER sees to a recovery which is accelerating and broadening.

Geneva Finance has won a $150,000 judgement against its founder, who borrowed money from the company.

Banks stepped in to save the economic system, writes Bob Jones. Had they not, the world would have descended into anarchy with mass unemployment.

Consumer confidence fell to a seven-month low as two interest rate hikes and expectations for slower economic growth later this year sapped people's optimism.

Police have made a formal bid in the High Court to seize property they allege is associated with a failed finance company director.

A former mayor and lawyer accused of helping a property developer conceal his identity so he could borrow millions has this morning been found guilty of theft.

NZ shares rose yesterday, led by Goodman Property Trust, after the property investor said full-year net profit rose 72 per cent. Trade Me and Xero paced the gains while Ryman Healthcare fell ahead of reporting earnings today.

The Reserve Bank is developing a stress testing framework for the nation's lenders to gauge their health in the event of a downturn.