Business

Afterpay is collecting nearly $20 million annually from late fees in New Zealand, despite marketing itself as an interest-free service. The buy-now-pay-later provider made $18.5 million in late fees in 2024, rising to $19.7 million last year, according to company results. While customers pay no charges when they

A company's plans to set up floating saunas on a small Te Anau lake have been rejected by Southland District Council after strong community opposition. Floating Sauna Ltd had applied for a licence to place two saunas and a changing room on a floating pontoon at Lake Henry,

It has taken three years already for a decision to be made on the future of Invercargill's art gallery, but for now the temporary one will do. The Community and Regulatory Committee decided on Wednesday May 13 to extend the contract to operate the transitional public art gallery

Invercargill shoppers have scored big after a city centre promotion attracted more than 10,000 entries and boosted local business in April. The Visit, Shop & Explore campaign, run by Great South and Invercargill City Council, offered a $3,000 prize pool to encourage people to shop locally. Seven winners

The husband-and-wife team behind popular mobile food business The Saucy Chook have taken over the main campus café at Southern Institute of Technology, bringing fresh energy and expanded menu options to the student hub. Emmanuel and Inov Listiarto have rebranded the café as Between Classes, introducing their signature chicken dishes

The Commerce Commission has approved the merger of fuel retailers Gull and NPD, creating a nationwide network of around 240 service stations from Invercargill to the far north. The competition watchdog said today it was satisfied the proposed merger would not substantially reduce competition in New Zealand's fuel

A Southland businesswoman who started her career as an auto-electrician has been appointed to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission. Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds announced Michelle Findlater's appointment to the TEC Board, recognising her extensive experience in work-based training and the automotive industry. Findlater now manages

Skilled plumbers and drainlayers will soon be able to sign off their own work under an expanded government scheme designed to speed up building projects and reduce costs. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced the Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers Bill will cover more residential work and some commercial