Industry leaders say the pathway helped local businesses to attract “skilled, experienced operators in a highly competitive international market”.

Meanwhile, a decision on alternatives to the proposal to close Newshub in June is being kept under wraps by its owner.

QV says the market is still finding its footing amid “some pretty strong economic headwinds”.

The change means people building new homes and doing renovations can have more certainty, economist says.

The new operator of the Tūroa Ski Field says ski passes will be on sale from next week – with deals for former life pass holders.

The takeover will make Melbourne-based Challenger Bank the only Australian bank fully owned by New Zealand interests.

NZ Post chief operating officer Brendon Main said Saturday services to rural areas were not commercially viable.