MediaWorks' cash splash, sports stars back cloud company, Chorus, Vodafone on the outer?

In NBR Print today: The reliance of MediaWorks' TV business on local versions of international formats has undone the bootstrapping that had returned the company to profitability after its recent receivership, industry insiders allege. Meanwhile, as Nick Grant reports, there has been an unfortunate clash between Julie Christie and John Campbell.

Former All Black Piri Weepu and Silver Fern Maria Tutaia are among a group of investors helping fund a “world-first” customer loyalty scheme eyeing a potential future stock market listing. Hamish McNicol talks to Brent Spicer, CEO of Wellington-based Collect, which is about to embark on a second funding round.

New Zealand’s corporate bond markets are increasing in strength as KiwiSaver funds plump them up and bank regulatory changes come into play. But what should investors consider before diving in? Calida Smylie reports.

Lower accident compensation levies take effect this week as the government parries opposition criticism the imposts should have been even lower.  But that political row aside, the ACC says recommendations for levies in future years will be made more cautiously, writes Rob Hosking

The bunfight is on for $360 million in new broadband spending – and signs are that the big boys are on the outer. The new money is contestable, which is bad news for incumbents Chorus [NZX:CNU] and Vodafone, especially given the hints of small suppliers getting some of the action, reveals Chris Keall.

It is important not to over-react to events such as last weekend’s Northland by-election, says Rob Hoksing in his Order Paper column. It may be, as some are claiming, the ‘turning point’ for John Key’s premiership. Really, though, it is too early to jump to such an over-excited and simplistic conclusion.

DNZ’s [NZX:DNZ] Johnsonville Shopping Centre could be next on the listed property fund’s development plans, according to chief executive Peter Alexander, who tells Sally Lindsay any redevelopment plans will include keeping as much of the existing shopping centre as possible, as well as development of new shops.

A Hamilton-based company providing climate change risk and assessment software is courting external investment as it eyes up a five-fold revenue increase by 2019. With research ties to Waikato University, CLIMsystems designs and develops software systems to forecast weather and predict climate change in specific regions. Jamie Ball reports.

Refining NZ [NZX:NZR] has copped plenty of criticism over the years because, until recently, the company has largely failed to deliver acceptable returns for shareholders. However, it’s fair to say the tide has turned for the company, which owns and operates the Marsden Point oil refinery. Shoeshine looks ahead to the company’s AGM later this month.

As the 2008 financial crisis fades into the history books, a whole new asset class is emerging worth billions of dollars. Intellectual property is like a corporate weapon, says one expert, and it’s becoming more important in a world where intangible assets are the true drivers of growth. Nathan Smith reports.

In a year when Fonterra [NZX:FSF] appears to be damned whatever it does, fairly or not, questions are now being asked by farmer shareholders whether it is functioning as a co-operative at all. Jacqueline Rowarth reckons Fonterra has developed a “loss leader” strategy commonly seen in supermarkets and increasingly seen in power and telecommunication deals, not in co-operatives.

Legendary investor Warren Buffett is still revered in most business circles and his annual shareholders’ newsletter continues to be among the best advice you can get. No one has second-guessed the recent Berkshire Hathaway ‘elephant’ deals, writes Nevil Gibson in Margin Call.

As New Zealand’s labour market strengthens and Australia’s continues to shows signs of weakness, out-of-work Aussies are being lured across the Tasman where the grass is looking greener for employment.  Jason Walls reports.

All this and more in today’s National Business Review. Out now.