Air New Zealand is increasing capacity on its flights from Auckland to Perth by 70 seats.

The tourism industry is gathering in Queenstown for its annual sales pitch to buyers from around the world, with high hopes the Hobbit movies will prove an irresistible lure to tourists.

DoC has indicated it will approve a concession to build a 43km monorail through conservation land, subject to public submissions.

Mike Hosking stood to gain up to $48,000 this year in cash and perks from casino giant SkyCity, according to financial information obtained by the Herald on Sunday.

Local tourism was up more than 10pc ast year, with business travel booming 31 per cent.

Utilico Investments, a UK investor managed by Infratil director Duncan Saville's ICM, has bought a 7.1 per cent stake in Tourism Holdings.

Christchurch Airport is working on a replacement for the AirAsia X services, due to end this year.

Auckland International Airport has posted a 5.5 per cent increase in first-half profit on passenger growth and said full-year earnings would be "at the higher end" of its guidance.