The new record inflation figures come as no shock to many, with rising housing, fuel and construction costs putting the pinch on even those with means.

The Reserve Bank has filled another gap in its senior management team with the appointment of Karen Silk from Westpac to head its economics, financial markets and banking operations.

Consumer prices rose 1.4 percent in the three months ended December, taking the annual inflation rate to 5.9 percent.

The automotive retail and vehicle financing company now expects its underlying profit to be between $2.3 million and $2.7m.

Nearly nine-out-of-10 organisations say the pandemic has thrust a digital-first strategy to the top of priorities, with significant investment in technology expected over the next couple of years.

The director of a company importing rapid antigen tests says the government should not try to be “all things to all people” in ensuring tests get to vital businesses.

Aspiring homeowners are locking up their lives – including possibly cutting health costs – to try increase their chances of getting loans approved by banks under stricter rules.

Retail prices could rise as much as 10 percent this year due to unrelenting inflationary pressure, the organisation representing business owners says.

Businesses feel the prioritisation for the government’s order of rapid antigen tests has tripped up their pandemic planning, says the Food and Grocery Council.