ANZ New Zealand today welcomed the launch of the Government's China strategy but says for it to be successful there needs to be a major mindset change for many Kiwis.

A record number of overseas visitors arriving in December ended the 2011 year in growth and resulted in the first full year of visitor arrivals topping 2.6 million, signaling a good start to the summer, says Tourism New Zealand's Chief Executive Kevin Bowler.

Following on from today's Government announcement of its NZ Inc China Strategy, PwC confirms its support for the policy directions and partnership objectives.

The Commerce Commission has received an application from VPRS Limited and Visy Industries Australia Pty Limited (together Visy) seeking clearance to acquire certain businesses and assets of HP Industries Holding Limited and HP Industries (New Zealand) Limited (together HP).

The net migration outflow surged to 520 in December, with the previous month's outflow revised up to 100 (from 50 previously).

The union representing postal and logistics members, the EPMU, is disappointed that Christchurch is losing 40 jobs at a time when the region's economy is struggling.

Treasury's briefing to the incoming Government is well focused on restoring the economy to growth, says BusinessNZ.

Leading business provider MYOB, is cautioning local business owners not to read too much into the negative economic data from Europe, with the New Zealand small business economy expected to remain positive in 2012.

New Zealand business owners appear to be declining holidays so that they can support their businesses during these stressful and uncertain times.

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (NZAS) has recently achieved a significant milestone, reaching record aluminium production for 2011. "The smelter produced a plant record of 354,030 tonnes of saleable aluminium for 2011.

With James Cameron stating to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) that he not only intends to make New Zealand home, but that he intends to farm the two properties he has purchased, Federated Farmers believes it unlocks a titanic opportunity.

Christmas hamper company Chrisco Hampers Limited was fined $175,000 in the Manukau District Court today after pleading guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act by misleading customers about their cancellation rights under the Layby Sales Act.

The Maritime Union of New Zealand has corrected misleading information from the CEO of Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) on the current industrial dispute.

A face-to-face meeting in the USA proved to be the turning point for a Christchurch company, which has just secured a major US contract to supply parts for a drilling product designed in Timaru.

PwC Partners Colin McCloy and David Bridgman, Receivers of Zion Wildlife Gardens Limited (In Receivership & In Liquidation) in Kamo, Northland, today have confirmed the sale of the business and assets of Zion.

Ports of Auckland said it was yet to receive a 7th strike notice from the Maritime Union of New Zealand - Local 13.

The Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) launched its online innovation database today, enabling businesses, entrepreneurs and investors worldwide to view a diverse range of technologies and expertise in New Zealand's research organisations.

Chairman John Palmer says Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe this morning confirmed this will be his last year at the helm of the national carrier.

Local new car buyers are opting for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in increasing numbers to the point that they now represent the largest segment in the market.

Westpac today released its latest Economic Overview, setting out forecasts for the New Zealand and global economies.

Electricity prices have dropped two quarters in a row for the first time in almost 13 years according to Statistics New Zealand's Consumers Price Index (CPI).

There are positive signs for the wind industry in the latest New Zealand Energy outlook, with capacity forecast to more than double over the next 18 years. However the estimate undershoots the amount of wind farms that will be built according to Eric Pyle, CEO of the Wind Energy Association.

Respected South Island tourism operator Dave Hawkey is about to begin work on a special project at Christchurch International Airport.

The telecoms industry rebounded in 2011, with service provider revenues and capex growing robustly compared to the same period in 2010, according to Ovum.

Australian packaging industry leader Colorpak (ASX:CKL) has delivered a record half year underlying NPAT of $4.750m, up 25% on the same period last year, as the first full six months of the acquired Carter Holt Harvey's (CHH) folding carton significantly lifts revenue.

Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard today announced he will not be seeking another term as Governor when his current term ends on 25 September this year. Appointed in September 2002, Dr Bollard is in his second five-year term.

With attention at the World Economic Forum in Davos overnight turning to China and how and whether it could help developed economies such as the USA and Europe avoid further recessions, there are some strong messages coming out of the forum that New Zealand businesses need to take heed of, highli

The Treasury has appointed three investment banks as Joint Lead Managers (JLMs) for the sale of a minority shareholding in Mighty River Power. The JLMs are capital market advisors and each company has well established offices in New Zealand. The companies are:

Federated Farmers believes Overseas Investment Office (OIO) rules must be applied without fear or favour. In respect of Shanghai Pengxin Group's approval to purchase the former CraFarms, it still faces two hurdles.

Gentrack, a leading provider of airport management solutions, has announced the signing of a contract with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) to deploy its 20/20 Aeronautical Billing System to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), one of the world's busiest airports.