With Christmas just around the corner and less than 7 weeks away, plus for those last minute loan or mortgage shoppers, we thought we'd give you some extra notice to inform that our offices will be unattended this year from 4pm on the 21st of December to 9am on the 14th of January 2019. However, we would not want anyone to miss out on something! So whether it's a loan for a property, car, holiday or you name it, we still be available and can be contacted by phone or email during this time.

RE INTEREST RATES AND FIXING - As those of you already with a mortgage know, we love negotiating the new rate for re-fixing your loan/s and normally have the lender waive any fee. And we don't charge for that service either. The same no fee applies for those who want a mortgage. NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY. Fixed mortgage rates have dipped across the majority of terms in the past few months. Mortgage rates are influenced by a number of factors, but spring home loan campaigns and a period of lower funding costs were the key drivers of the recent shift lower. Nonetheless, borrowers should still plan to deal with higher interest rate costs in the future. Our and bank Economists expectations of a mild RBNZ tightening cycle suggest shorter-term fixed rates should continue to offer good value and expect floating and short-term fixed mortgage interest rates to remain around current levels well into 2019 and possibly 2020.

The ASB has ended the year on an optimistic note, with the bank expecting GDP growth in New Zealand to improve over coming months despite domestic business pessimism and growing global uncertainty. According to their latest Quarterly Economic Forecast, GDP growth is likely to reach almost 3 percent at the end of 2018 as the New Zealand economy heads into the summer break feeling confident and ready to tackle the challenges of 2019.

Christmas is just around the corner, which means it's almost time to get out your credit card and start shopping. From new gaming devices and wearable fitness gadgets through to household tech and mobile speakers, technology always plays an important role during the holiday period. Let's take a look at some of the best tech products available this year, to give you some ideas for gifts to place under the tree.

Plastics are a common feature of modern life, with different types of plastics found in everything from the clothes we wear through to the beauty products we put on our skin. While these moldable polymers are ubiquitous and can be highly useful, they have also been associated with a range of problematic health issues. Microplastics are causing particular concern among healthcare professionals, with these tiny pieces of plastic either directly added to consumer products or created accidentally when larger plastics break down.

When it comes to cycling culture and infrastructure, some countries have a much better approach than others. While there are more than one billion bicycles in the world, the distribution curve is far from equal. Some cities embrace bikes with open arms, and others seem reticent to set up bike-friendly infrastructure. If adopted, bike use is more than just a way to get around your favourite city, it also has the ability to improve your health and reduce your carbon footprint. Let's take a look at the most bicycle friendly destinations on Earth and how they differ from the struggling bike culture in Australia and New Zealand.