New Zealand's banks keep making healthy profits, despite a drop off in lending numbers and lower returns from interest. The banking sector recorded $1.45 billion net profit after tax (NPAT) during the March quarter, with this big sum coming as a surprise to many. The big increase in profits was primarily driven by growth in non-interest income, as the banks continue to diversify in the current low interest environment.   

Signs of life are returning to the Auckland housing market, with prices rising across the city for the second month in a row. While prices are still down on a quarterly and annual basis, confidence seems to be returning as the market gets ready for spring. Even though the gains are modest at this stage, they come during winter when the market is normally struggling.  House prices are also up across New Zealand on a monthly basis, with quarterly prices down and modest gains recorded for the year.

With the housing market in a bit of a slump at the moment, and sales figures subdued, creativity goes a long way towards clinching a sale. While clean white walls, a tidy yard, and a freshly made bed are all likely to make a good impression on potential buyers, some crafty sellers are prepared to go the extra mile. From novel listings and fun games through to unicorns and dinosaurs, there are lots of different ways to get more people through the door and speed up the sale process.

Video games and video game culture continues to influence the wider world. More than a pastime for bored teenagers and lost adults, video games are now recognised as both a professional sport and a powerful form of addiction. This dichotomy highlights the complex relationship that exists between gamers and their favourite hobby, with video games best understood as a warped mirror that reflects society rather than a positive or negative force in their own right.  

Lab-grown meat, also known as cultured meat, has been called the future of food by leading scientists and industry experts. Produced by the cultivation of animal cells rather than the slaughter of animals, this new and novel form of meat is likely to hit the supermarket shelves in the not too distant future. Despite the many environmental benefits attached to lab-grown meat, our attitudes surrounding high-tech meat will need some major adjusting before this food source is widely accepted.