Uncertainty over Britain's exit from the European Union keeps investors on edge

The S&P/NZX 50 Index decreased 9.56 points, or 0.1 percent, to 9.387.69. Within the index, 20 stocks fell, 24 rose, and six were unchanged. Turnover was $192 million.

Brexit fears weighed across Asia after UK Prime Minister Theresa May after the House of Commons rejected her latest attempts to broker a transitioned exit from the EU. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Index was down 0.4 percent in afternoon trading, Singapore's Straits Times Index fell 0.8 percent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.6 percent.

"On a more regional basis, it's just a bit soft following on from the uncertainty around Brexit and more data-points a bit softer globally," said Shane Solly, a portfolio manager at Harbour Asset Management.

Fletcher Building fell 3.6 percent to $4.60 on a volume of 1.4 million shares. The country's biggest listed building company has been under pressure since reporting earnings last month and disappointing some investors who'd been hoping for an early capital return on the sale of Formica. Other investors remain wary about its proposals to re-enter vertical construction.