New Zealand share prices rose 0.16 percent on Tuesday, as the focus of investors remained on potential take-over target Auckland International Airport, dealers said. Auckland Airport shares rose 12 cents to 3.32 dollars, adding to Monday's 38 percent jump after the company said a Canadian pension fund had approached shareholders to buy shares ahead of a possible bid.
The NZX-50 gross index rose 6.94 points to 4,310.12 on turnover worth 99.7 million dollars (75.5 million US). Rises outnumbered fall 69 to 45. Auckland International Airport said Monday that Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) had been approaching shareholders. Fletcher Building rose nine cents to 12.95 dollars, while market leader Telecom fell five cents to 4.63 and Contact Energy dropped by the same amount to 9.00. Fisher & Paykel Appliances rose five cents to 3.80 dollars and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare fell four cents to 3.50.