As expected the Reserve Bank kept the Official Cash Rate at its record low. The central bank says downside risks to the economy remain and the OCR will stay at "an expansionary level for a considerable period". Here's what RBNZ said in full: 

A case in which an insurance broker was criticised for not conducting a full review of a client’s policy at renewal is being held up as a warning to other advisers.

There are fears that if financial advice rules prompt an exodus of advisers from the market, it could reduce what they can sell their businesses for.

Newpark's new chief executive has finished in the role.

Today's stronger than expected job numbers add further weight against the argument for an OCR cut, economists say. 

Adviser group Mortgage Express has hired former ANZ banker Donna Marks to bolster its Wellington operations.

The number of New Zealanders with health insurance has passed 1.4 million for the first time in more than 20 years.

More than 50 submissions have already been made on the draft code of conduct for financial advisers.

The code working group developing rules for the financial advice sector might need to pay attention to the regulators’ report into the banking sector, the chief executive of Financial Advice NZ says.

Professional IQ College has signed on three former IFA and PAA names.

Governments from both sides of the political equation have failed to recognise residential landlording as a business - but it is, argues Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis.

The FMA and Reserve Bank report into banking conduct and culture has raised concerns about the relationship between banks and intermediaries, in a warning sign for mortgage advisers.

More work is needed to ensure banks are comfortable with the quality of conversations and advice being given by advisers, the Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank say.

New Zealand’s banks are not guilty of widespread misconduct or poor culture issues, an FMA and Reserve Bank review has found, but lenders have been criticised for “significant weaknesses” in the way they handle staff conduct risks.