Stories by Patrick O'Meara
News
Changes to the way interest rates are set to be revealed
Changing the way interest rates are set could harm the economy, according to former top central bankers.
Weta expands into gaming sector
Weta Workshop is officially expanding into the fast growing gaming sector. Video, Audio
Criminals launder $1.35b a year in NZ
Most of the $1.35 billion laundered in New Zealand each year is from drugs and fraud, police say.
Govt's anti-TPP stance was fake, opponents say
New Zealand has failed to completely stop foreign corporations from being able to sue the government through the new Trans Pacific Partnership.
Higher inflation target could help weather future recessions - economist
Fears the world's central banks will not have enough fire power to combat future recessions have some economists favouring raising New Zealand's inflation target.
Stalled RCEP trade pact raises questions about NZ involvement
Negotiations to establish a massive Asian trade pact appear to be going backwards with some now questioning whether New Zealand should pull out.
Obama's NZ visit could rile Trump supporters
A senior lecturer warns that bringing former US president Barack Obama to New Zealand could be seen as an anti-Trump move, annoying the current president's supporters.
New TPP could add up to $4 billion to NZ economy
A report just released estimates the new Trans-Pacific Partnership will add between $1.2 billion and $4 billion to New Zealand's economy once it is fully implemented.
Is the global economy facing a financial armageddon?
Are you prepared for the "economic armageddon"? An Australian economist is warning that recent turmoil on global stock markets is a sign of things to come.
Solid economy to underpin government's spending plans
The economy is expected to grow at 2.9 percent on average over the next five years, supported by the swelling population, low interest rates, increased government spending and a stronger global…
What slowdown? House prices accelerate
The housing market has picked up pace again, according to the latest QV data.
Govt urged to call TPP meeting to ensure momentum
The government has been urged to get all the Trans-Pacific Partnership nations around the table to finish the deal, or risk it falling over.
PM to stress peace in Asia talks
Jacinda Ardern will stress the need for peaceful solutions at a meeting of East Asia leaders amid the challenges of North Korean sabre-rattling and regional territorial disputes.
Rebranded TPP still on track to be concluded
A deal to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership remains in sight, after last-minute talks to stop it dissolving. Video
No one ever said trade deals were easy
Analysis - The conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership is proving as elusive as ever after Canada pulled out of a critical meeting to try and reach an agreement, writes Patrick O'Meara. Video
'It's not New Zealand holding up the consensus' - Parker
The Trans-Pacific Partnership has been put at peril by one country after leaders came achingly close to striking a deal last night.
50-50 chance of TPP deal - Ardern
The Prime Minister says there is a fifty-fifty chance of a deal being reached on the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
PM Jacinda Ardern heads to APEC hoping to win concessions on TPP
Jacinda Ardern is on the world stage for the first time this weekend as she joins leaders in the Asia-Pacific region to discuss trade and security.
Alternative to investor-state dispute tribunals put forward
Controversial tribunals used by foreign investors to sue governments, which underpin all New Zealand's trade deals, may be pushed aside if Europe gets its way.
NZ economy continues modest growth
The economy has grown at a slightly faster pace in the past three months, despite a building slowdown.
NZ's weak productivity in OECD's sights
New Zealanders generally enjoy high living standards, but the country's labour productivity continues to be a weakness, the organisation's latest report says.
Tough to get a head: Lettuce leads vege price hike
A head of lettuce costs more than twice what it did this time last year, as a wet autumn drives the price of vegetables to an almost six-year high.
One in nine NZers hit by 'significant income fall'
The chances of falling on hard times may be greater than many think, with one in nine experiencing a significant fall in income in any given year.
Drivers warned of 'double digit' car insurance hikes
Insuring a car might be about to get a lot more expensive, with one motorist describing her most recent bill as an eye-opener.
Dairy pushes NZ export power to 44-year high
New Zealand's purchasing power with the rest of the world has hit its highest level in 44 years, thanks to the recovery in dairy prices.