The SME Stream

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the CPI rising to 2.7 percent in June

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation's cooling in many corners of the economy, but not headline inflation. Latest Stats NZ figures suggest core inflation and domestically-driven...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on whether the OCR will cut rates in August

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stats NZ  recently reported annual inflation increased to 2.7 percent in the three months to the end of June, and it's sparked concerns among exp...

Ryan Bridge: Should we be worried about the business of business cases?

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ACT's insistence that the Waikato University doctors school cost was out of whack and based on a poor quality business case seems to have been proven ...

Rupert Carlyon: We need to teach our kids about money

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all want our kids to do better than we did, and a major part of that is teaching them how to set themselves up financially.  Founder and manag...

The cost of divorce: What not to do if you want to hold onto your money

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all know that ‘til death do us part’ doesn’t always end up that way, even if we don't like thinking about it. But divorce can be ...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister discusses tariffs and education with Mike Hosking

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon is staying upbeat about New Zealand's trading relationship with the US. Donald Trump's threatening to raise tariffs against key trad...

John MacDonald: The "overqualified" jobseekers behind the dole numbers

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s no doubt the news that the number of people on a benefit in New Zealand is up to the 400,000 mark will have some people tut-tutting. &nb...

New Zealand’s Secret Stargate AI Link

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A New Zealand investment firm is involved in infrastructure required to build OpenAI, Oracle & Softbank’s enormous AI Stargate compute proje...

Louise Upston: Social Development Minister says more jobs are coming to address the rising number of beneficiaries

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Social Development Minister says more jobs are coming to address the number of people on the benefit rising.  Ministry of Social Development ...

Robbie Paul: Icehouse Ventures CEO on the company opening a seed fund to back NZ's latest emerging companies

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The hunt is on for New Zealand's next big new start-up. Icehouse Ventures recently opened a $30 million seed round in an attempt to fund 30 new Kiwi-m...

Phil O'Reilly: Former Welfare Advisory Group member on benefit numbers increasing

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A welfare expert's pointing to the lack of jobs being the main reason more people are ending up on the benefit. Ministry of Social Development statist...

Christine Rankin: Former WINZ CEO on benefit numbers increasing overall despite the Govt getting 81 thousand people off

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The former Work and Income boss says the Government getting 81 thousand people off the benefit is a big achievement, despite the overall number going ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 18th July

17 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 ...

From Auckland to orbit: Zenno’s bold bet on magnetic space tech

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of New Zealand’s most ambitious startups, Zenno Astronautics, is undertaking pioneering work with superconducting magnets to address one of ...

Perpetual Guardian's Patrick Gamble: What he learned from his own financial hardships and property mistakes

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Perpetual Guardian chief executive Patrick Gamble shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, including his family's life chang...

Liz Koh: Enriched Retirement Founder on health insurance in New Zealand, if employers should pay for it

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should your job provide health insurance coverage?  There are calls for a fringe benefit tax break as a Council report reveals people are twice a...

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on Ryman Healthcare leading the NZX for July

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ryman Healthcare's share price has gone up for the first half of July, leading experts to speculate about the company's future.  This follows a d...

Kerre Woodham: Times have changed, does our tax system need to as well?

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday we were talking about Chlöe Swarbrick's grand plans for economic reform, and today brings another interesting suggestion for economic r...

Kirk Hope: Financial Services Commission CEO on the case for making changes to the Fringe Benefit Tax

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New research from the Financial Services Council reveals that New Zealanders are quick to insure their cars, homes, and gadgets - but they're far less...

Trump tariff deadline changes again: Will they finally arrive and what does it mean for NZ?

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Trump tariffs are inching closer and closer towards becoming a reality. While they were meant to kick into gear last week, they've been delayed ag...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the market reactions to Donald Trump threatening higher tariffs

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump is renewing his threats to Canada, vowing to slap a 35 percent tariff on its goods. He says he'll impose the tariff on Canad...

Brad Olsen: Buyers shouldn't wait for more OCR cuts

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New reports show the to cost to build is up. The OCR was also left unchanged this week - and it's expected to stay at 3.25% Should buyers look into pr...

Melissa Chan-Green on life after Newshub and finding a new purpose after redundancy

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s one thing to decide to move on from a job or career, but what happens when you’re at the top of your game and your job just... evapor...

Chlöe Swarbrick on the Green's economic plans and why NZ should consider a tax on the ultra-rich

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should the ultra-wealthy pay more tax? It’s a debate that’s continued for decades, even centuries. From Ancient Athens to present day, the...

Tracksuit takes Times Square

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Tracksuit just closed a US$25 million funding round to push its brand tracking tool into boardrooms, in...

Rachel Simpson: Business NZ Education Specialist on the need to update vocational skills and training

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many Kiwis are studying or training in skills that aren't needed in the job market.  That's the warning from Business NZ as the Government review...

Leigh Hodgetts: Finance and Mortgage Association Country Manager on the Reserve Bank holding the OCR

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mortgage-holders will be holding their breath in after yesterday's OCR announcement. The Reserve Bank's opted to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 11th July

10 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 ...

Girls Get Off co-founders Viv Conway and Jo Cummins: Behind the scenes of the business the banks didn't want to touch

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the co-founders behind sexual wellness brand Girls Get Off, Viv Conway and Jo Cummins, join Liam to discuss how their different experiences...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on businesses and economic recovery

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister says businesses should be more confident about the economic recovery.  The Reserve Bank's been weighing up lower-than-expect...

Remy Morgan: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the RBNZ leaving the OCR on hold

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank left the OCR on hold at 3.25 percent - with the bank claiming it was waiting for more economic data. Economists widely suspected the ...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on the Reserve Bank keeping the OCR unchanged

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Another cut to the Official Cash Rate still looks more likely than not, according to one expert. The Reserve Bank's kept the OCR unchanged at 3.25 per...

Catherine Beard: Business NZ Advocacy Manager on the tariffs on US trade

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand isn't likely to get a better deal than we're currently getting, when it comes to trade with the US.  Almost all goods to the US now f...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the Reserve Bank of Australia holding rates at 3.85 percent

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank of Australia has defied market expectations by leaving its cash rate target unchanged at 3.85 percent. Market expectations were for t...

Catherine Beard: BusinessNZ Advocacy Director on the Government's first AI strategy

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hopes a move to boost New Zealand's use of AI will get small businesses on board.   Science Minister Shane Reti's announced the Government's firs...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the market reactions to Trump's newest tariff threats

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time's ticking for US trade partners to sign tariff deals with Donald Trump. In April, the President announced most countries, including New Zealand, ...

Martin Hawes: Self-employed people will be hit hardest by KiwiSaver cuts

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the Government's KiwiSaver contribution was halved under budget changes. Employers will also have to fork out a mandatory 4% contribution t...

From Lego to handbags - could your collections be the secret to unlocking your investment portfolio?

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to investing, we all know the usual suspects – shares, bonds, property, gold.  But the latest Financial Services Council repo...

Mike's Minute: Your retirement savings are in your own hands

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There was a survey out last week that broadly supported the Government’s moves around KiwiSaver, as in the 3% and 3% going to 4% and 4%.  B...

Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on property values growing slightly in June

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s property values are ticking back up again.  New data from Cotality has revealed a 0.2% national increase in June, reversing t...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 4th July

03 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 ...

Contented AI’s quest to turn conversations into business gold

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

By now, you’ve probably participated in a video conference call that’s been recorded and automatically transcribed, with a meeting summary...

Dame Julie Chapman: How an abusive relationship shaped her move into charities like KidsCan

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the founder and CEO of KidsCan and Pet Refuge, Dame Julie Chapman, shares her best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, from how she ori...

OpenAI investor Vinod Khosla reveals BIGGEST risk

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla believes the greatest risk of artificial intelligence is not the technology itself, but who holds its powe...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the ACC tightening up claims payouts

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Reports reveal ACC is planning to be more scrupulous when paying claims, as the Government pressures it to run a tighter ship. The state insurer has c...

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on the current state of the global markets in 2025

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2025 is halfway over - so how are the global markets holding up, and what can investors expect for the second half of the year? Several key markets ha...

Jason Stockill: Woolworths Retail and Franchise Director on new retail crime changes

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Woolworths says it takes a community effort to curb retail crime.  Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has unveiled the plan for Police to issue infr...

Catherine Beard: Business NZ Advocacy Director on the establishment of Invest New Zealand

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Business NZ's Advocacy Director says Invest New Zealand is looking to hire people with an array of international connections.  The government org...

The Māori Millionaire Te Kahukura Boynton on her financial, mindset and health journey

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Māori Millionaire Te Kahukura Boynton is a young wahine on a mission to change not just her own money mindset and financial trajectory, but that ...

Thomas Coughlan: NZ Herald political editor on Chris Luxon discussing NZ's economic prospects following China visit

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister is talking up our economic prospects - in challenging global times. He's just returned from meeting leaders in China and Europe, as...

Monika Lacey: Centrix Chief Operating Officer on the latest figures on consumer arrears and company liquidations

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Positive signs when it comes to consumer arrears, but some businesses are still doing it tough.  The latest Centrix data for June shows the numbe...

Max Whitehead: Work impacts your happiness in life

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New employment data reveals work-life balance is the top reason people leave their job. Additionally, more people are working past the retirement age....

How to raise $100m with Halter's unicorn founder

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview, Craig Piggott gives advice to entrepreneurs on raising US$100m from Silicon Valley venture capital firms that have backed Airbnb, M...

Sandy Lau: Superannuation will cost us more in the future

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

IRD reports that New Zealand will need to restructure the tax system to fund the superannuation. Capital gains tax could be on the table, and even a G...

John MacDonald: How would you feel about paying more tax?

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you feel about the prospect of paying higher income tax rates and more GST?   I think it’s inevitable. So does the Inland Revenue De...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on government expected to revamp shoplifting and trespassing laws

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Shoplifting and trespassing laws are expected to get a revamp this week.  Newstalk ZB understands policy changes relating to Retail Crime Ministe...

Geof Nightingale: Tax expert on the proposed increase in GST

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A draft Inland Revenue briefing supports lifting the GST rate if required - and notes tax credits could help people on lower incomes. The IRD briefing...

Sunny Kaushal: Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group Chair says retailers are excited over law changes

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's excitement over expected changes to the way authorities deal with retail crime.  Newstalk ZB understands Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith ...

From healthy homes to golden visas: How July 1 changes could affect you

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On July 1st, a series of changes are due to be implemented by the Government – and some of them will have a direct impact on your day to day. No...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 27th June

26 Jun 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 ...

Entrepreneur Derek Handley on tech, housing, and getting dumped by Jacinda Ardern's government

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Liam is joined by entrepreneur Derek Handley to discuss his varied career in the tech and startup space and how that has changed over the l...

Kiwi businesses shift gears: Optimism, innovation, and ambitions for growth

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Business of Tech podcast, we unpack the sixth annual 2degrees Shaping Business Study, a barometer for the mood and ambitions of Kiwi ...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the new reports claiming the Banking Association lobbied the Government

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New reports reveal the Government did get lobbied by the Banking Association over a proposed law change to prevent costly class action lawsuits. Minis...

Rockets to Ranches: How Halter hit US$1b valuation

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Craig Piggott left Rocket Lab to build cow collars and create a virtual fencing company - now Halter's ...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on what recent GDP figures mean for the economy

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to one expert, last week's GDP figures are a sign New Zealand's economy is on the up. Stats NZ says our gross domestic product grew a strong...

Why US$42b DataDog is going all in on AI

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] The enterprise software company DataDog is investing almost US$1b a year into artificial intelligence. ...

Why are we so reluctant to take out personal insurance?

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealanders are among the most underinsured in the OECD, according to the Financial Services Council.   We insure our cars, our houses an...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the GDP rising by 0.8%

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

GDP figures just out are stronger than economists had forecast.  Stats NZ says New Zealand's gross domestic product grew 0.8% in the March quarte...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on how investors can prepare for geopolitical disruptions

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Israel-Iran conflict has continued on for a week - and it's seen markets dropping as more fear the conflict intensifying. Experts also believes ma...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large unpacks recent GDP data for first quarter of 2025

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New data out of Stats NZ reveals the country's gross domestic product grew by 0.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025. It's a stronger result than pr...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 20th May

19 Jun 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 ...

Tim Tams, Canva, and reimagining your business with AI

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tracy Sheen isn’t your typical artificial intelligence guru. “I am looking forward to stirring the AI pot with you, Peter,” Sheen to...

New Atomic Age: Inside America’s nuclear energy effort

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Valar Atomics plans to build tens of thousands of small modular nuclear reactors to power data centres ...

Icehouse CEO Olivia Blaylock: How cancer and the GFC informed how she runs her businesses

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, CEO of The Icehouse Olivia Blaylock shares her best and worst money stories with Liam Dann - from her start in the business world, her expe...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Nicola Willis revealing legal advice was sought over RBNZ funding

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister's revealed top-level legal advice was sought over the Reserve Bank's battle with Treasury for funding.  The bank received le...

Simon Arcus: Business Central CEO on the rising optimism among business leaders

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand businesses believe things are looking up, with optimism at a high.  The 2degrees 2025 Shaping Business Study reveals 45% of surveyed ...

Mike's Minute: Our economy is an increasingly large hole

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Right, let's deal to the economy.  There were two interesting things yesterday.  The first was the food price inflation number showed it is ...

Phil Wicks: Small Business NZ Founder on the banks lending less to small businesses

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's being suggested small businesses are finding it tougher to get loans than big businesses, despite being a safer option.  The latest data sho...

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: I don't agree with ACT's new employment bill

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I'll tell you what I'm gonna be watching with some interest in the next few weeks -  that employment bill that ACT has just introduced to Parliam...

Ryan Bridge: The economy's been a sick patient for a long time

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If growth is the game we're in then the Reserve Bank should keep cutting interest rates.  The problem is growth is not the game they're in. They'...

Morgan Penn talks quitting her corporate career to become a sexologist

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a decade in a career, it’s perhaps not unusual that you’d consider doing something different, but some career changes can be bolder ...

Amanda Morrall: What makes someone good with money?

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a decade in a career, it’s perhaps not unusual that you’d consider doing something different, but some career changes can be bolder ...

Inside Amazon’s AI chip lab! Could AWS overtake Nvidia?

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] I’m in Texas to visit Amazon Web Service’s computer chip design lab to see how it’s f...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the increase in companies listing on stock exchanges

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a couple of dire years, a growing number of companies are listing on the relevant stock exchanges. An IPO is a key source of funding for compani...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large speculates about upcoming GDP

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The GDP for Q1 is set to drop next week - and experts are feeling confident about the state of the economy. Predictions from economists claim figures ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 13th May

12 Jun 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 ...

Unlocking the middleverse: The Publicis playbook for the next wave of digital advertising

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As chief data officer for Australia and New Zealand at Publicis Groupe, Maurice Riley stands at the intersection of data, technology, and advertising ...

Comedian Chris Parker: ' I'm going end Tall Poppy Syndrome by just saying it doesn't exist'

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, multi-talented entertainer Chris Parker shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, from his first childhood job starring in a ...

Justin Flitter: NewZealand.AI founder on the applications and benefits of AI in business

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s been plenty of buzz around AI in the last few years.  The most recent headlines have been highlighting its evils, such as the creat...

Katrina King: Franchise Association CEO on franchising in New Zealand

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As more people take the leap to owning their own businesses, many seem to be buying into already established brands.  Data suggests the business ...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the concerns surrounding new KiwiSaver changes

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are fears Finance Minister Nicola Willis is opening a can of worms by potentially allowing young farmers to dip into their KiwiSavers to buy far...

Kerre Woodham: Is it feasible to leave your job and buy a business?

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you turned up to work yesterday, first day of a new week, with a bad case of Mondayitis, feeling like you're getting nowhere working for the man, t...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist speculates about the future of interest rates

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Acting Reserve Bank Governor Christian Hawkesby left experts speculating about the future of interest rates following the recent OCR cut. More banks h...

Chris Small: ABC Business Sales CEO on the rising number of people looking to purchase businesses

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Now is the time to sell your business.  According to ABC Business Sales, the number of buyers enquiring about purchases is up 30%.  Demand i...

Richard McIntyre: Federated Farmers' banking spokesperson on the petition urging the Government to change KiwiSaver rules for farmers

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Federated Farmers has launched a petition calling for KiwiSaver rules to be changed to help young farmers get their foot on the ladder. The petition&r...

Ian Cassels: Director of The Wellington Company on the impact of increased rates on businesses

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wellington City Council is being called on to review its rating system over fears increased rates are driving businesses out of the capital. Newly rel...

Inside Zuru’s empire: Toys, tariffs & trademarks

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Zuru CEO Nick Mowbray takes us inside its empire in Los Angeles, where thousands of toys are on display...

Rupert Carlyon: "Investing can be extremely simple"

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Beveridge is joined by Koura Wealth founder, Rupert Carlyon, to discuss the inner workings of a KiwiSaver fund and how to best use KiwiSaver. LIST...

What you need to know about investing this year with Sharesies' Leighton Roberts

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sharemarkets have been like the wild west this year. We’re told to ‘buy the dip’ because that’s when shares are on a big brisc...

Can tech save Welly?

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wellington, once a vibrant hub for New Zealand’s tech innovation, has faced stagnation in recent years.  Last week, a packed audience at a ...