NZ's Hellaby Holdings H1 up 81 percent

WELLINGTON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - New Zealand retail investment company Hellaby Holdings Ltd (HBY.NZ) said on Tuesday its half year net profit rose 81 percent on stronger trading.

Net profit for the six months to Dec. 31 was NZ$5 million ($4 million).

The company said last year its adjusted net profit was NZ$4.5 million, as it needed to book a one-off loss of NZ$2.6 million related to accounting rules.

The interim dividend was 5 cents per share, compared with 10 cents per share last year.

Hellaby shares last traded unchanged at NZ$1.94, having traded between NZ$1.87 and NZ$4.29 over the past year.

The company owns stores selling automotive supplies, shoes, barbecues and spa pools. (NZ$1=$1.23)