The SME Stream

Is gold a worthy investment - and how do you go about buying it

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, the price of gold has been hovering near record highs at over NZ$5000 an ounce - that’s less than 30 grams for those of us only versed...

Greg Smith of Devon Funds Management on consumer confidence in US and New Zealand

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US consumer confidence is feeling the economic and tariff uncertainty, as Lululemon shares fell 15%, and inflation expectations are picking up. It com...

Bonus Episode - HR and People Management

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of The SME Stream, brought to you by BNZ, host Wilhelmina Shrimpton sits down with Jason Ennor, the co-founder and co-CEO of MyH...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the savings from the public sector job cuts

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister says they've over-delivered on their promise to save money from public sector job cuts.  Latest Public Service Commission da...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the benefits and drawbacks in investing in the Indian economy

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Indian stock market is catching the attention of investors - and experts are claiming there's plenty of potential. The economy is also attracting ...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on Donald Trump announcing 25 percent tariffs on car imports to US

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Donald Trump has recently announced he will be putting 25 percent tariffs on auto imports into the US. Trump explained this move would foste...

Sir Lockwood Smith: Former Associate Finance Minister on cuts to consultancy spending in the public service

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A former associate finance minister believes public sector job cuts are needed to grow the economy.  Latest Public Service Commission data shows ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 28th March

27 Mar 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 ...

Strategic bets and happy accidents - the future of NZ Inc

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is busy pushing its growth agenda, but what’s the best way to pursue sustainable growth that produces higher-value jobs and more ...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government looking to change the Foreign Investment Fund regime

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Revenue Minister Simon Watts this month unveiled plans to change the Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) regime to give some foreigners with illiquid invest...

Martin Hawes: financial adviser on the number of Kiwis working past the age of 65

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New data shows a significant number of Kiwis are working past the retirement age. A new report from Stats NZ shows there are almost 200,000 New Zealan...

Gertjan Verdickt: Auckland University finance lecturer unpacks research revealing whisky, Lego and handbags might be safer investments

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New research shows investors looking for the best returns might be better off putting money into whisky or Lego, as opposed to the share market. ...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on the Australian budget, their deficit

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A leading Australian economist says more focus needs to be put on productivity to pull Australia out of a deficit.  The federal Budget announced ...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the recent boom in cherry exports

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Export prices are sitting in a strong position - with cherries seeing a surge in overseas demand. New data shows cherry exports over the 2024/25 seaso...

Tom O'Neil: CV.co.nz Managing Director on business confidence dropping to its lowest level since Covid

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A blow for Kiwi business confidence, which has slumped to its lowest level since the post-2020 Covid lockdown lows.  The Westpac-McDermott Miller...

Mike's Minute: The interest on our national debt will hit $11B

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

June 2026 is not far off.  In fact, it's next year and next year is election year.  By that time, it is being reported, the interest on our ...

Inside UBS' $3b-a-day Sydney trading floor

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  Swiss investment bank UBS’ trading floor in Sydney turns over A$3 billion a day, making for...

Bruce Bernacchi: Denton Tax Partner on New Zealand's tax system and the calls from the UN to ensure tax systems are fair

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A tax expert says achieving a fair tax system is hard, but not impossible.  A UN committee is calling on governments to check their tax policies ...

Kerre Woodham: Is there such a thing as a completely fair tax system?

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is there any such thing as a completely fair tax system?   Surely the most you can hope for is a least unfair tax system. I ask this because a UN...

Sandy Lau: PWC Partner on the call for countries to ensure their tax systems are fair

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A tax expert says changes to the tax system must not stand in the way of economic growth.  A UN committee is calling on countries to ensure tax p...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the increased concerns over slowing global growth

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The global economy has gone through an interesting few months - and it's got markets worried. Trade concerns are impacting markets all over the world,...

Andrew Bascand: You can be optimistic about where the economy is going

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While the economy is looking up, the forecasts from economists aren't sending a clear message.  Some are saying that even with a positive GDP res...

Tips and tricks to get yourself a payrise this year

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

March 31st marks the end of the financial year, and while that doesn’t mean much for the average employee, it does mean that you are probably du...

Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on potential US visit for Xi Jingping, positive news for exporters, and Kiribati’s Chinese deep-sea mining deal

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump is hinting that China’s President Xi Jingping might be visiting the United States soon. This comes as the two nations are deep into...

Craig Renney: Council of Trade Unions Economist on the rising GDP, NZ leaving a recession

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's out of recession, but many Kiwis could take a while to feel better off.  Our economy grew by 0.7% in the December quarter – s...

Ed McKnight: Is buying at the bottom of the market the best move?

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Buying shares at the bottom of the market isn’t all it's cracked up to be. Instead, Ed McKnight offers a few ideas on what to do instead.  ...

Peter Chrisp: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise CEO on the negotiations for a free trade agreement with India

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Negotiations on a free trade deal with India have been launched.  Representatives across defence, tourism, and trade are home after travelling wi...

Andrew Dickens: My take on GDP

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While I was away tramping all over the top of the Coromandel Peninsula, we had some good and bad news.  GDP came out better than we expected with...

Bonus Episode - Finance and Capital Management

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of The SME Stream, brought to you by BNZ, host Wilhelmina Shrimpton sits down with Jody Blackford a BNZ Small Business Part...

Private equity’s opportunity: Corporate carve-outs & sovereign wealth

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  Pacific Equity Partners went on an A$5 billion business buying spree before Christmas. Its managi...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the GDP growing, NZ leaving the technical recession

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A big bounce back for our economy, despite many sectors still doing it tough. New Zealand's officially out of technical recession, with new GDP figure...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister's confident about continuing economic recovery after GDP rises

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance and Growth Minister is confident the economic turnaround will continue.  Latest figures show we're officially out of recession, after...

Craig Renney: Council of Trade Unions Economist on the rising GDP, NZ leaving a recession

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's out of recession, but many Kiwis could take a while to feel better off.  Our economy grew by 0.7% in the December quarter – s...

Liam Dann: Business Editor on NZ officially out of recession, what's to come for the economy

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand has climbed out of a recession as the economy grew 0.7% in the December quarter.  The outcome was better than economists predicted an...

Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic Chief Property Economist believes a change in home loan borrowing habits is occurring

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's anticipation more homeowners will change their borrowing behaviour this years. 90% of home loans were floating or fixed for less than a year i...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on GDP results, unemployment rates, business confidence

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is officially out of the worst recession since 1991. New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.7% in the December 2024 quart...

Chris Meehan: Ayrburn Owner on the success of the hospitality hub and the upcoming Ayrburn Classic

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A boost for Central Otago business when the inaugural Ayrburn Classic rolls into Arrowtown this weekend.  Hundreds of vintage and luxury cars wil...

Mike's Minute: The GDP number is the biggest win for the Government

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you accept that the Government are struggling in the polls, you may well accept the general notion that part of what is driving that is the lack of...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 21st March

20 Mar 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 ...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on S&P Global Ratings downgrading the credit ratings of 18 councils

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

18 councils and three council-controlled organisations have recently had their credit ratings downgraded by S&P Global Ratings. The credit rating ...

The Māori-led effort to build private 5G networks

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In 2022, the Government signed an historic agreement granting Māori a share of radio spectrum suitable for 5G mobile services and a 20% share of all ...

Andrew Curtayne: Milford Asset Management expert on the ongoing volatility in the US stock market

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The US stock market is still undergoing a turbulent period, with more investors aiming to cut their losses. Donald Trump's tariffs still loom large ov...

Michael Johnston: NZ Initiative author on the report into the lack of apprenticeships, need for better pathways

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a belief better pathways to industry and trades training are needed.  A report from the New Zealand Initiative has found just 6% of...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the OECD reducing its global economic outlook amid escalating trade tariffs

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The OECD has downgraded its outlook for the global economy as a result of President Trump's escalating trade wars. Canada and Mexico are predicted to ...

Inside Sydney's $17b supercomputing operation

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  This episode takes you inside one of the largest privately owned data centre operations in Austra...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister drops first preview of 2025 Budget

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister's dropped a few crumbs on what's shaping this year's budget. Nicola Willis will unveil her growth budget on May 22. She says the ...

Chris Small: ABC Business Sales Managing Director on the nearly $1 billion still owed for Covid-era business loans

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly one billion dollars is still owed as the deadline for Covid-era loans approaches.  Inland Revenue says many Small Business Cashflow loans ...

Martin Hawes: Working after 65 isn't just good for your bank account...

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it worth working after the age of 65? Or is it more of a need than a choice?  Martin Hawes joins The Weekend Collective to discuss the finance...

Ashley Church: Better days are coming for the housing market

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New data from CoreLogic shows we're at the best level of property affordability since before Covid.  While rent costs are waiting to catch up, th...

Is Australia’s economy actually recovering? (I’m here to find out!)

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  Australia’s bounce back in underway thanks to rate & tax cuts, but companies are still ...

What do tariffs and trade wars mean for your KiwiSaver?

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in t...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 14th March

13 Mar 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 ...

Andy Hamilton's big dumb ideas to fix NZ's economy

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

NZ's economic woes are complicated and many-headed, but business guru Andy Hamilton has exactly 26 ideas for ways it could be improved. Some of them, ...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the IMF's annual report on New Zealand's economy

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The International Monetary Fund is cautioning the Government against bending over backwards, deregulating banks in a bid to spur more competition in t...

Stephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management expert on the significant drops in the US financial market

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Investors have voiced concerns over declining US market growth - resulting in a significant drop. US President Donald Trump also didn't rule out a rec...

Mahesh Muralidhar: Phase One Ventures CEO on the changes to the Foreign Investment Fund

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are hopes proposed changes to the Foreign Investment Fund will boost our own productivity.  The changes will allow new migrants to be taxed...

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive on Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Expectations we'll have a strong showing of investment opportunities for our venture-hungry guests.   More than 100 offshore firms are making an ...

Simon Watts: Revenue Minister on the changes to the Foreign Investment Fund

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Revenue Minister's confident changes to the Foreign Investment Fund will greatly benefit tech and startup companies.  The Government's workin...

Nicola Willis: Economic Growth Minister on scrapping requirements in the Government's procurement rule book

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Economic Growth Minister is making it easier for New Zealand businesses to win government contracts.  Nicola Willis is scrapping 24 requireme...

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the economic chaos as a result of Trump's continuing trade war

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The US economy is in chaos as Donald Trump continues to push ahead with his tariff plan.  The US President's confirmed Australia won't be exempt ...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the market's response to Donald Trump's comments about the economy

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stock markets across the US have taken a significant hit over concerns about the negative economic impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. After t...

Simon Arcus: Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO on the changes to the Government's procurement rules

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some changes to the Government's procurement rule book are being welcomed.  Currently, there are 71 rules a business must follow to be awarded a ...

What's on the table at Govt's Investment Summit - and could it help National in the polls?

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government’s focus on economic growth and foreign investment is back in the spotlight this week. Later this week, the much-anticipated Inves...

Is $120b KiwiSaver worthwhile

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  KiwiSaver funds have returned between 4-10% on average over 10 years. What investment opportuniti...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on Donald Trump's impact on the economy

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is hoping for an economic reprieve - but experts warn that's less likely to happen this year. Donald Trump's ascension to the presidency h...

Amanda Morrall: Stabilising your finances in unstable times

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda Morrall joins to discuss how you can stabilise your finances in the midst of an economy in turmoil. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME&n...

The cyber threat to critical infrastructure (with 2 ex-Five Eyes leaders)

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  Cybersecurity is a booming industry but not for good reason. The former head of the UK & Australia'...

How one woman went from homelessness, domestic violence to financial independence

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Owens has grim personal experience of adversity and financial insecurity – from sleeping in her car, feeling trapped by domestic violence,...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert explains why equity markets are falling

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Equity markets across the world have taken a dive - and one expert has explained the sudden drop. Donald Trump's tariff threat and collective concerns...

Murray Harris: Milford Asset Management Head of KiwiSaver on the fluctuations caused by Donald Trump's tariffs

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An urge for Kiwis to not worry about market impacts from Donald Trump's tariffs on their KiwiSaver.  The US President's slapped import levies on ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 7th March

06 Mar 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 ...

NZ risks 'riding cavalry into battle against tanks' without Aukus

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is not stranger to tectonic shifts, perched as it is on a volcanic belt, but the current geopolitical quakes may prove an entirely differe...

Todd McClay: Trade Minister unpacks what Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could mean for New Zealand

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Trade Minister says he's taking potential disruption to trade very seriously.   US President Donald Trump has sent stocks tumbling across the...

Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on the current state of the 2025 stock market

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's a big week for the New Zealand stock market, and one expert is taking a look at the highest performers. As results reporting continues, some comp...

Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster on the economic impact of Donald Trump's tariffs

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One expert has delivered a grim outlook for share markets around the world.  Stocks have tumbled after US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs ...

Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the mood of business owners and growing confidence in the region

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of their regular catch ups, Business Canterbury’s Leeann Watson joined John MacDonald in studio to dig into what’s happening ...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the recent drop in housing consents

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The coalition Government wants more homes to be built cheaper and faster, yet official data shows an annual 7.2 percent drop in the sector. New data f...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist ahead of Australia's GDP figures being released

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Economists are outlining their predictions as Australia prepares to release a GDP update tomorrow. The Australian economy is predicted to have grown f...

The making of Microsoft's data centres down under

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE]  US tech behemoth Microsoft is the first hyperscaler to open a data centre in New Zealand and has acquired more land t...

Nichole Lewis: Women under-represented in investment property ownership

02 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A recent report found that women lag behind men in investment property ownership, despite a fairly even result for owner-occupied homes.  Nichole...

Can't afford your own home? Here's how to buy one with your friends

02 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is for anyone who’s looked at the price of houses in this country and felt a bit depressed - for many, it seems like that ...

Downturn damage control: The NZ companies in survival mode

02 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ] Some of our largest companies are cutting costs to survive as investors shatter their stock. Equities analyst Aaron Ibbots...

Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic Chief Property Economist on the connection between the gender pay gap and home ownership

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Home ownership rates among women have gone up, but there's concern financial barriers are holding them back from investment properties. The latest edi...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 28th February

27 Feb 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 ...

Will Bitcoin set us free

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bitcoin advocate Cody Ellingham joins the podcast to explain why we he is advocating for everyone, everywhere to get Ellingham explains his vision for...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Government's plan to set up Special Economic Zones for Marsden Point

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

'Special Economic Zones' or energy precincts could be established to strengthen New Zealand's fuel and energy security, according to the Government. C...

Tom Aitken: Amico creator on the new app designed to formalise loan agreements between family and friends

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever lent money to a friend or family member and never seen that cash again - a new app could turn that situation around. A former banker tu...

Rate relief is here! But banks may not pass it on

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rate relief has arrived, ending two years of economic arrest. But banks may not pass on the cuts - Sean Keane explains why. The podcasts in the S...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on the calls for small towns to ditch the 9-5 retail model

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Business owners are being encouraged to work with neighbours to keep small towns 'alive'. Napier City Business general manager Pip Thompson says Napie...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the increase in retail spending at the end of 2024

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retailers are hoping a sales rebound means an industry uptick has begun. Stats NZ data shows total retail sales increased 0.9 percent in the three mon...

Is AI the modern Manhattan project? (w/ Silicon Valley's Sean Gourley)

23 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Companies are raising hundreds of billions of dollars to achieve AI supremacy. PrimerAI founder Sean Gourley says it’s not just a tech trend &nd...

The OCR has been cut - so what should you do with your mortgage?

23 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

if you have a mortgage, you’re likely weighing up your next move after the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate from 4.25% to 3.75%.  Mo...

Hamish Pepper: Don't act too quickly after OCR announcement

23 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut the OCR by another 50 basis points this week.  Homeowners and hopeful buyers alike have been eagerly watching...

David Seymour: NZ needs to loosen investment settings

23 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government today has announced plans to overhaul the Overseas Investment Act.  Among the reforms announced, it will fast track overseas inves...

Rowan Simpson: Kiwi Entrepreneur talks start ups, business confidence, and economic growth

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The name of the game for the government this year is economic growth and increased productivity.  For that, what New Zealand needs is successful ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the impact of the OCR cut and dropping interest rates

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Banks could soon be competing a bit harder for our business.  The Reserve Bank's signalling yesterday's double cut to the OCR will be followed by...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the Reserve Bank raising issues with Stats NZ data

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank is urging the Government to take a hard look at Stats NZ, with a view to improving the timeliness and accuracy of key economic data. ...

Mike's Minute: KiwiSaver reality vs ideology

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Given the issues around KiwiSaver, it’s a miracle any of us save anything to become remotely independent in retirement.  Last week we told ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 21st February

20 Feb 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 ...

How the venture studio model is changing the game

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Moore and Lucas Coelho, two-thirds of the co-founding team of venture studio Ryft, join the podcast to talk through how the model works. They di...