Stories by Patrick O'Meara
News
No rush for NZ-Mexico trade talks
Trade Minister Todd McClay met with his Mexican counterpart earlier this week to discuss a potential billateral deal - but says NZ needs to "take a bit of time".
Car sales leads growth in retail spending
Retail spending has continued its steady growth, led by car sales, official figures show.
Mexico deal a chance to 'level the playing field' with US
Mexico's troubled trade relationship with the United States could be a boon for New Zealand's exporters, say free trade advocates.
Budget date set, tax cuts likely
The Government will deliver its election-year Budget on 25 May - and Finance Minister Steven Joyce says tax cuts are on the table.
Russia to put temporary ban on NZ beef
The meat industry is confident a Russian ban on beef imports from New Zealand will be quickly overturned.
Potential drug price hike could be a hard pill to swallow
New Zealand may have to swallow higher drug prices if it wants a trade deal with the United States.
Widening petrol price margins hurting motorists - AA
Petrol price margins are widening, sparking calls for the government to investigate whether motorists are being ripped off. Audio
Annual deficit narrows to $3.2b
The country has recorded a narrower annual trade deficit, due in part to lower prices for dairy, and beef and lamb.
Inflation rises to 1.3 percent
Annual inflation is back above 1 percent for the first time in more than two years.
Death blow for TPP, hard knock for NZ's trade plans
Analysis - The US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership is a severe blow to the NZ government's trade ambitions, writes Patrick O'Meara.
'Plan B' TPP on the cards - PM
The government's attempts to keep the Trans Pacific Partnership alive have been described as a political own goal and a commercial disaster. Video
Housing in many NZ cities 'severely unaffordable'
Auckland has held onto its spot as one of the most expensive cities in the world to buy a house, and another New Zealand city is quickly rising through the ranks to join it. Audio
Alarm raised for five of govt's big projects
Five of the government's 53 major projects face major problems, including the $490 million upgrade of two of the navy's frigates.
Economy in fine fettle, house-building consents up
The economy has continued to power along, underpinned by housing, with monthly building consents at their highest in more than a decade.
Calls for leaders' summit to tackle inequality
Outspoken - NZ's economy is one of the best-performing among developed countries but there are nagging problems under the headlines. Audio
GDP rises due to household spending and construction
The economy has expanded at a faster pace over the past three months, thanks to the building boom and household spending.
Dairy farmers told to keep spending in check
Rural shopkeepers are being told not to expect a spend-up from dairy farmers for at least a year despite the overall rise in global dairy prices.
Fast-growing economy shows no signs of flagging
Building consents have hit an 11-year high, and business and consumer confidence is buoyant.
Free trade deals end year on a low note
New Zealand's free trade supporters are licking their wounds after a year of setbacks, culminating in the demise of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Kaikōura tourism say lack of road info hurting business
Kaikōura tourist operators are demanding answers about the main road south, accusing authorities of leaving them in the dark.
Terms of trade fall, led by weaker export prices
The country's purchasing power with the rest of the world has fallen because of lower prices for dairy, meat and forestry.
Govt reluctant on income-based house loan limits
The Reserve Bank is pushing for powers to impose income-based lending restrictions, though the government appears reluctant.
Govt warned to stand firm in China FTA upgrade
The government has been warned not to cave in and make it easier for Chinese investors to buy strategically important land and businesses.
NZ still keen for TPP without US, Key tells APEC
Prime Minister John Key is prepared to continue with the TPP deal without the United States, though it would only bring two-thirds of the benefits.
Key heads to Peru for APEC summit
Donald Trump put the TPP on ice. A free trade zone in the Asia-Pacific could be the next big thing.