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Articles by Rebecca Howard
Rebecca Lynn Howard
Rebecca Lynn Howard: Das inspirierende Leben einer Country-Sängerin und Produzentin Rebecca Lynn Howard wuchs als Tochter musikalisch begeisterter Eltern in Salyersville, einer kleinen, von der Natur geprägten Stadt im Osten Kentuckys, auf. Ihre Mutter, eine begeisterte Pianistin, und ihr Vater, ein Liebhaber klassischer Country Music, förderten früh die musikalische Neugier ihrer Tochter.
Letter To The Editor: Offer Peace And Kindness To All
By REBECCA HOWARD Los Alamos On the Fourth of July, my husband drove the Los Alamos Auxiliary Fire Brigade’s (now known as Los Alamos Search and Rescue) 1942 GMC Firetruck in the Kiddie Parade. Kids of all ages love to see this classic antique vehicle during and after the parade. He always waves at the parade viewers.
Pensions disputes: Ombudsman will not interfere with reasonable business policies
The case (5 pages / 561 KB) concerned a member of an occupational pension scheme, who contacted his scheme’s administrator to ask that his pension, which was being paid into the joint bank account he held with his wife, be redirected to his wife’s personal bank account to maximise the interest available in respect of that account. The administrator refused on the basis that its policy was to pay a pension to the member’s own bank account unless the member was unable to manage their own affairs.
Impact of COVID-19 on Search
COVID-19 came in like an absolute wrecking ball this year and has permanently changed the world as we know it. Our personal and professional lives have been flipped upside down, and nearly every industry around the planet has been impacted. Even the digital world isn’t safe from the ripple effect of the coronavirus, and the search landscape as a whole has evolved since the start of the pandemic. As a result, we should continue to see changes in the months and years to come.
RBNZ board says bank will require more resources
Monday, 30 September 2019, 4:18 pm Article: BusinessDesk RBNZ board says bank will require more resources in the future By Rebecca Howard Sept. 30 (BusinessDesk) - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's board of directors lauded the bank and its governor for navigating a period of "comprehensive change" and sticking to its funding agreement but said it is clear additional resources will be required in the future.
Business confidence slips to new 10-year low in September
Monday, 30 September 2019, 4:34 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 30 (BusinessDesk) - Business confidence slipped further in September and the central bank will be disappointed its 50 basis point rate cut in August doesn't appear to be having much impact, ANZ Bank said in its monthly business outlook survey. A net 53.5 percent of the 391 respondents expect general business conditions will deteriorate during the coming year, compared with 52.3 percent in August.
Dollar weaker as US-China jitters weigh on market sentiment
Monday, 30 September 2019, 11:17 am Article: BusinessDesk NZ dollar weaker as US-China jitters weigh on market sentiment By Rebecca Howard Sept. 30 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar was weaker after rumours the US was considering delisting Chinese companies from US stock exchanges among the latest move in the US-China trade war. The kiwi was trading at 62.81 US cents at 8:05 am in Wellington versus 62.95 cents late Friday in New York. The trade-weighted index was at 70.25 from 70.29.
Fonterra strategy positive but light on detail - Jarden
Friday, 27 September 2019, 3:14 pm Article: BusinessDesk Fonterra strategy positive but light on detail - Jarden By Rebecca Howard Sept. 27 (BusinessDesk) - Dairy giant Fonterra Cooperative Group's intent and direction is good but lacking in detail, says Jarden research analyst Arie Dekker. Fonterra yesterday unveiled a new strategy that puts greater emphasis on extracting value rather than pursuing volume.
Consumer confidence at 4-year low
Friday, 27 September 2019, 1:29 pm Article: BusinessDesk Consumer confidence at 4-year low as people fret about the future By Rebecca Howard Sept. 27 (BusinessDesk) - Consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in four years as people grew more wary about the future, but low interest rates mean people still think it's a good time to buy big-ticket items.
NZ dollar still buoyed by RBNZ governor Orr's comments
Friday, 27 September 2019, 11:18 am Article: BusinessDesk NZ dollar still buoyed by RBNZ governor Orr's comments, hovering around 63 US cents By Rebecca Howard Sept. 27 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar continues to hover around 63 US cents after the central bank governor said unconventional monetary policy was unlikely, although the currency's gains were capped by US dollar strength. The kiwi was trading at 63 cents at 8:10am in Wellington from 63.06 at 5pm yesterday.
Fonterra confident it got the strategy right
Thursday, 26 September 2019, 5:57 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 26 (BusinessDesk) - Fonterra Cooperative Group reported its second loss in a row but is confident it now has its strategy right. “We have a more focused business, we are clear about who we are, where we are going and where we can win,” said chief executive Miles Hurrell.
Fonterra prioritising value over volume
Thursday, 26 September 2019, 11:36 am Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 26 (BusinessDesk) - Dairy giant Fonterra Cooperative Group is bringing its focus squarely back to New Zealand as it prioritises value over volume. It’s not the first time the cooperative has focused on value but the difference is a shift away from volume. This time it’s being more selective.
UPDATE: RBNZ keeps OCR at 1% but November cut may be off
Wednesday, 25 September 2019, 7:08 pm Article: BusinessDesk UPDATE: RBNZ keeps OCR at 1% but November cut may be off the cards (Recasts lead and updates to add comment from economists, detail throughout) By Rebecca Howard Sept. 25 (BusinessDesk) - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand kept interest rates on hold at 1 percent as expected and the Kiwi dollar rose as a November rate cut - while possible - may not be a done deal.
RBNZ keeps OCR at 1%, signals future cuts possible
Wednesday, 25 September 2019, 5:27 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 25 (BusinessDesk) - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand kept interest rates on hold at 1 percent as expected and said there is room to cut rates further if necessary. The New Zealand dollar rose.
NZ August trade deficit tad wider than expected
Wednesday, 25 September 2019, 2:51 pm Article: BusinessDesk NZ August trade deficit tad wider than expected on more imports By Rebecca Howard Sept. 25 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand’s August trade deficit was $1.6 billion, slightly wider than economists had expected, as imports came in higher than forecast. Economists polled by Bloomberg had expected a monthly deficit of $1.4 billion and an annual deficit of $5.4 billion. The annual deficit came in at $5.48 billion, Stats NZ said.
Fonterra now has $1 billion available for debt reduction
Wednesday, 25 September 2019, 12:08 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 25 (BusinessDesk) - Fonterra Cooperative Group said it has agreed to sell its 50 percent stake in DFE Pharma for $633 million and now has over $1 billion available to repay debt. Fonterra is in the midst of a cooperative-wide strategic review after reporting its first loss in the year ended July 31, 2018 and is poised to report its second annual loss tomorrow.
NZ dollar higher on weak US data
Wednesday, 25 September 2019, 11:14 am Article: BusinessDesk NZ dollar higher on weak US data, reduced rate cut expectations for Australia By Rebecca Howard Sept. 25 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar got an overnight lift on soft US consumer confidence numbers and after investors pared back expectations for an October rate cut in Australia. The kiwi was trading at 63.27 US cents at 8am in Wellington from 62.96 cents at 5:05pm. The trade-weighted index was at 70.39 from 70.13.
Govt plans to clamp down on unfair commercial practices
Tuesday, 24 September 2019, 8:09 pm Article: BusinessDesk Govt plans to clamp down on unfair commercial practices well received By Rebecca Howard Sept. 24 (BusinessDesk) - Government plans to clamp down on unfair commercial practices that can cripple small businesses have been well received by those lobbying for change.
ANZ ties $50m loan for Synlait to environment and governance
Tuesday, 24 September 2019, 1:18 pm Article: BusinessDesk ANZ ties $50m loan for Synlait to environment, social and governance measures By Rebecca Howard Sept. 24 (BusinessDesk) - Synlait Milk will reap cheaper interest costs if it hits various environmental, social and governance in a $50 million, four-year loan with ANZ Bank. However, if it falls short, that bill will be higher.
Summerset moving ahead with Australian expansion plans
Tuesday, 24 September 2019, 12:36 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 24 (BusinessDesk) - Summerset is moving ahead with its expansion plans across the Tasman and said it has purchased its first land in Australia. It did not disclose a price, citing commercial sensitivity, but said the acquisition and subsequent development will be funded from existing bank facilities.
NZ dollar pares losses ahead of RBNZ rate decision
Tuesday, 24 September 2019, 11:20 am Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 24 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar continued to recover as investors take positions ahead of tomorrow’s rate decision by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The kiwi was trading at 62.91 US cents at 8:10 am in Wellington from 62.74 cents at 5:05pm yesterday. The trade-weighted index was at 70.08 from 69.84.
RBNZ expected to keep OCR at 1% but leave door open
Monday, 23 September 2019, 12:53 pm Article: BusinessDesk RBNZ expected to keep OCR at 1% but leave door open to more easing By Rebecca Howard Sept. 23 (BusinessDesk) - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is widely expected to keep the official rate on hold at Wednesday's review while leaving the door open for further cuts by signalling a shaky global and domestic economic outlook. The central bank cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points to 1 percent in August.
NZ dollar hovers near 4-yr low after IMF statement
Monday, 23 September 2019, 10:55 am Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 23 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar hit a four-year low after the International Monetary Fund said downside risks to the domestic growth outlook have increased. The kiwi was trading at 62.58 US cents at 7:45 am in Wellington versus 62.56 cents late Friday in New York. It touched a low of 62.50 cents, the lowest since September 2015. The trade-weighted index was at 69.64 from 69.63.
NZ dollar weaker against British pound
Friday, 20 September 2019, 11:39 am Article: BusinessDesk NZ dollar weaker against British pound on EC president's Brexit optimism By Rebecca Howard Sept. 20 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar fell against the British pound after European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker signalled a new Brexit deal may be possible before Oct. 31. The kiwi was trading at 50.40 British pence at 8am in Wellington from 50.54 pence at 5pm and was at 63.00 US cents from 63.08 cents.
UPDATE: NZ economy grows 0.5% in June quarter
Thursday, 19 September 2019, 3:53 pm Article: BusinessDesk UPDATE: NZ economy grows 0.5% in June quarter, beating expectations (Recasts lead and updates to add economists' comments starting in paragraph four. Updates NZD). By Rebecca Howard Sept. 19 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand’s economy grew more than expected in the second quarter, with stronger services output offsetting a slide in manufacturing and construction but economists say it won't deter the central bank from cutting rates further.
NZ economy grows 0.5% in June quarter, beating expectations
Thursday, 19 September 2019, 2:07 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 19 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand’s economy grew more than expected in the second quarter, with stronger services output offsetting a slide in manufacturing and construction. Gross domestic product expanded 0.5 percent in the three months ended June 30, following a 0.6 percent rise in the March quarter. It was up 2.1 percent from the same quarter a year earlier, Stats NZ said.
NZ dollar weaker after Fed split on outlook for US cuts
Thursday, 19 September 2019, 11:02 am Article: BusinessDesk NZ dollar weaker after Fed split on outlook for further US cuts By Rebecca Howard Sept. 19 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar weakened after the US Federal Reserve cut rates but were split over the outlook for further cuts. The kiwi was trading at 63.22 US cent at 7:50 am from 63.36 US cents at 5pm yesterday. The trade-weighted index was at 70.21 points from 70.34.
OMV granted marine discharge consent for Great South Basin
Tuesday, 17 September 2019, 8:06 pm Article: BusinessDesk OMV granted marine discharge consent for Great South Basin By Rebecca Howard Sept. 17 (BusinessDesk) - OMV has been granted a marine discharge consent for part of its planned activities in the Great South Basin, the Environmental Protection Authority said in a statement. The consent was granted by a decision-making committee appointed by the EPA, which held a hearing in Dunedin over three days between July 30 and Aug. 1.
Briscoe Group says outlook uncertain
Tuesday, 17 September 2019, 3:12 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 17 (BusinessDesk) - Briscoe Group said first-half profit was flat and the economic outlook for the second half remains uncertain given subdued business and consumer confidence, increased cost pressures and the lower New Zealand dollar. “All of which will make it difficult for retailers to maintain margins,” said managing director Rod Duke.
Trump authorises use of emergency crude stockpile
Tuesday, 17 September 2019, 11:05 am Article: BusinessDesk NZ dollar weaker after Trump authorises use of emergency crude stockpile By Rebecca Howard Sept. 17 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar fell against the US dollar after President Donald Trump authorised the use of the country's emergency crude stockpile after the weekend attack on Saudi Arabia’s major oil facilities. The kiwi was trading at 63.42 US cents at 8am in Wellington versus 63.84 US cents at 5pm.
Primary sector export revenue seen down 0.5% in FY2020
Monday, 16 September 2019, 3:20 pm Article: BusinessDesk Primary sector export revenue seen down 0.5% in FY2020 By Rebecca Howard Sept. 16 (BusinessDesk) - Primary sector export revenue in the year ended June lifted 8.7 percent to $46.4 billion but is tipped to ease 0.5 percent as lower export volumes are forecast for most sectors, according to the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries.
Bubbly services sector seen keeping growth afloat in June
Monday, 16 September 2019, 2:58 pm Article: BusinessDesk Bubbly services sector seen keeping growth afloat in June quarter By Rebecca Howard Sept. 16 (BusinessDesk) - Service sector output may have kept the economy ticking over in the June quarter, but economists say the sluggish backdrop points to at least one more interest rate cut before December.
Service sector activity eases in August but still expanding
Monday, 16 September 2019, 1:48 pm Press Release: BusinessDesk Service sector activity eases in August but still expanding By Rebecca Howard Sept. 16 (BusinessDesk) - Activity in the services sector eased marginally in August but continues to expand. The BNZ-BusinessNZ performance of services index fell 0.2 points from July to a seasonally adjusted 54.6 and was 1.3 points higher than August 2018. The long-term average is 54.4 and a reading above 50 indicates expansion.
NZ dollar weakens as greenback gains on improving data
Monday, 16 September 2019, 11:08 am Article: BusinessDesk NZ dollar weakens as greenback gains on improving data; oil in focus By Rebecca Howard Sept. 16 (BusinessDesk) - The kiwi is weaker after the greenback got a lift from improving US retail data and as markets keep a close eye on Saudi Arabia after weekend attacks on major oil plants. The kiwi was trading at 63.68 US cents at 7:55 am in Wellington versus 63.75 late Friday in New York and 64.04 US cents at 5pm in Wellington.
Manufacturing contraction extends into August
Friday, 13 September 2019, 1:41 pm Article: BusinessDesk Manufacturing contraction extends into August By Rebecca Howard Sept. 13 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand’s manufacturing sector contracted for a second month in August as new orders hit their lowest level in more than 10 years. The Bank of New Zealand-BusinessNZ performance of manufacturing index lifted 0.3 of a point to 48.4 from July but remained below the 50 level that separates expansion from contraction.
NZ weaker as ECB package, inflation data lifts greenback
Friday, 13 September 2019, 11:08 am Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 13 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar fell after a bigger than expected stimulus from the European Central Bank and stronger-than-expected US inflation data lifted the greenback. The kiwi was trading at 64.04 US cents at 7:45am in Wellington from 64.34 at 5pm yesterday. The trade-weighted index was at 71.00 from 71.41.
Synlait to commission Pokeno plant despite legal problems
Thursday, 12 September 2019, 4:04 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 12 (BusinessDesk) - Synlait Milk will commission its new Pokeno plant before the end of the month despite an ongoing legal battle. “We are technically in breach of the covenant now, even as we build on the land,” chief executive Leon Clement told BusinessDesk.
Synlait profit rises 10%
Thursday, 12 September 2019, 12:47 pm Article: BusinessDesk Synlait profit rises 10%; Pokeno legal exposure 'not substantial' By Rebecca Howard Sept. 12 (BusinessDesk) - Synlait Milk lifted annual net profit 10 percent and said it remains sanguine about legal issues facing its soon-to-be commissioned Pokeno plant. Profit rose to $82.2 million in the year ended July 31 from $74.6 million a year earlier. Revenue climbed 17 percent to $1.02 billion, the milk processor said.
NZ dollar dips on US data; focus now on ECB
Thursday, 12 September 2019, 11:03 am Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 12 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar dipped after US producer price's lifted in August but was largely treading water ahead of the European Central Bank rate decision due overnight. The kiwi was trading at 64.15 US cents at 7:50 am in Wellington from 64.30 cents at 5pm. The trade-weighted index was at 71.31 from 71.41.
Tourist numbers rise in July
Wednesday, 11 September 2019, 3:06 pm Article: BusinessDesk Tourist numbers rise in July as more Australians, Americans visit By Rebecca Howard Sept. 11 (BusinessDesk) - Australians and Americans continued to visit New Zealand in growing numbers in the traditionally quiet month of July, more than offsetting the decline in Asian tourist numbers. About 255,585 short-term visitors arrived in New Zealand in July, up 2 percent from the same month a year earlier, Stats NZ said.
S&P: Fonterra restructuring is a 'painful' step to recovery
Wednesday, 11 September 2019, 1:42 pm Article: BusinessDesk S&P says Fonterra's restructuring is a 'painful' step toward recovery By Rebecca Howard Sept. 11 (BusinessDesk) - Fonterra Cooperative Group has taken a painful step toward recovery but any wavering would put immediate pressure on its 'A-' rating, says S&P Global Ratings.
NZ dollar treading water ahead of ECB meeting
Wednesday, 11 September 2019, 11:05 am Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 11 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar was largely range-bound against the euro as markets await the European Central Bank meeting later in the global trading day. The kiwi was trading at 58.14 euro cents at 8am in Wellington from 58.21 euro cents at 5pm and at 64.19 US cents from 64.31 cents.
New Zealanders spent more in August
Tuesday, 10 September 2019, 3:02 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 10 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealanders look to have heeded Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr’s advice in August and headed out to spend. Seasonally adjusted electronic card spending lifted 1.1 percent in August after falling 0.1 percent in July. Economists polled by Bloomberg had expected a lift of 0.5 percent. Core retail spending, excluding fuel and vehicle purchases, lifted 1.3 percent after falling 0.4 percent in July.
NZ dollar weaker against UK pound
Tuesday, 10 September 2019, 11:06 am Article: BusinessDesk NZ dollar weaker against UK pound as fears of no-deal Brexit fade By Rebecca Howard Sept. 10 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar eased against pound as expectations of a no-deal Brexit faded although the political outlook there remains volatile. The kiwi was trading at 52.03 British pence at 8am in Wellington from 52.34 at 5pm yesterday. It touched a low of 51.58 overnight. It was at 64.25 US cents from 64.23 cents.
Morgans picks 18% lift in Synlait profit on growing sales
Monday, 9 September 2019, 8:06 pm Article: BusinessDesk Morgans picks 18% lift in Synlait profit on growing formula sales By Rebecca Howard Sept. 9 (BusinessDesk) - Morgans expects Synlait Milk to report a 17.5 percent lift in full-year profit this week, underpinned by strong growth in infant formula volumes, a bigger contribution from lactoferrin, and slightly larger ingredients volumes.
NZ dollar gains after China moves to boost liquidity
Monday, 9 September 2019, 11:06 am Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 9 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar gained after China's central bank on Friday said it would cut the amount of cash that banks are required to hold, freeing up liquidity for the economy. The kiwi was trading at 64.22 US cents at 7:45am in Wellington from 63.82 US cents at 5pm Friday in Wellington and 64.25 US cents late Friday in New York.
Fonterra defers full-year results
Friday, 6 September 2019, 12:05 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 6 (BusinessDesk) - Fonterra Cooperative Group will now report its full-year result no later than Sept. 30 as it needs more time to complete its audited financial statements after significant write-downs. The company was previously slated to report on Sept. 12. Today it confirmed prior guidance that it expects to report a loss of $590-675 million for the year to July 31, which is a 37-42 cent loss per share.
NZ dollar firm as trade tensions ease, US data improves
Friday, 6 September 2019, 11:04 am Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 6 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar remains firm on global optimism that the US and China might reach a trade deal and after better-than-expected US data overnight. The kiwi was trading at 63.76 US cents at 7:55 am in Wellington from 63.71 cents at 5pm. The trade-weighted index was at 71.03 from 70.96. Risk appetite improved yesterday when China and the US agreed to hold high-level talks in October in Washington.
Cyber security losses jump in June qtr - Cert NZ
Thursday, 5 September 2019, 4:18 pm Article: BusinessDesk By Rebecca Howard Sept. 5 (BusinessDesk) - Financial losses stemming from cyber security incidents jumped in the June quarter along with the number reported to the New Zealand police. Financial losses in the quarter reached $6.5 million, up from $1.7 million in the prior three months and $5.9 million in the December quarter, the Computer Emergency Response Team, or Cert NZ, said.
Volume of building activity falls in June qtr
Thursday, 5 September 2019, 2:45 pm Article: BusinessDesk Volume of building activity falls in June qtr; demand seen strong By Rebecca Howard Sept. 5 (BusinessDesk) - The volume of building activity fell more than expected in the June quarter but ongoing demand – in particular for residential housing – is expected to support the sector. The total volume of building activity fell 1.5 percent in the June quarter after lifting 5.7 percent in the March quarter, Stats NZ said.
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