Utilities shares gained the most on the New Zealand Exchange, rising nearly 1% by midday Thursday.

Meridian Energy (ASX:MEZ, NZE:MEL) shares rose nearly 2% in recent trade.

Meanwhile, health services shares fell almost 4%.

Ryman Healthcare (NZE:RYM) drove the decline, falling nearly 7% in recent trade.

The company reported Thursday a loss of NZ$0.615 per diluted share in the fiscal year, compared with a loss of NZ$0.247 per diluted share a year earlier.