* The Reserve Bank has lowered the OCR by 0.5%, citing subdued economic activity. * Retail banks, including Kiwibank, ANZ, and ASB, promptly reduced their variable rates. * Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the cut, highlighting potential relief for households and businesses. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has announced a 0.

* Air New Zealand to cut direct Invercargill-Wellington flight from January 2025. * Mayor Clark and Southland Business Chamber CEO raise concerns over regional connectivity. * Air New Zealand cites low demand and aircraft shortages for cutting the direct route. Air New Zealand has announced it will discontinue its direct flights between Wellington

* Fonterra's revised strategy focuses on Ingredients and Foodservice to drive growth. * The Co-op plans to divest its Consumer businesses and improve financial returns. * New targets include a 10-12% return on capital and increased dividend policy. Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has unveiled its updated strategy, which shifts focus towards

Southland’s business enterprises were front and center when the Minister of Small Business and Manufacturing, Andrew Bayly, visited Invercargill yesterday. "I had a really interesting day in Invercargill, meeting a range of successful businesses with my wonderful colleague, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds," said Mr. Bayly. "Many

* Timaru's Alliance Smithfield plant could lose 600 jobs under a new proposal. * A 21-day consultation period will end, with a final decision expected by October 18. * Declining sheep numbers and land-use changes have led to a surplus in processing capacity. Hundreds of jobs at Timaru’s Alliance Smithfield

* The Warehouse Group reports a $54.2 million loss, down from a $29.8 million profit. * Retail sales fell across the board, with The Warehouse sales down 5.3% to $1.8 billion. * Management acknowledges missteps and pledges to focus on core retail strengths moving forward. The Warehouse Group has

* Export Southland Gala recognised local businesses for their innovative contributions to global markets. * Ethan Todd won the NZAS Innovation in Export Award for his Backlanz bipod range. * The DHL Mentorship went to George Munro - Hokonui’s Laura Todd for her lambswool products. Southland’s most innovative exporters were celebrated

* Government announces stricter rules for public servants working remotely, focusing on office presence. * New guidelines emphasise that working from home requires monitoring and must be agreed upon. * Businesses in Central Wellington may welcome the shift as they struggle with fewer customers. The Government is cracking down on public servants working