Fletcher led the index higher as building consents point to increased activity.
Revenue for the half was up 44% to $2.1 billion, offset by a 69% increase in operating expenses to $1.7b.
Telco's revenue and earnings were up on strong mobile market numbers.
Independent directors previously ‘outvoted’ on debt-funded dividend payouts.
Chief executive Jeff Greenslade expects OCR to stay on hold, with more ‘clarity’ about rate cuts later this year.
The market response was the opposite of the share slump that greeted Woolworths last week.
Shares in chemicals group down more than 40% on half-year result
Mark Aue will replace JB Rousselot in April as the regulated monopoly figures out its investment priorities.
Previous payouts were unsustainable, company says, as half year net profit falls 40%.
Fresh from reporting a record underlying profit, the company has its eyes set on expanding its footprint across the Tasman.
