Stories by Patrick O'Meara

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".

Retail spending has continued its steady growth, led by car sales, official figures show.

Mexico's troubled trade relationship with the United States could be a boon for New Zealand's exporters, say free trade advocates.

The Government will deliver its election-year Budget on 25 May - and Finance Minister Steven Joyce says tax cuts are on the table.

The meat industry is confident a Russian ban on beef imports from New Zealand will be quickly overturned.

New Zealand may have to swallow higher drug prices if it wants a trade deal with the United States.

Petrol price margins are widening, sparking calls for the government to investigate whether motorists are being ripped off. Audio

The country has recorded a narrower annual trade deficit, due in part to lower prices for dairy, and beef and lamb.

Annual inflation is back above 1 percent for the first time in more than two years.

Analysis - The US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership is a severe blow to the NZ government's trade ambitions, writes Patrick O'Meara.

The government's attempts to keep the Trans Pacific Partnership alive have been described as a political own goal and a commercial disaster. Video

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

Five of the government's 53 major projects face major problems, including the $490 million upgrade of two of the navy's frigates.

The economy has continued to power along, underpinned by housing, with monthly building consents at their highest in more than a decade.

Outspoken - NZ's economy is one of the best-performing among developed countries but there are nagging problems under the headlines. Audio

The economy has expanded at a faster pace over the past three months, thanks to the building boom and household spending.

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.

Building consents have hit an 11-year high, and business and consumer confidence is buoyant.

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 tourist operators are demanding answers about the main road south, accusing authorities of leaving them in the dark.

The country's purchasing power with the rest of the world has fallen because of lower prices for dairy, meat and forestry.

The Reserve Bank is pushing for powers to impose income-based lending restrictions, though the government appears reluctant.

The government has been warned not to cave in and make it easier for Chinese investors to buy strategically important land and businesses.

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.