Business & Economy

At its annual meeting on Friday, Spark shareholders have voiced concerns about financial management.

It is getting closer to the time when locking in a longer-term home loan rates makes sense, economists say.

The Inland Revenue says it has started visiting nearly 300 businesses - identified from anonymous tipoffs - as part of its work on the "hidden economy".

The Commerce Commission says Winstone Wallboards use of rebates in supply agreements with building supplies merchants breached the Commerce Act.

Meat Industry Association data shows $564 million of red-meat was exported in September - eight per cent less than September last year.

Fifty-one percent of New Zealand's exports to the Middle East region will now be tariff free on signing. Audio

More NZers are snapping up pre-loved clothing as the cost of living bites. Audio

Although the process goes smoothly for most, plenty are hitting a problem.

About 1011 cruise ships visited in a year, with Auckland receiving the biggest piece of the pie.

Chinese online retailer Temu will be investigated over concerns the site is doing too little to stop the sale of illegal products, in an investigation that could lead to large fines.

With the economy still weak people are cautious about spending, credit bureau chief executive says.

For 18 years, the department store has been putting on "mammoth" Christmas displays - but the writing is on the wall.

"The end could be in sight" for the recent downturn, CoreLogic economist says.

Younger people appear to be feeling more financial stress than their older colleagues, Employment Hero co-founder Ben Thompson says.

The founders behind Bee Lemonade will also have their managers' licences suspended.