As an American, I have firsthand experience of how wrong the push for home ownership can go, writes Don Blair.In New Zealand as in most countries, the housing market is driven by two main variables.

Nearly 40 per cent of properties sold in Auckland last month went by auction, Real Estate Institute figures show.

New Zealand's government wants to trim "super profits" from land banking which it says is the biggest impediment to housing affordability in Auckland.

A process which commonly takes place at this time of year is one employees either welcome or dread: the annual performance review.

The NZIER shadow board thinks the Reserve Bank should keep the official cash rate on hold at 2.5 per cent tomorrow.

After a sluggish start to the year, ANZ's Truckometer is pointing to a period of above-trend growth over the second half of 2013.

The recent drop in the value of the New Zealand dollar against the US currency could have a caught a number of companies off-guard.

The Environment Court will reconvene tomorrow ahead of its final deliberations on whether to allow an open-cast mine to go ahead on the West Coast's Denniston Plateau.

In creating a common currency the unavoidable effect was to give Germany, in particular, an artificially low currency advantage, writes Bob Jones.

A bank economist has warned of consumer spending sprees and widespread economic fallout if house price rises continue.

New Zealand property values held their annual pace of growth last month, as demand outstripped supply in Auckland and Christchurch, according to Quotable Value.

Most New Zealand workers say they could be more productive in their jobs if they had better management, more motivation, and greater recognition in the workplace.

Lauren Palmer's job at F&P is to manage the team that creates world class innovative cooking appliances.

Central government is encouraging local bodies to become more focused and efficient. Many are considering mergers with others and seeing how to cut costs.

New Zealand businesses are being urged to follow in Google's footsteps and provide a chilled-out, fun workplace to improve productivity.

If house prices start rising faster, it can require lenders to reduce the proportion of the property value they are prepared to lend, writes David Mayes.

Emerging markets like India and China are becoming just as frustrated with international corporate tax rules as developed economies, says a KPMG partner.

The New Zealand dollar fell to a nine month low as investors concerned about global growth moved to the relative safety of US Treasuries.

Brian Fallow looks at the issues involved in a wholesale electricity market, and whether it is competitive or not.