![Early cyclone estimate lifts EQC costs by more than $300m](https://media.businessdesk.co.nz/file/c_fill,h_393,w_700,q_100/napier-cyclone-gabrielle-getty-G.webp)
Policy
Early cyclone estimate lifts EQC costs by more than $300m
A slowing labour market is weighing on the income tax take.
![Fixing skills shortages top of hospo wishlist](https://media.businessdesk.co.nz/file/c_fill,h_400,w_600,q_100/Depositphotos_macs_kapura_bar_wellington-e.webp)
Retail
Fixing skills shortages top of hospo wishlist
The Restaurant Association of NZ's election-year manifesto seeks to bend the ear of politicians before promises are made and budgets are locked in.
![ComCom eyes competition issues in payments systems](https://media.businessdesk.co.nz/file/c_fill,h_400,w_600,q_100/GettyImages-retail_credit_card_debit_card_eftpos_westpac.webp)
Finance
ComCom eyes competition issues in payments systems
The regulator has found some potential competitive barriers to retail payments system.
![On the Money: the mighty Hutt, a mayoral sighting, LiLo short-changed and more](https://media.businessdesk.co.nz/file/c_fill,h_400,w_600,q_100/GettyImages-chris_hipkins_parliament_23.webp)
On the Money
On the Money: the mighty Hutt, a mayoral sighting, LiLo short-changed and more
OTM this week: the PM finds a kindred spirit, Luxon's helpers don't go unnoticed, a spacey submission and more.