The SME Stream

John MacDonald: The KiwiSaver divide that needs sorting

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I think it would be very easy to push-back on Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson’s call for changes to the KiwiSaver scheme to make it easie...

Geof Nightingale: Independent tax expert on the new migrant tax rules

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A view that new migrant tax rules will put us on par with other countries.  The Government's proposing a bill to stop migrants being taxed on est...

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the Reserve Bank's decision to review bank capital rules

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank's move to review banking capital rules has been welcomed by Federated Farmers. Banking spokesperson Mark Hooper says the stricter rul...

Matt Goodson: Salt Funds managing director on the increased overseas interest in NZ companies

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to new reports, overseas interest in NZ-based companies is at a record high. A new survey by Simpson Grierson says 49 percent of internation...

James Fuller: Hnry CEO on the number of self-employed people opting out of KiwiSaver

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Self-employed people are opting out of KiwiSaver, putting their retirements at risk.  A new report from the Retirement Commission and accounting ...

Sam Stubbs: Simplicity Founder on the potential changes to banks' capital requirements

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A reassurance that banking won't be much riskier even if capital rules are changed.   The Reserve Bank's put out two proposals to loosen capital ...

Neil Quigley: Reserve Bank Board Chair on the review of capital requirements

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank says it wasn't dragged kicking and screaming to a review of capital rules.  It's put out two proposals aimed at loosening capita...

Dr Claire Matthews: Head of Massey University's Finance school on the Reserve Bank's proposed changes to capital lending

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A banking expert believes changes to capital requirements would impact home loans and other lending. The Reserve Bank's seeking feedback on proposals ...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management on the US Federal Reserve hinting at rate cuts

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell has indicated rate cuts could be on the cards soon. Powell indicated the tariffs were making an inflationary im...

Jane Wrightson: Retirement Commissioner on the number of self-employed people contributing to their KiwiSaver

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Self-employed Kiwis are prioritising their businesses rather than thinking about retirement.  A report by the Retirement Commission and accountin...

Andrew Bascand: The OCR won't solve anything

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The OCR got another cut this week, now down to 3%.  While there have been questions for a while around whether banks are passing the cuts down to...

Why moving up the property ladder is harder than getting on it

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You got into your first home unscathed, so buying again will be a breeze, right? Wrong. When it comes to moving up the property ladder, goin...

John Battersby: The balancing act between our economy and our alliances

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has announced a $2.7 billion defence spending boost to upgrade the aircraft fleet.  The money will be spent on five Seahawk helico...

Todd Stephenson: Finance and Expenditure committee member says barriers need to be lowered for foreign banks

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Parliament's finance and expenditure committee released the findings of its banking inquiry today, making 19 recommendations - 14 of which have cross-...

Behind DroneShield’s Major Military Expansion

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  Drones were harmed in the making of this episode, and that’s exactly the point. This episod...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the success of Tencent

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While experts are weighing up the results of US-based tech giants, one Chinese company is dominating markets. Tencent is a Chinese multinational techn...

Jordan Boyle: employment lawyer on the House passing new pay transparency laws

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Workers are now able to speak freely about their salaries, and it's got experts speculating about what this means for Kiwis. The House passed a new la...

Adrienne Begbie: Prospa Managing Director on the impact of the latest OCR cut

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Will the latest cut to the Official Cash Rate provide some much-needed stimulus to the business sector?  The central bank's cut the OCR 25 basis ...

Mike's Minute: We're still talking about working from home

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of the "never the twain shall meet" moments that came out of Covid was working from home.  Here we are, five years on, and the battle has not...

Bonus Episode - Cybersecurity

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of The SME Stream, brought to you by BNZ, host Wilhelmina Shrimpton sits down with tech expert Paul Spain to talk all things cyb...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 21 August

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

Bree Tomasel on being a "shit-talking hustler"

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Broadcaster, author and Taskmaster NZ star Bree Tomasel reckons her whole job can be summed up as “talking shit for a living.”  But b...

Remy Morgan: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the OCR cut

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank cut the OCR by 25 basis points to three percent today, but the markets still saw some surprises. Today's cut was divisive, with 2 of ...

Quantum tech's next era – A Kiwi quantum physicist on its potential

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the global race to develop quantum computers heats up, New Zealand is working on specialist areas of technology that could add crucial elements to ...

Christian Hawkesby: Reserve Bank Governor on the OCR cut, inflation

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank Governor is defending not going harder with cuts to the Official Cash Rate.  The cash rate has been cut 25 basis points to 3%.&n...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on Reserve Bank cutting the OCR

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A steady slide to the OCR is gently flowing through to households.  The Reserve Bank's cut the cash rate from 5.5% to 3% over the past 13 months ...

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Reserve Bank cutting the OCR to 3 percent

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank is signalling further OCR cuts, but making no promises. It's slashed the cash rate 25 basis points today, to 3 percent. Newstalk ZB s...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on whether the OCR will be cut tomorrow

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank is widely expected to cut the OCR tomorrow, according to new reports. The OCR is currently sitting at 3.25 percent and the major bank...

Gareth Morgan: former economist and investment manager responds to investment scam deepfake

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former economist and investment manager Gareth Morgan was caught off-guard by an AI deepfake using his voice and likeness, and he's warned people to b...

Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplies Co-Op CEO on the signs of recovery in the construction sector

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are tentative signs of recovery, as a troubled construction sector looks to turn the corner.  A new report shows the sector generated $94 b...

Mark Troughear: Freightways CEO on the rise in net profits for the year

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Financial results are coming in thick and fast.  a2 Milk is reporting a 21% rise in profit alongside announcing it has bought the Yashili  p...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the financial results coming through this week

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Financial results are coming in thick and fast. a2 Milk is reporting a 21 percent rise in profit - alongside announcing it bought the Yashili plant in...

To claim or not to claim? Tax deductibility explained

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tax deductions can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out what you can and can’t claim if you're running a business or ...

Thomas Scrimgeour: New Zealand could secure a place in the global AI economy with a sustainable data centre

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand could secure a place in the global AI economy with a sustainable data centre Research by the Maxim Institute has looked at leveraging the ...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on debt nearing $1 trillion

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are well on our way to a collective one trillion dollars in debt. In the year to the end of May, New Zealand hit just over 870-billion in gross deb...

Inside a 1950’s Hydro Power Station!

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  Power generator Mercury is investing $550 million into three of its historic hydro stations, aged...

Felicity Roxburgh: NZ International Business Forum Executive Director on exports, impact of trade wars

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand exporters are remaining upbeat.  The latest Export New Zealand DHL Export Barometer shows about four in five have maintained or incre...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 14 August

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

Sovereign or sidelined?: Making the case for Kiwi-controlled AI

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As US tech companies double down on artificial intelligence, pouring billions into new data centres and offering eye-watering compensation packages to...

Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on what the new US inflation data means for the economy

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US inflation held steady in July, with consumer prices rising 2.7 percent - depite the ongoing concerns around import tariffs. Figures are better than...

Michael Van De Elzen: From chicken manure to celebrity chef (but don’t call him that)

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chef, TV host and farmer Mike Van de Elzen has worked in some of the toughest kitchens in the world, from London’s high-pressure restaurant scen...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Reserve Bank looking to cut 20 percent of staff

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank is moving to cut 20 percent of its staff in a bid to unwind the hiring spree by former Governor Adrian Orr. The restructure will see ...

Len Houwers: Major Gas Users Group spokesperson on businesses struggling with high gas prices

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Major gas users are looking to the Government for help, with many struggling with high prices.  A survey by energy management company Optima and ...

Shane Jones: Resources Minister reveals he's focusing on how to ration gas to keep businesses afloat Minister reveals he's focusing on how to ration gas to ke

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Resources Minister Shane Jones is investigating whether to ration gas to keep some businesses going. Fertiliser co-operative Ballance last week reveal...

Greg Smith: Devon Funds Head of Retail on Spark selling 75 percent of its data centre business to Australia’s Pacific Equity Partners

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Spark New Zealand is selling 75 percent of its data centre business for about half a billion dollars. Australian-owned Pacific Equity Partners is taki...

Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster on the number of businesses reporting losses

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A growing number of businesses are reporting losses and economists have voiced concerns. IRD data shows that in the 2023 tax year, 107,360 companies o...

Tina Schirr: Business NZ Energy Council Executive Director on businesses being hit by surging gas prices

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's a view businesses have been taken by surprise by surging gas prices.  Energy management company Optima and Business NZ's joint survey rev...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on what the US CPI report means for rates

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The next US Consumer Price Inflation report will be out this week, and economists are speculating about what this could mean going forward. Markets ar...

Simon Brown: Financial literacy is invaluable

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most New Zealanders consider themselves only “average” with money.  In fact, a new study from Partners Life finds less than a quarter...

Side hustle secrets for financial freedom

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Amid the soaring cost of everything from butter and cheese to rates and insurance, tips on how to trim your budget abound. But once that budget's cut ...

Anduril’s Underwater World of Warfare (ft. Engineering VP)

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anduril has a plan to protect Western waters, involving extra-large autonomous submarines and torpedoes. Go inside the US$30.5b defense hardware compa...

David Cooper: CEO and Director of Malcom Pacific Immigration discusses the two new work visas being introduced by the government

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two new seasonal visas have been unveiled, allowing the likes of rural contractors or chairlift operators to return for up to three years or stay for ...

Economic worries putting pressure on National as parties lay groundwork for next election

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cost of living and the economy remains top of the agenda for National. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s already touting his leadership as one ...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on how investors can respond to the ongoing global uncertainty

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2025 has been regarded as a challenging year for economic forecasting, with experts stumped about what decisions to make. Traditional indicators have ...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on the rising unemployment rate and its impact on the economy

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Higher unemployment could continue to be a handbrake on the country's economic recovery.  More Kiwis are out of work, with unemployment now at a ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 8 August

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

Amanda Morrall: Why is refinancing increasingly common?

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The number of mortgage holders refinancing their loans is the highest ever recorded.  More than 3,500 borrowers refinanced in June, and experts a...

Debbie Roberts: Property investment isn't as passive as you'd think

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Property investment has long been thought of as the way to make passive income.  It's money coming in without the 40 hours a week - but is i...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister talks unemployment, Cook Islands, Road User Charges

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister's blaming New Zealand's rising unemployment on the last Government's economic management.   The rate's hit a five-year high of...

Inside America's Ivy League Admissions Industry

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Crimson Education has been valued at NZ$1 billion (US$600 million) - but could its core business, getting kids into Ivy league, be destroyed by AI? Co...

Kate Acland: Tariffs will see NZ exports pivot to other markets

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair Kate Acland joins Tim Beveridge to discuss the impacts of the newly announced 15% tariff on exports to the United States...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist ahead of Wednesday's projected unemployment data

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The latest unemployment statistics for New Zealand are due out tomorrow, and experts are divided ahead of the announcement. Many are projecting the ma...

Todd McClay: NZ trade minister discusses the impact of Trump's latest tariff hike

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Trade Minister's hitting the phones, as it's confirmed US tariffs on New Zealand will be higher than when they were first announced. The Trump adm...

Tim Groser: Former trade minister says NZ could not have avoided Trump's Tariff

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There was little this country could do to dodge the latest  tariff - this from a former trade minister Donald Trump's raising tariffs on New Zeal...

Ryan Bridge: The economic freeze has no end in sight

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s about that time of year when it feels like winter really starts to drag.... and it must be feeling that way for Christopher Luxon, too. It&...

Datacom at 60: Leading NZ’s tech giant into the AI era

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode of The Business of Tech marks a historic moment: the 60th anniversary of Datacom, New Zealand’s largest homegrown IT company...

Wayne Boyd: Insights from a career spent on over 160 boards

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, prolific board director Wayne Boyd shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, including pivoting from his planned legal career...

More Kiwisavers are looking at private equity - what it means for investment

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Private Equity is starting to become part of the asset mix for an increasing number of KiwiSaver providers, with Fisher Funds the latest to ramp up th...

What the US tariffs mean for our economy - is it time we pivot our trade strategy?

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From tomorrow, there’ll be a 15% tariff on New Zealand imports for US businesses. The announcement of the arbitrary amount saw us frantically se...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the unemployment rate reaching 5.2%

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Economic recovery is taking longer than many hoped.  Unemployment's risen to a five-year high of 5.2%, up from 5.1% in the March quarter.  N...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the unemployment rate, impact of tariff uncertainty

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister says anxiety about tariffs will be playing a part in slowing down New Zealand's economic recovery.  Unemployment's reached a...

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on Government debt levels rising globally

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Government debt levels are rising globally - with many at risk of permanent structural deficits if they can't bring down interest bills each year. Cut...

Tony Morris: IRD Customer Segment Manager on the IRD revealing NZ businesses owe over $1.4 billion in unpaid taxes

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand businesses owe more than $1.4 billion in unpaid GST and PAYE from the 2025 tax year, according to new reports. Of 2025's number, $432.9 mi...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what investors can expect for the second half of 2025

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2025 is nearly halfway over - and it's been a memorable one for the markets so far. Between new developments in AI, ongoing economic uncertainty and D...

Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the uncertainty surrounding Trump's new tariff rate

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand has yet to hear from the US ahead of Donald Trump's latest tariff deadline – 4pm today, New Zealand time.  The White House says...

Bridget Snelling: Xero Country Manager on the Small Business Insights report and the industry performances

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Agriculture is leading the way as the country's top performing industry.   Xero’s latest Insights report shows consistent under-performance...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 1st August

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

Opes Partners' Andrew Nicol: From 'poor' upbringing to owning 43 houses

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, founder and managing partner of property investment company Opes Partners, Andrew Nicol, shares his best and worst money stories with Liam ...

Concrete for a low-carbon world, with Neocrete’s Zarina Bazoeva

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Concrete might be the backbone of modern society, but it comes at a steep carbon cost. As global climate pressures intensify, the business of “g...

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO voices concerns surcharge ban will harm small businesses

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The New Zealand Chambers of Commerce have warned that the Government’s proposed ban on retail payment surcharges risks hitting small businesses ...

David Seymour: Associate Finance Minister on the plans to find savings for next year's Budget

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has begun looking for possible areas for cutbacks for next year's Budget.  Associate Finance Minister David Seymour said he hopes ...

Matt Ball: Property Investors Federation advocacy manager speaks in defence in investment properties

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremy Williamson, head of private wealth and markets at Craigs Investment Partners, recently claimed there was momentum building for Kiwis to move aw...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on the shortage of available jobs for June 2025

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Recent data shows there were 27,850 fewer jobs in New Zealand in June compared to the year before, and young Kiwis are being hit hard by a tightening ...

Scott Simpson: Commerce Minister on the Government scrapping in-store card surcharges

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Commerce Minister says he's disappointed in businesses who say they will pass on the cost of surcharge scrapping.   Most in-store surcharges ...

Ankit Bansal: Dairy and Business Owners Group chair on the Government banning in-store card surcharges

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's recent ban on on payment card surcharges has been met with criticism from the retail and hospitality sectors. The Government's announ...

Shane Solly: Is NZ ready for the global 'melt up'?

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Consumer Price Index over the June quarter was lower than expected at 2.7%, and it could mean a rate cut by the Reserve Bank next month.  So ...

Why you probably don't need a family trust

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trusts are billed as a way to protect your assets and pass your wealth on to the next generation, and they’ve become a common thing for a family...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister joins Mike Hosking in-studio to discuss potential changes to US trade tariffs

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More uncertainty this week for Kiwi businesses exporting into the US. Donald Trump has agreed to a new trade deal with the EU this morning, which incl...

Kevin Milne: Tough trading and the loss of iconic Kiwi enterprises

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Times are tough, many businesses unable to survive the cost of living crisis and downturned economy.  Cultural institutions and smaller businesse...

Lisa Dudson: KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals - impacts and other options

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The number of Kiwis making withdrawals from their KiwiSaver due to hardship is on the rise.  In the year to June, more than 50,000 were made, com...

Rob Clark: SEEK Country Manager says number of job ads posted to site continue to drop

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The job market is slowly rebounding from last year's low point.   SEEK's latest Employment Report shows job ads dropped for a second month, down ...

Why US Drone Manufacturers Can't Catch Up

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]PrimerAI founder Sean Gourley was behind the Pentagon’s Project Maven. Now, he’s investing i...

Mark Peterson: NZX chief executive on his decision to step down from the role

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stock exchange operator NZX chief executive Mark Peterson has resigned from the role - and will step down at the end of April 2026. Peterson explained...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 25 July

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...

The true cost of cloud: David Reiss lifts the lid

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Big Tech hyperscalers investing billions in local data centres and the Government taking a cloud-first stand, the migration of our data and appli...

Two Raw Sisters: How they overcame health problems to become media moguls and healthy eating advocates

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Rosa Powers and Margot Flanagan - better known as the Two Raw Sisters - join Liam Dann to share their best and worst money stories, from ho...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on what recent inflation data means for the market

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Concerns have been raised among economists as inflation data suggests things may not be as on track as they seem. Inflation has hit 2.7 percent, with ...

Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on inflation reaching 2.7%

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation is coming dangerously close to the top end of the Reserve Bank’s target band.  It’s reached 2.7% year-on-year – the m...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on increasing business optimism despite economic challenges

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retailers across the country are surprisingly optimistic in the face of ongoing economic challenges.  The latest Retail NZ report reveals nearly ...

Mike's Minute: Why are we looking to discuss employee pay?

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the sort of theoretical nonsense you would expect from a bunch of wonks like the Labour Party, but blow me down if National hasn't clambere...