A government discussion document outlines proposals for fairer, more consistent rules on taxing income from collective funds and offshore portfolio share investments, according to Dr Michael Cullen.

Smart Aussie investors are dipping into the New Zealand property market, especially regional New Zealand, in search of higher yields. Andrea Fox examines the anecdotal evidence of the Aussie invasion and asks the question: should we be worried?

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Weekly Home Loan report: The key feature in the home loan rate market during the past week has been Bank of New Zealand’s move to lower its no-frills two and three year rates another 10 points each to 7.45%.

Auckland

Christchurch

Former Black Cap wicket keeper Adam Parore is franchising his mortgage broking business aiming to open 10 branches over the next year.

Still time to catch the Tiger, New insurance book, ING snares Urbus, First NZ looks to UK and Ethics for financial planners, Tax paper due today.

Massey University lecturer Michael Naylor has written a book on insurance specifically tailored to the New Zealand market.

AMP has set up a new $75 million private equity fund which aims to invest in medium sized businesses.

Auckland

Asteron has decided to stop paying advisers and brokers trial commissions on home loan business.

Russell Investments has come out strongly in opposition to the investment tax changes Finance Minister Michael Cullen outlined in his recent budget.

The New Zealand Superannuation Fund has made its first commitment to a private equity fund since it began investing in September 2003.