1. Overview: It was another ugly day for global markets, dominated by continued fiscal worries, rumours and public denials. Southern European markets were particularly hard hit, again, with notably underperformance of exposed equity and bonds markets.

Previous winners of the Electra Business Awards for Kapiti and Horowhenua are to share their knowledge and experiences with people considering entering this year.

The recent march up Queen Street by 40,000 people opposed to mining led to desperate name calling by the mining industry, which labelled the anti miners as "Flat Earthers".

People with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia will have access to a funded medicine for the first time, following a decision by PHARMAC.

Westpac New Zealand Banking* today reported an improved Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of $125 million for the half year to 31 March 2010.

QantasLink celebrated a double event in Coffs Harbour today, with the airline officially opening the QantasLink Regional Lounge at Coffs Harbour Airport and naming a Q400 aircraft after the city.

Fitch Ratings says today that the Australian Federal Government's proposed tax on natural resource 'Super Profits' will not impact the ratings of companies operating in this sector, namely BHP Billiton plc ('BHP','A+'/Stable) and Rio Tinto plc ('Rio Tinto','A-'/Stable).

The Yellow Treehouse (an AIM Proximity / Colenso BBDO campaign) has won a Webby Award in the Telecommunications category.

Establishment of a new construction industry strategic group comprising high level executives actively engaged in the sector was announced today by the Chairman of the Group, Mr Richard Aitken, Chairman of engineering consultancy, Beca Group Ltd.

Fitch Ratings has today affirmed Foster's Group Limited's (Foster) Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB' and Short-term IDR at F2.