Reserve Bank payments overhaul: Finance has endorsed the RBNZ to lead a strategy for modernising New Zealand’s payments system, with consultation on fixes for outdated infrastructure and limited real-time capabilities. Auckland harbour crossing: Transport Minister Chris Bishop is defending commissioning yet another report for a second Waitematā crossing, saying previous work covered the “why” and the next step must answer the “how” via a detailed business case. Retail finance and lending distribution: ASB says its mortgage adviser distribution model is steady at 62% via third parties, while it absorbs higher funding costs; separate lender news shows Bluestone joining the LMG broker panel. Banking and energy earnings: Vector lifted revenue and invested record sums in Auckland’s network; Mercury also reported stronger hydro-driven results and dividend guidance. AI and consumer tech: Woolworths trialled facial recognition in Auckland support operations, while a study finds AI search answers diverge widely across major platforms. Business cost cutting: oOh!media says it has banked $12m in savings from resets and exits, with more expected. Sector policy and jobs: Hospitality NZ released its election manifesto, pushing for immigration settings, skills pathways, and changes to taxes and visitor levies. Local industry support: A $1.5m poultry biosecurity grant targets preparedness for potential H5 bird flu. Corporate moves: Candida’s NZ arm is proposed to wind up, potentially affecting 57 roles. Infrastructure and data centres: Datagrid begins major “horizontal construction” in Southland for an AI data centre campus, with a substation deal and target timelines.