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Photo: RNZ The number of job advertisements fell slightly last month, while the number of applications per job continues to rise. The latest Seek NZ Employment Report for August indicates the number of job ads fell about 1 percent, following 4 percent gain in July, while the number of applications per job ad rose 3 percent month-on-month. After rising 21 percent in July, hospitality and tourism ad volumes grew a further 6 percent in August. But other sectors recorded declines. "There was a notable drop in some of the larger industries, such as accounting, after a rise the month prior, and trades and services," Seek country manager Rob Clark said. "Even so, we are starting to see increasing demand in some pockets of the market, such as hospitality and tourism, healthcare and medical, and ...

Power prices jumped notably when wholesale prices increased through August, data compiled by a retailer showed. Photo: 123RF New data calls into question power company claims that households have not been affected by the recent surge in wholesale power prices, one independent retailer says. Data compiled by electricity retailer Electric Kiwi shows that the average "price leader" annual bill on Powerswitch - the best deal available to customers signing up or shifting provider - has increased from just under $2150 in June to about $2300. Prices jumped up notably when wholesale prices increased through August. Prices increased from about $300/MWh to more than $800/MWh. But the best retail offer has remained at higher levels even as wholesale prices dropped back to $50/MWh and less. Powersw...

Nate, Anna and their son Nathan Jameson at their Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery at Lake Panasoffkee in Florida before the citrus greening disease incursion. Photo: SUPPLIED American citrus growers are warning New Zealand growers that a plant disease infestation can be a "catastrophe" as it was for them in Florida - and disease prevention is key. Nate and Anne Jameson were recounting their experiences with citrus greening disease in Tai Rāwhiti at industry group Citrus New Zealand's conference on Wednesday. The Jamesons grew a range of citrus fruit and have run a large indoor citrus operation Brite Leaf Nursery for about 26 years at Lake Panasoffkee near Tampa in central Florida - selling to both commercial and backyard customers. But the pair's nursery has been hit by citrus greening disease...

From the mouth of a billionaire, it's a striking insult to hear. "There are a few what you would call 'rich pricks' who advertise it and are really interested in it," says Bruce Plested, the co-founder of Mainfreight. But most wealthy Kiwis prefer not to make a big deal out of their assets, he says. Rod Duke, another ultra wealthy businessman, agrees. And he goes further. In the United States, those who broadcast their wealth and how much they give away to charities are "generally looked upon as a model citizen." Not so in Aotearoa. Duke says he feels "squeamish" talking about the money he gives away. "I don't like talking about it at all." Duke and Plested are not unique in their reticence to talk about money. All of the wealthy people RNZ approached and spoke with for our series on wealt...