The country's manufacturing sector has shown is largest improvement in nearly two years. 

National has wheeled out a catelogue of 120 measures, apparently in response to a survey showing most businesses do not think the government has a plan.

Well over three-quarters of the group's members believe the government should be lifting the pension age from its present level of 65. 

New Zealand’s manufacturing sector – usually one of the most pessimistic parts of the economy – is singing the recovery song.

The latest Bank of New Zealand/Business New Zealand Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) further nudged into positive territory in February.

Business and employer groups have welcomed the review of the Holidays Act, saying the legislation is too complex and adds significant compliance costs for businesses.

Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson yesterday announced the working group that has been appointed for the review, featuring two appointments each from Business New Zealand and the Council of Trade Unions.

The terms of reference of the review include the calculation of relevant daily pay, trading annual leave for cash at the employee’s request and transferring the observance of public holidays.