Politics of a dairy downturn, $19m property deal in limbo, house price data flaws exposed

In NBR Print today: Despite constant rumours of imminent government subsidies, and even one bizarre tale of a return to the days of Reserve Bank cheap credit, the government is not planning any massive bailouts for the dairy sector. Rob Hosking delves into the politics of dairy’s downturn.

Meanwhile, NBR’s Shoeshine columnist assesses the worst case scenario for the dairy sector and Fonterra’s reaction to the current situation.

A developer’s bid to buy a $19 million part of the Remarkables Station is in limbo after a new buyer was found following stalled negotiations about the costs associated with the neighbouring Jack’s Point development. Hamish McNicol reports.

Two organisations, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand and Quotable Value, have been vying for journalists’ attention for several years now. Both are successfully persuading much of the media to publish, in the first case, inferior data which distorts what’s really happening to house price inflation and, in the second case, figures that are actually several months old. Jenny Ruth has a few words to say about that.

The year’s longest stock rally on Wall Street indicates share investors have overcome their worst fears. Now it’s time for commodities traders to follow suit, writes Nevil Gibson in Margin Call.

Commerce Minister Paul Goldsmith appears to be blithely sailing into uncharted waters with the legislative changes he intends to impose on the shipping industry. Nick Grant reports.

Auckland Council’s IT spend has some worrying implications, writes Tim Hunter in Hunters’ Corner.

Peer-to-peer accommodation providers like AirBnB have been steadily gaining popularity in New Zealand on the back of the booming tourism sector. But as Jason Walls discovers, traditional rivals are calling for legislative change to level the playing field.

Health and safety law changes that come into force next month will help spur on Eroad’s [NZX: ERD] growth, the listed software company’s chief executive tells Calida Smylie in a wide ranging interview.

Rob Hosking gives a subdued two cheers for a new flag.

Meanwhile, why won't the Flag Consideration Panel say how much taxpayers forked out for the advertising campaign? Chelsea Armitage reports.

Don’t miss: NBR’s Special Report - Spotlight on Canterbury. At times called wasteful, ill-planned or even frgotten, the Christchurch rebuild has progressed well, driving impressive growth for Canterbury. A steady stream of companies want to be in the city, providing confidence for all business sectors. Chinese investors are also keen to get more involved with more investment - a good sign. In a 16-page feature, NBR looks to see whether this renewed energy can avoid becoming a rudderless effort.

All this and more in today's NBR Print Edition. Out now.

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