Here are the key changes to know about in the New Zealand equity market; mixed trading sees Napier Port, Mainfreight, SkyCity casino and Ryman advance while a2 Milk, Auckland Airport, Summerset and Scales retreat

Here are the key things you need to know about in the NZX markets over the past 24 hours. Changes are as at 3:00 pm and may change when the market closes at 4:45 pm.

WHAT THE NZX 50 INDEX IS DOING
The NZX50 is currently up +0.2% and cancelling its 5 day decline. While the index has dropped -0.4% over the past six months, it remains +1.7% higher over the past month and +7.1% ahead of where it was a year ago.

THE MAIN GAINERS
There were 37 gainers across the market, led by Napier Port (NPH, #36), which climbed +3% to build on a +3% weekly gain and a +4% monthly increase, while remaining +16% higher than a year ago. Mainfreight (MFT, #8) also rose +3%, adding to a +2% gain over the past week despite sitting -3% lower over the past month, -9% over six months and -7% over the past year. SkyCity Entertainment (SKC, #41) gained +2%, although the stock remains down -4% over the past week, -1% over the month, -46% over six months and -42% year-on-year. Ryman Healthcare (RYM, #18) lifted +1%, extending its weekly gain to +1%, but remains down -6% over the past month, -25% over six months and -16% over the past 12 months.

THE MAIN DECLINERS
There were 36 decliners during the session, with a2 Milk (ATM, #7) leading the falls after slipping -2%. Despite today's decline, the stock remains +15% higher over the past month and +4% ahead of this time last year, although it is still down -25% over six months. Auckland International Airport (AIA, #4) also dropped -2%, extending its weekly decline to -4% and leaving the stock -2% lower over the past month, while remaining +12% higher year-on-year. Summerset Holdings (SUM, #19) eased -1%, adding to a -4% weekly decline and leaving the retirement village operator down -1% over the month, -32% over six months and -28% over the past year. Scales Corporation (SCL, #31) slipped -1%, trimming recent momentum despite remaining +1% higher over the past week, +8% over the month, +13% over six months and +41% above its level a year ago.

SMARTSHARES EFTs

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Summerset (SUM, #19) has appointed experienced professional director Alison Barrass as an independent non-executive director, effective September 1st. Barrass brings governance experience across listed companies including Spark, Zespri, Precinct Properties and AA Insurance, and will become Chair of Summerset's People & Culture Committee from the 1st of October. 

Meridian Energy (MEL, #3) reported strong hydro conditions in its June operating update, with national hydro storage reaching 136% of the historical average by the 13th of July and the company's monthly inflows at 187% of average. Meridian said strong lake levels and increased renewable generation have contributed to lower wholesale electricity prices, with 2027 forward prices falling more than 35% since April. Retail sales volumes rose +6.4% in June and customer numbers were up +12.3% year-on-year at the end of Q4, while electricity generation increased +11.4% compared with the same quarter last year, supported by significantly stronger water inflows.

Tāiko Critical Minerals (TCM) has launched a non-underwritten Share Purchase Plan (SPP) to raise up to $3 mln, offering eligible New Zealand shareholders the opportunity to purchase shares at $0.25 each. The SPP follows the company's recently completed $7 mln institutional placement at the same price and is open to shareholders on the register as at 15 July. The offer opens on the 17th of July and closes on the 12th of August, with applications ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per shareholder and allotment expected on the 21st of August.

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