As the debate on globalization and its consequences reaches its peak, few are better prepared to offer a defense than the man at the centre of the storm. Former Director-General of the WTO, Mike Moore, offers a vivid and provocative account of why globalization and democracy offer the best hope for the future of humankind.

The prime minister of New Zealand condemned the recent car rally in Dunedin that turned violent at the end.

Last week the Reserve Bank in New Zealand cut the benchmark interest rates down to a record low of 2.5 per cent and indicated that it plans to keep the rates on that level for a long time, however this did not have the similar effects on the mortgage rates. Today the finance minister complained that the mortgage loan providers are slow in cutting mortgage rates so that it could help the economy.

Two small banks in New Zealand today cut the floating mortgage rates by .50 basis points, thus challenging four major Australia owned banks. The drastic mortgage rate cut is in the wake of the expected Australian Reserve bank's interest rate cut today.

Tuataras are an ancient breed of reptiles, who can live an average of 60 years, though a lifespan of over 100 years old is not unknown. Thus is the case of "Henry," a tuatara aged 111, who just became a first-time father.

NZX has released the NZX Operating Metrics for May 2008. NZX releases the Operating Metrics on the first Tuesday of every month.

The BMJ Group’s mission to improve access to evidence based medicine for doctors around the world comes a step closer as a result of new agreements in Germany and New Zealand.

Chris Moller, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Rugby Union until December 2007, has agreed to take a position on the Board of NZX.

NZX has announced the introduction of the NZX Kauri Bond Indices today, a new set of indices for debt market participants. The NZX Debt Indices are widely used by investors to benchmark the performance of fixed interest investments.

NZX has released a Group Q1 financial result showing NPAT up 25%. NZX Group – Q1 2008 vs Q1 2007 Performance:

NZX has been working today with all listed finance companies, and listed companies with significant finance company subsidiaries, on NZX's request for information of Friday 18 April. The purpose of the request was to ensure that those companies:

Puccini's La Bohème, arguably the most popular of all operas, gets a face lift in 2008. The NBR New Zealand Opera's new production sees a vibrant cast and creative team bring this timeless classic back to life in a fresh and stylish way.