Trade Me has closed down the account of a 19-year old Wellington student allegedly selling bomb-making chemicals through the website. The site is also in a process of investigating the teenager over identity theft.

The online auction site on Saturday closed the Victoria University student's account soon after the first investigation, which revealed that he had used someone else's details to sell the chemicals for making explosives and pyrotechnics and marketing them as fertilisers.

Over a hundred technology enthusiasts have gathered in Wellington today for an open source software conference that will last for a whole week.

In addition, another 700 delegates will most probably be attending the Linux conference which will look to discuss the future and viability of open source software and how it can be successfully used for businesses and to serve Government ends.

House prices recorded an increase of 6 per cent on annual basis according to the latest data provided by industry watchdog. The housing price index revealed by the Real Estate Institute claims
0.2 per cent rise in November to stand at 3283 points.

House prices recorded an increase of 4.1 per cent in last three months up to November thanks to revival in demand and soft interest rates by lenders. Prices were at peak in November 2007 owing to property boom across the world markets and currently stand just 2.9 per cent below the peak level.

Wellington-based Viaduct, a leading  EFTPOS dealer in New Zealand, has acquired Nelson Company Networkz, a move that could pave a way for its movement into the point of sale and cash register market.

Mark Unwin, Director of Viaduct hailed the development, terming it very beneficial for the firm in a long run. The company would now take over the distribution of Casio through the reseller channel in the Nelson/Marlborough region which was till date held by Networkz. The distribution accounts for 40% of the Networkz business.

The rising trend in the property continues with every passing day as the property value surged 4.1 per cent from April according to the figures released by Quotable Value. However, this level is still below the 5.9 per cent level recorded in 2006 when the property market was on its peak.

The recent fire caused huge losses to Corporate Consumable leaving its Mt Wellington premises adversely destroyed due to blazes. The fire broke out at around 5pm on Tuesday afternoon, and firm’s warehouse in Fisher Crescent destroyed completely.

However, the fire is now under control as the firm got helping hand from various quarters.

Concerned over the huge loss due to fire, the firm has been chalking out a speedy recovery plan with the help of customers and business associates.