Strong demand for expensive houses is pushing up average prices, even as the market as a whole starts to ebb, according to Quotable Value New Zealand (QV).

The departing Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) thinks the central bank will gradually reduce its active support of the economy as economic conditions prove resilient.

New details of long running finance sector reforms have been unveiled including guarantees for depositors and universal oversight of all institutions taking deposits from the public.

The Minister of Finance has mounted a defence of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA).

Non-bank lenders will be run off their feet in the coming months, partly because banks are too traditional, according to economist Cameron Bagrie.

The risks that banks face which are outside their normal trading activities are being reviewed by the central bank.

A veteran town planning expert says the property industry will have to undergo massive changes in a decade and a half if the latest projections on climate change are to be met.

A new name on the lending circuit, Xceda Finance, is actually an old company with a new mission. [With product matrix].

The base interest rate is going up by 25 basis points to 0.75%

A survey by the ASB has found New Zealanders are now more likely to consult an adviser when looking for the best way to look after their money.

Banks, finance companies and mortgage advisers are gritting their teeth and bracing for mountains of paperwork as the (not so) brave new world of credit legislation starts next week.

Heartland Bank has increased the LVR limits on its reverse mortgages for the first time in 17 years.

The Financial Services Federation (FSF) says it is trying hard to overcome shortages of staff in its sector.

Westpac has increased its forecast for the official cash rate to 3%.

The RBNZ has moved a lot closer to bringing in Debt to Income (DTI) limits on loans.

Westpac reports a profit of more than $1 billion and says lending growth was up 10% in the 12 months to September 30.