Money

Nearly 40 percent of respondents in a new survey are unable to access emergency funds within a week without sliding into debt, fuelling concerns people aren't ready for a potential recession.

New Zealand consumers remain wedded to their plastic cards for buying goods and services, but change is coming as more choose to adopt digital wallets on their devices.

Home values recorded their largest first-quarter fall in more than 15 years, latest QV figures show. Audio

Greater Wellington Regional Council wants to increase rates by nearly 18 percent.

Households have been saving more but the slide in property prices has further eroded their wealth.

Rising costs mean families on low incomes are struggling to farewell loved ones with dignity and respect, the Funeral Directors Association says. Audio

National Party leader Christopher Luxon says 19,000 families are already in mortgage arrears and the government's mismanagement of inflation is driving the problem. Audio

Consumer credit demand has strengthened, driven by growth in credit cards, personal and vehicle loans.

More people are rethinking their financial backup plans after the recent severe weather in the North Island and ahead of a looming economic downturn.

The living wage is being increased to $26 per hour from 1 September. Audio

New Zealand's banking system is facing a more diverse, difficult and competitive trading environment as regulation and technology evolve to give consumers more power and choice over the next decade.

The biggest overhaul of holidays laws in two decades has been delayed further and now will not happen before the election.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has spoken more about the Stuart Nash email scandal at a media conference at the Manurewa RSA today, saying Nash has been "ultimately held accountable".