A ten-year visitor plan aiming to nearly double the value of Auckland's visitor economy to $6 billion will be considered today by the council.

Five wineries have joined forces to target the United States market, with plans for exports to hit nearly one million bottles within five years.

The price of wine is set to rise as the balance between supply and demand tightens, according to a strategic review of the billion-dollar export industry.

Most visitors arriving for the Rugby World Cup expected New Zealand to be a bit technologically backward - particularly many of our Australian neighbours.

Residential mortgages valued at more than $1 billion were approved last week, the first time the Reserve Bank's weekly measure has topped $1 billion since April 2009.

Imagine it: a life freed from the drudgery of deleting an inbox full of "unbeatable offers" and the latest missive on paper clips from head office.