Best of Business
Episodes
Susan St John: Auckland University Director of Retirement Policy wants the Government to extend KiwiSaver contributions for women after 65 y
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are calls to have the Government rethink the way KiwiSaver is catered for women specifically.Auckland University Director of Retirement Policy S...
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on what he thinks of Luxon's rural portfolio appointments
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As part of National's caucus reshuffle, Chris Luxon has issued his appointments for the primary industries.Barbara Kuriger has retained Agriculture, T...
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on the house price surge in both Australia and New Zealand
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week's OneRoof property report said four out of five Kiwis believe house prices are too high and the market is looking similarly hot in Australia...
Brad Olsen: Just one out of New Zealand's ten larget banks passed the Reserve Bank's stress test
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Just one out of New Zealand's 10 largest banks would be able to meet demand from depositors wanting to withdraw money in a very severe scenario which ...
Tuesday Business with Hamish Rutherford
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tuesday Business with Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford on small electricity retailers, Grant Robertson warning that some households will ...
Naomi Ferguson: Inland Revenue chief executive on undertaking their biggest ever computer project
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Inland Revenue have undertaken its biggest-ever computer project, switching off its first computer system following a five-year transition to new te...
Dean Hall: CEO of RocketWerkz says New Zealand gaming industry is really underutilised
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A NZ-made video game has topped a global sales chart after its first weekend of release. Despite only being released on Friday, Icarus: First Cohort ...
Graham Burke: Concave Construction Co-chair says Apprentice Boost policy has jumped apprenticeships 49 percent since August 2019
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Numbers are booming for those wanting to learn a trade. There's been a 49 percent jump in apprenticeships since August of 2019. Concave Construct...
Evan Heywood: Orchard owner on Kiwifruit grower industry report highlighting 18 percent increase in wages
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Reports that if you want to get into horticulture as a labourer, then kiwifruit is your best bet. The latest NZ Kiwifruit grower industry report fo...
Duane Mutu: Gaming company director on Rocketwerkz new game being top seller on global platform Steam
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A big boost for New Zealand's reputation in the video gaming industry. Developers Rocketwerkz new game 'Icarus: The First Cohort' is the top se...
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME Business commentator on the National Party's caucus reshuffle
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Luxon has named his new caucus after becoming National leader.The new shadow cabinet boasts a mixture of youth and experience, with former leade...
Grant Robertson: Deputy Prime Minister says the police checkpoints on northern border is an issue police are dealing with
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grant Robertson is deflecting criticism over police officers being called in to man Auckland's northern border.It's understood about 300 cops will be ...
Andrew Archibald: Solar Bay co-founder on Christchurch Airport farm big enough to power 20 percent of the city
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A solar farm big enough to power 20 percent of residential Christchurch is to be built at the city's airport. Kowhai Park is 400 hectares of land at ...
Matt McLaughlin: Wellington's Panhead Bar owner says Covid forcing costs up will affect hospo prices
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It might cost a bit more for a wine or a beer in the traffic light system. Aucklanders were able to head back to bars and restaurants over the weeken...
Tony Alexander: Property investors blamed for NZ's soaring house price rises in OneRoof report
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Almost two-thirds of Kiwis say property investors are a key reason why New Zealand's house prices have skyrocketed so high, a new poll has found. Abo...
Jamie Freeman: Hospitality New Zealand Auckland President says Auckland businesses are still missing out on a chunk of revenue
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Auckland businesses are still missing out on a chunk of revenue - they're open, but stuck on the red. The traffic light system has seen bars, cafes a...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics economist on OneRoof report that paints a gloomy picture on housing affordability
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A new OneRoof report this morning paints a gloomy picture on housing affordability. People believe it will get even worse over the next two years, ...
Steve Newall: Editor of flicks.co.nz on whether moving Rhythm and Vines to Easter is a good move
04 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rhythm and Vines organisers have announced they will be postponing the New Years event until the Easter weekend and Steve Newall, editor of flicks.co....
Brett Duncan: Backpacking Youth Travel Association sector lead fears the industry is on the verge of collapse
04 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are fears New Zealand’s backpacking industry is on the verge of collapse. A report has been released highlighting the dire situation and u...
Hannah McQueen: Here's to a more fruitful 2022
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Finance expert Hannah McQueen talks about how to make 2022 a more fruitful one financially. While we can’t control Covid, she tells Jack Tame, there...
Annette Simpkins: West Auckland's Kumeu Valley Estate owner $200,000 down for Christmas season
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Wedding venues can reopen in Auckland under Red Light settings - but business is still hard to come by. Annette Simpkins, the owner of West Auckland'...
Mike Hosking: Like it or not, we still love to splash the cash
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Felt a bit sorry for Geoff White these past couple of days. He is the head of Trade Aid in New Zealand. He was forlorn over the growing reality of wh...
Maddie McKenzie: Employsure Employment Relations Specialist says businesses have mixed views on mandates, new traffic light system
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The new traffic light system puts more responsibilities on businesses to enforce vaccine mandates and rules around proof of vaccine passes. Employsur...
Kirsten Patterson: Institute of Directors Chief Executive on business leaders becoming aware of social issues outside workplace
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Signs business leaders are becoming more aware of social issues outside the workplace. The Institute of Directors have released their sentiment r...
Jamie MacKay: The Country’s host on massive expectations for next Fonterra milk payment to farmers
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Economists have been hiking their expectations for Fonterra’s milk payment to farmers for this season, with most now expecting the co-operative to p...
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds on why the global shipping crisis might be wrapping up
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Toys, building products, bikes. Chances are you're having trouble sourcing them at the moment. But, there might be light at the end of the tunnel. ...
Liam Dann: NZ Herald's business editor on our biggest fall in real wages in a decade
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Real wages have suffered the biggest fall in more than a decade as rising costs outrun pay rises, according to a new ANZ report. Liam Dann, NZ Herald...
Sue Chetwin: Pharmac Panel Review chair says concerns around agency's transparency, equity
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pharmac is potentially a good model, but there are issues. A panel reviewing the drug buying agency has released its interim report on its operatio...
Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group says Ikea's first NZ store at Sylvia Park a 'logical location'
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The talk of Ikea coming to New Zealand is finally becoming a reality. The Swedish furniture company's signed a deal to buy 3.2 hectares of land at ...
Mike Hosking: The economic carnage in this country is heartbreaking
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You can't hide from simple statistics, because they are the truth and the reality. And this week's stats show there are fewer businesses opening in ...
Dean Williams: Cyber security expert warns against cyber criminals offering dodgy Christmas deals on toys
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Security experts are warning kiwis to be extra cautious when buying toys online this Christmas. Cyber criminals are banking on global supply issues...
Viv Beck: Heart of the City chief executive says voucher scheme nice idea, but not enough
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The combined Government and Auckland Council voucher and discount programme is being described as nice idea, but not enough. The $37.5 million fund i...
Don Good: Waikato Chamber of Commerce CEO on moving Fonterra HQ back to the Heartland
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Waikato Chamber of Commerce is throwing their weight behind the idea of relocating Fonterra's headquarters back to the heartland. Fonterra is cur...
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management on tough November for NZX
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
November was a tough month for the NZX with the market down 2.9%. Sam Trethewey from Milford Asset Management joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to sh...
Hamish Rutherford: NZ Herald's Wellington Business Editor says it's early days, but Luxon has the credentials
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The general public has reacted pretty positively to Christopher Luxon as the new National Party leader. But the question is, will business fall be...
Malcolm Johns: Christchurch Airport CEO on airport creating a solar farm, creating platform for other organisations
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Christchurch Airport is beginning its transition towards a low energy future. The city's international airport has announced it's committing 400 he...
Marisa Bidois: Restaurant Association chief executive says Government's voucher system 'slap in the face' to hospitality
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Auckland hospitality providers are "crushed" to be left out of the city's reactivation budget. The Government, Auckland Council and Auckland Unlimi...
Andrew Kelleher: JMI Wealth director on ANZ Bank's Business Outlook for November
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
ANZ Bank's Business Outlook for November is a mixed bag.Business Confidence fell 3 points from October, a slight improvement on the preliminary readin...
John Kippenberger: Scott Technology CEO on a near $19 million deal for an automated beef-boning system
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A world-first automated beef boning system made in Dunedin hopes to solve worker shortages.The high-speed technology, combining X-ray vision with rob...
Brad Olsen: Economist says Wellington seems to have become a millionaire's paradise
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
House values continue to rise out of reach of many young Wellingtonians.The latest rating valuation has been released by QV.Over the past three years,...
Ondrej Havas : Omnicrom Founder on having similar sounding company name to new Covid variant
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An Auckland video production company is facing a bit of bad luck with its name. Omnicrom has been around since the 1980s. And not to be confused wit...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on slight increase in filled jobs
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the slight increase in filled jobs, the impact of the distributi...
Alex Turnbull: Rhythm and Alps director says they’re good to go, but unsure if Rhythm and Vines and Northern Bass will go ahead
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A South Island music festival is going ahead but it's unclear whether two North Island ones will open their gates.Rhythm and Alps in Wanaka is due t...
Jamie Beaton: Crimson Education founder says Jake Millar was a tall poppy and had some struggles
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A tragic reminder of the pressures entrepreneurs face.Founder of Unfiltered and Oompher Jake Millar died this week while working in Kenya.The 26-year-...
Fran O'Sullivan: NZME Business commentator on the battle for National Party leadership
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
By the sounds of things, there is still bargaining going on for National Party leadership.NZME Business commentator Fran O’Sullivan told Heather du ...
Ian Douglas: Kiwi jeweller makes major leap in technique of diamond setting
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A Kiwi jeweller has made a huge leap in the technique of diamond setting.It’s thought to be the first major development in the field since 1886.Kiwi...
Grant Robertson: Deputy Prime Minister says the Government wanted to start with Orange during the transitional phase into Traffic Light Syst
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are lots of questions over the new red and orange lights that will divide the country on Friday.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Heath...
Juanita Neville-Te Rito: Retail X Managing Director says New Zealand is one of the most value conscious countries in the world
28 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Black Friday has morphed into Cyber Monday. Consumer advocates say that in the Black Friday sales over the weekend, more than one in 10 products had ...
Shayne Currie: Managing editor of NZ Herald on collective bargaining application by journalists to Facebook and Google
27 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week, an application was launched by news publishers to the Commerce Commission for approval to collectively bargain with Facebook and Google ove...
Paul Stenhouse: Lush ditches social media
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lush is bailing on social media They've deleted all their content from Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok saying they'll stay off those so...
Peter Lewis: China fines tech giants over anti-monopoly violations
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chinese tech giants including Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings were fined last Saturday for failing to report corporate acquisitions, adding to an a...
Rod Oram: Business commentator on his COP26 experience and what it actually achieved
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Business commentator Rod Oram is back from COP26 in Glasgow.He joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss his thoughts on COP26 and what he thinks the...
Damien Venuto: Herald Business Reporter on publishers looking to Commerce Commission to broker deal with tech giants over content
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand news publishers want to be able to negotiate a better deal with Facebook and Google, who are regularly accused of stealing their content.T...
Eve Lawrence: Haka Tourism general manager says the closure of YHA hostels is a massive blow to New Zealand tourism
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The closure of Kiwi YHA hostels is a massive blow to tourism.Due to financial difficulties, the eleven hostels will close from December 15.Haka Touris...
Leanne Geraghty: Air NZ Chief Customer and Sales Officer on surge of international travel bookings since MIQ announcement
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week's border announcements have spurred a surge of international travel bookings. Air New Zealand's seen 25-thousand international flight booki...
Adrian Orr: Reserve Bank Governor on interest rate hike, house prices
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Adrian Orr thinks house prices will drop over the next year. The Reserve Bank Governor and his colleagues have increased the Official Cash Rate to po...
Greg Harford: Retail NZ Chief Executive hopeful Black Friday sales will give retail sector much-needed boost
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The retail sector is in for a much-needed boost today. The industry is set to make about 270-million dollars from Black Friday sales. Retail NZ Ch...
Jordan Tini: Tech commentator on how not to get duped by Black Friday sales
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Black Friday is tomorrow, but it feels like most of the sales have started. So what products are worth buying tomorrow? And how do we not end up ge...
Eve Lawrence: Haka Tourism General Manager on bagging international travellers isolation requirement
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There's disappointment overseas visitors will still need to self-isolate next year. Fully vaccinated travellers will be able to come here, bypassing...
Andrew Kelleher: JMI Wealth director on house price rollercoaster ride following OCR rise
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A rollercoaster ride for house prices is expected following a lift to the Official Cash Rate. The Reserve Bank has raised the rate to .75 percent. J...
Kirk Hope: Business New Zealand Chief Executive on Government's plan to broaden ACC, bring in Social Unemployment Insurance
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A plan for a Social Unemployment Insurance scheme is set to be released by the Government and could be a saving grace for those unemployed. It woul...
Mike Lee: Associate professor of Marketing at Auckland University discusses Lush deleting all their social media
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cosmetics brand Lush has removed of all its social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. The retailer says social media is a...
Hamish Rutherford: Herald Wellington business editor on resignation of Kiwirail chief Greg Miller
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kiwirail Group chief executive Greg Miller has resigned, effective immediately, due to the distraction of allegations in the media, which he denies....
Chris Meehan: Winton CEO on Kāinga Ora turning down development in south Auckland
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The developer of a big new housing development in south Auckland is disappointed and surprised that it got turned down by Kāinga Ora. The develo...
Tony Alexander: Independent economist says Official Cash Rate is going up too slowly
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A suggestion the Official Cash Rate is going up too slowly. The Reserve Bank has lifted it to 0.75 percent, up from 0.5. Independent economist Ton...
Marty Very: Rotorua Red Stag Timber on giving wage subsidy to every vaccinated employee
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In an interesting move from Rotorua's Red Stag Timber, the company will pay back the wage subsidy it received last year, but not to the taxpayer. ...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics' Senior Econimist ahead of Reserve Banks decision on the Official Cash Rate
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jamie Gray's piece in Monday's New Zealand Herald detailed what the Reserve Bank will do with the $55 billion in New Zealand Government bonds now Quan...
Michael Wood: Workplace Relations Minister - Vaccine pass system relying on trust, not enforcement
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An admission from the Government, that the "vaccine pass" system will rely on trust, rather than enforcement. Under the traffic light system, vaccine...
Sue Tierney: Mortgage broker on rising interest rates ahead of Reserve Bank raising the Official Cash Rate
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Interest rates are set to rise again, with the Reserve Bank tipped to raise the Official Cash Rate this afternoon. The central bank is releasing its ...
Rachel Maidment: NZ China Council Executive Director on New Zealand being a transit for Asia and South America trade, bringing in billions
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand is set to reap billions of dollars in benefits, thanks to a new travel and trade route. A New Zealand China Council-commissioned report h...
Ben Peterson: First Union retail organiser on Countdown staff being forced to take the jab
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Another major retailer is making vaccination mandatory for staff. Countdown has announced it will require all staff to be jabbed by January 10, follo...
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on effects of quarantine-free travel for Australia
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Australia is reopening its border to vaccinated international arrivals on work and student visas, as well as working holiday makers, from December. ...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics economist on retail spending fall during lockdown
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The lockdown was always going to leave a gaping hole for retailers, but how big was the question. Now the verdict is in. Retail spending volumes f...
David Coombes: Flight Centre New Zealand managing director on Air New Zealand cancelling 1000 flights with Australia
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fresh calls from the opposition today to at least open the borders to Australia to allow Kiwi families to reunite for Christmas. Chris Hipkins adm...
Wayne Butson: General Secretary and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union on KiwiRail strike just as Auckland borders reopen
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Just as the Auckland borders will reopen, KiwiRail workers will strike. The union has announced it'll paralyse the network, including trains and ferr...
Michael Barnett: Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief on which businesses can enforce Covid-19 vaccine mandates
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Government will release guidelines around vaccine mandates by mid-December that will help all businesses to figure out whether or not they can for...
Grant Robertson: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister on hairdresser and barbers opening, hospitality still shut
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The whole country will move to the traffic lights system from next Friday, December 3. Bars, restaurants, gyms will only be open to vaccinated patron...
Andrew Kelleher: JMI Wealth Director on Marsden Point oil refinery change to fuel-import terminal
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It could take years to know the full impact of the decision to stop refining oil at Whangārei's Marsden Point. The oil refinery will convert into ...
Julie Evans: Chief Executive of salon chain Rodney Wayne on salon's readiness for Thursday reopening
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Auckland hairdressers are roaring and ready to reopen. Salons can re-open on Thursday and will be the first industry to trial the new Covid Vaccine P...
Grant Robertson: Deputy Prime Minister on country's level status based on jab rate
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Monday will bring final decisions about what Covid restrictions apply where, over the Christmas and summer period. The traffic light system will ...
Viv Beck: "We want to see increased police presence and resourcing on the street"
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Concerned residents are comparing the current state of the Auckland CBD to a crime ridden New York City in the 1980's. With an open letter to Chloe S...
Diversity and resilience: John Carnegie on the closure of Marsden Point Refinery
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Refining New Zealand has confirmed it will close its Marsden Point refinery in the first quarter of next year. Instead, Marsden point will be used a...
Richard Hanson: Aotea Gifts Director on Government's 'measured, slow' approach to Covid-hit Auckland businesses
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An Auckland business leader is cautiously optimistic after meeting with Grant Robertson. The Deputy Prime Minister met with businesses in the Covid-r...
Jung Chun: Business doctor on the growing number of rage-quitters
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
According to a Linked In survey, rage-quitting is becoming a thing. A poll of 100 workers found a third of them recently either quit in a rage or...
Emma Scott: Tribe Recruitment says businesses are forced to be more flexible to retain staff
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The unemployment rate has dropped to 3.4% - matching a record low in December 2007. Wages have gone up 2.5% which is still well-off inflation...