Westpac: giving debit where it's due

Westpac has invigorated New Zealand's card market with the launch of its Debitplus Visa card. This should prove a shrewd move for the bank as schemed debit cards such as this have been very popular around the globe and similar success is expected in New Zealand. In addition, Westpac has reaffirmed its position of an innovative leader in the country's card market.

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Vontobel: seeking growth in Asia Pacific

Vontobel's and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group's new joint venture will provide Vontobel with greater access to the robust growth in Asia Pacific, while growth in its home markets is slowing down.

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UK energy retail: disconnection rates far lower than in foreign markets

UK energy regulator Ofgem has criticized npower for having the highest rate of energy customer disconnections within the UK. However, the domestic disconnection rates recorded by the UK utility fall well short of the Victorian market in Australia and the New Zealand national market.

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Tooth whitening: professional cosmetics lead the way for mainstream products

New Zealand manufacturer Bdazzled has launched a range of professional tooth-whitening kits designed to appeal to consumers' increasingly sophisticated demands for demonstrably effective dental cosmetics. Manufacturers need to recognize this trend and aim to develop products that bring the consumer ever closer to the professional solution.

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Standard Chartered: sets it sights on specialty clients

Standard Chartered has launched two client initiatives to tap into the wealthy Australian expatriate market in Europe and to target sports professionals. These customers represent very attractive markets for private banks to capture, but providers will need to clearly understand their unique needs in order to succeed.

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San Miguel: no half measures

San Miguel, most famous for its leading beer brand, has been expanding aggressively outside this sphere in recent years, and it has now won a lengthy battle with Fonterra to get its hands on National Foods, the largest Australian dairy company. While clinching the deal is good news for San Miguel, it is an ambitious step that is more of a gamble than previous acquisitions.

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Reverse mortgages: a bright future in Australia and New Zealand

The reverse mortgage markets in Australia and New Zealand have considerable growth potential, with Australia's high level of home equity, retirement savings gap and ageing population suggesting a bright future. However, to realize this potential, lenders must act to raise the profile of reverse mortgages and improve perceptions.

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RBS: disposals program runs into trouble

RBS has more problems on its hands following the breakdown of talks with National Australia Bank over the proposed sale of ABN Amro's Australian and New Zealand business, which RBS currently owns. The bank's continuing problems are in striking contrast with the successful consumer finance disposals programs initiated by its cash-strapped rivals.

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Pizza Hut: going gourmet

The gourmet pizza market in New Zealand is growing, with market leader Pizza Hut adding a new luxury range to its menu. Pizza Hut's gourmet addition will allow it to seize market share from its upscale competitors. Yet while aiming high, the pizza chain should avoid alienating its core market - the family - upon which its success is built.

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Payment cards in New Zealand: debit card accounts to increase at 0.5% per annum to 2009

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