The SME Stream

The untold story of NZ-made aircraft (+ test flight!)

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the outskirts of Hamilton, a 70-year-old business is building aircraft on a site once dedicated to the World War Two effort. The podcasts in the&nb...

Robert MacCulloch Auckland University economics professor warns against cutting

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An economics expert says cutting the Official Cash Rate is unwarranted. The Reserve Bank is set to release its first 2025 OCR decision on Wednesday. M...

A serial founder's guide to being totally wrong

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rowan Simpson has been part of most of NZ's most well known and loved software startups: TradeMe, Xero, Vend, Timely and many more. Peter sits down wi...

Martin Hawes: Mortgage arrears increase by 1,100 in December

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New data from Centrix reveals that the number of homeowners behind on their mortgage increased by 1,100 in December alone. With the interest rates dro...

Behind the biggest private equity deals (Wet & Forget, AS Colour, Bayleys)

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]. Ross George started Direct Capital 30 years ago – it's since raised $1.7b to buy businesses such as AS...

Is it ever too late to start saving for retirement - and how much do you need?

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The word ‘Retirement’ can prompt a range of reactions. Some yawn, because it’s ages away and there’s heaps of time to sort it....

Matthew Horncastle: "I can't think of a single Kiwi who would be negatively affected"

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Winston Peters has hinted at relaxing the foreign buyers ban for those who are willing to bring over the big bucks.  The NZ First leader said pla...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the collective response to Donald Trump's tariffs

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The expanded tariff measures announced by President Donald Trump are contributing to economic uncertainty held by multiple companies, according to exp...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the Finance Minister's plan to boost competition in the supermarket sector

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has confirmed it plans to create more competition between the supermarkets as part of its growth plan. Finance and Economic Growth Mini...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 14th February

13 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 ...

The story of Being AI, so far

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a tumultuous first year for NZ's first AI-focused company to list on the New Zealand Exchange (NZX). Following on from a recent article on B...

Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on the Government signing off on new rules for foreign investors

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's looking more likely that NZ First is on board with the new rules for foreign investors - including a shake-up for overseas buyers of property. Ne...

Simon Arcus: Business Central CEO on the need for financial compensation for businesses impacted by the Golden Mile works

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce says the council needs to financially compensate businesses affected by the Golden Mile works.  Construction o...

Mike's Minute: We are losing to the Australian economy

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A must read for a reality check is the ABC, as in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and their exploration of the New Zealand vs Australian econ...

Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on whether New Zealand's Superannuation needs to be reformed

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An economist says New Zealand needs to have a tough conversation about superannuation. Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday told Newstalk ZB the s...

Brad Olsen: Infometics Principal Economist outlines economic predictions for 2025

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over the state of the economy during his morning media round. This follows two disappointing showings for ...

Claire Matthews: Massey University Banking Expert on NZ First's bill to stop banks withdrawing services on an environmental basis

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A banking expert believes New Zealand First's move to fine banks for withdrawing services on environmental or social grounds misunderstands the situat...

Are we entering a wartime economy? (explained)

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]. The world is covered in conflict and investors may be too optimistic about the year ahead. Here’s what...

Sam Stubbs: Simplicity Founder on the Government seeking foreign investment at the global investment summit

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A lot could be riding on the Government's upcoming global investment summit.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's hoping to tease out more foreign...

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Prime Minister Chris Luxon unveiling investor summit

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has unveiled its first quarterly action plan for 2025, with a focus on growth and expanding the economy. A two-day international invest...

Michelle Isemonger: loan market advisor on the backlog impacting loan requests

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Banks are clearing a backlog of lending requests after 'unacceptable' delays of up to five weeks, which caused stress for borrowers before Christmas. ...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the possibility of more Trump tariffs

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump has signalled an incoming announcement of 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US.  Trump als...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor at Large on the Government's new visa plan for economic growth

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kerre Woodham speaks to NZ Herald Business Editor at Large, Liam Dann, to explain how the changes to foreign investor visas will grow our economy. LIS...

The 'quirks' of Paid Parental Leave any prospective parent needs to know

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Having a baby is life-altering in every respect - and your finances are no exception.   But there are ways to navigate how much growing your...

Government pushes for more foreign investment - what does that look like?

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the past, overseas investment in New Zealand has been seen as a privilege – rather than a right. But – could that all be about to chang...

Martin Hawes: Mortgage arrears increase by 1,100 in December

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New data from Centrix reveals that the number of homeowners behind on their mortgage increased by 1,100 in December alone. With the interest rates dro...

Jason Walls: Government announces relaxed immigration settings for investors

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This afternoon the Prime Minister announced New Zealand will be relaxing immigration settings for investors.  Two new immigration categories will...

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive on changes to visa settings

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is replacing the current visa settings with two new categories that will see visa settings relaxed.  In a bid to encourage more fo...

From Christchurch to 100 million global users

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we speak to Max Ferguson who started Lumin in 2010 to address a growing need for a robust, cloud-based way to edit and share portable docume...

Curiosity led us here—Let's see where it takes us next

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Curiosity has brought us this far, but the journey is just beginning. Join me as we explore the latest trends, insights, and opportunities shaping the...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on whether we can expect changes to corporate tax rates

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is talking up the fact it’s exploring ways of making the tax system more business-friendly, with details of potential changes to ...

Stephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management expert unpacks Google's financial results

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has reported its latest financial earnings - and the investors aren't thrilled. Shares reportedly dropped 7 pe...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 7th February

06 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 ...

Claire Matthews: Massey University banking expert on the Government critiquing the banks' withdrawal of lending to petrol stations

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister has taken aim at the chief executives of New Zealand’s largest banks saying it was 'utterly unacceptable' that some were with...

Robin Oliver: OliverShaw Tax Partner on the Government hinting towards changes to corporate tax settings

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand could have one of the least competitive corporation tax rates - but that could change by May. The Prime Minister has hinted this year's Bu...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Treasury's latest warning to the Government

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Treasury has warned the Government that 'significant reforms' or 'reductions to public services' will be needed in the not-too-distant future if it st...

Bruce Bernacchi: Dentons Kensington Swan Tax Partner on the possibility and impact of a corporate tax cut

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Possible corporate tax cuts could be on the way in this year's Budget.  Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge yesterday that our corporate tax system is...

Kerre Woodham: Taxation is a finely balanced thing

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We know times are tough. We know that we're in a period of rebuilding, we know that there are green shoots starting to come through. We're looking tow...

Rob Coneybeer: Venture Capitalist and Shasta Ventures Co-founder on

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Far Out Convoy is bringing together leading founders and international investors for a road trip from Auckland to Queenstown, with half of the att...

Keith McLaughlin: Centrix Managing Director on the rising consumer arrears and financial hardship

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Centrix is keeping positive despite rising financial hardship and almost half a million Kiwis behind on loan repayments. The credit reporting agency's...

Bryce Wilkinson: Former Treasury Director and NZ Initiative Fellow on the government potentially cutting the corporate tax rate

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s taxes aren’t as competitive as they once were.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis has floated potential tax cuts for corpo...

Todd McClay: Trade Minister warns Donald Trump's tariffs likely to have an impact on Kiwi businesses

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's Trade Minister isn't speaking out against Donald Trump's tariffs just yet, but admits they'll impact Kiwi businesses. The US President h...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the market response to new Trump tariffs

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Donald Trump is set to impose new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China - and the markets took a tumble overnight. Canada and Mexico are facin...

Nadine Higgins: Finding the path of least resistance

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Humans are wired to find the path of least resistance - but how can that be done when it comes to your finances?  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in th...

Swapping corporate life for a beach side fantasy: The reality behind the dream

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If every time you have holiday at the beach you think ‘how can I just stay here fulltime and escape the rat race in the city’ - today&rsqu...

Why economic growth has become the Government's focus

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If the theme of 2024 was ‘cutting back’, then 2025 is all about ‘growth’. The word appears 31 times in Prime Minister Christop...

Shane Jones: New Zealand's economy needs fossil fuels

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The government has announced plans to double New Zealand's mineral exports to $3 billion in the next ten years.  The Critical Minerals List now i...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on the state of New Zealand's economy

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s “rockstar economy” seems to have become washed up.  HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham coined the term in 2014, an...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the ongoing volatility in the tech market

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's been plenty of volatility in the tech market this week off the back of the recent DeepSeek fiasco. Despite things picking up after this week's...

Jos Ruffell: Garage Project co-owner on smaller excise tax to support the brewery industry

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new report has found that beer makes up almost 1% of our country's GDP. Brewing accounted for $3.6 billion of our GDP last year and 1.3% of the...

Geoffrey Miller: Geopolitical Analyst on Donald Trumps tariffs and what they mean for New Zealand

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on goods coming from Canada, Mexico and China, sparking fears of a trade war. China is facing 10% on imp...

Mark the Week: We are in deep, deep trouble with the economy

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Donald Trump: 8/1...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 31st January

30 Jan 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 ...

Māori AI research is changing the world – plus, DeepSeek

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, Te Hiku Media chief executive and one of Time magazine's most influential people in AI, Peter-Lucas Jones, spoke to the world leaders gathe...

Andrew Curtayne: Milford Asset Management expert on stocks bouncing back following DeepSeek debacle

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over in the US, tech stocks have picked up again after a 3 percent selloff after Chinese startup DeepSeek caused a storm in the AI industry. The stock...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on DeepSeek and its impact on the stock market

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tech stocks have been taking a hammering after the debut of DeepSeek.  The Chinese tech firm has created a budget AI model said to be cheaper and...

Mike's Minute: The Govt need to move on foreign buyers this year

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The good people at OneRoof were hinting at it the other day.  They were reacting to what I know to be a bit of a buzz within the real estate comm...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist unpacks the current market for digital nomads

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's hopeful that digital nomads will help grow New Zealand's economy off the back of their recent visa change. Finance Minister Nicola Wi...

Jonathan Eriksen: Superannuation and Super Fund expert on the recommended savings for retirees

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An expert is backing a recent recommendation that retirees need a decent amount of money to top up their superannuation.  New Expenditure Guideli...

Tips and tricks for becoming your own boss - and how to avoid tax pitfalls

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If feel like you’re done working for ‘the man’, and you want lexibility, autonomy, to be the master of your own destiny - you might ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister hopeful visa changes for digital nomads will help grow tourism numbers

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister is determined to get tourism figures back up to their pre-pandemic levels - and she hopes the newest batch of visa changes will s...

The Huddle: Will the visa changes help grow New Zealand's economy?

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following i...

Mark Lister: Craigs Investment Partners spokesperson on the expected results from US tech titans

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's set to be a big week for the US' biggest tech companies. Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and Tesla are all expected to report their results in the...

Lynda Keene: Tourism Export Council Chief Executive on changes to the visitor visa allowing people to work remotely while on holiday

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tourists in Aotearoa on the visitor visa will soon be able to work remotely while here. The change is targeting 'digital nomads', people employed by o...

Louise Upston: Tourism Minister on the changes to visa settings to allow tourists to work remotely

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's signalling more visa changes could be on the way to encourage overseas travellers.   There's been a loosening of visa settings, ...

Stephen Jacobi: NZ International Business Forum Executive Director on the further threat of tariffs from Donald Trump

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are more tariff threats from President Trump after a tense standoff with Colombia.  The South American nation rejected US planes of deporte...

Greg Smith: Devon Funds Management representative on Global PMIs, the luxury brand that is soaring, and why things are looking up in the red meat sector in NZ

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The United States has stood out as the only major economy experiencing significant expansion amid Global PMIs.  The economic health indicator was...

SailGP: How data makes the boats go faster

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

SailGP's chief technology officer Warren Jones goes deep into all the ways he and his team have integrated digital technologies into the very foundati...

Inflation, growth and tariffs: How will the economy perform in 2025?

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's economic outlook for 2025 is expected to be a recovery from the previous two years of weakness. With inflation stagnant and the number o...

Ryan Bridge: Our economy is still in the wilderness

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So we have an inflation number, which is better than not knowing, but it doesn’t tell us much. 2.2 percent for the year to December, no change f...

Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the Government's new agency designed to bring in overseas funding

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Trade Minister says he wants deals through the door this year - with a Government goal of tempting overseas funding. A new agency called Invest Ne...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on Prime Minister Chris Luxon's plan to grow NZ economy

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Chris Luxon laid out his vision for growing the economy as part of today's State of the Nation address - and pointed the finger at the ...

Oliver Hartwich: NZ Initiative Executive Director on Luxon's new foreign investment agency

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

During his state of the nation speech Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a new foreign investment agency with the aim of driving more overseas...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 24th January

23 Jan 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 to stick to your financial goals in 2025

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If your enthusiasm to maintain your “New Year, new me” financial goals is starting wane already, you’re not alone – most resol...

Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster hopeful the Reserve Bank will cut rates in February

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Confidence another substantial Official Cash Rate cut's on the cards, with today's figures showing inflation is still under control. Stats NZ says the...

Bharat Chawla: India NZ Business Council chair on India testing the waters on a trade agreement with New Zealand

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New reports indicate the Indian Government is sounding out the nation's biggest businesses to determine how they feel about a trade agreement with New...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business editor on the inflation rate holding steady at 2.2%

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a belief we're still yet to reap the benefits of having inflation under control.  Latest Stats NZ figures show the inflation rate f...

Christina Leung: NZIER Deputy Chief Executive talks inflation forecast ahead of Q4 release

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stats NZ will release Consumer Price Index inflation numbers for quarter four on Wednesday, and economists are predicting it will be within the Reserv...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on retail spending being 'stronger than expected' for December

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Economists have revealed retail spending numbers were better than expected for the month of December. The total value of electronic card spending, inc...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister outlines plans for 2025 as she takes on Economic Growth portfolio

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nicola Willis says her new role in Cabinet is all about driving New Zealand's growth.  The Finance Minister has been given the Economic Growth po...

Ed McKnight: "Inflation is nobody's friend"

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ASB has cut its 18 month fixed term loan rate to 5.39% following cuts by Westpac and BNZ. All three of the banks' six-month rates are now at 5.99% as ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the new Economic Growth Portfolio, and what she is bringing to her new role

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nicola Willis will pick up a new role with a new name in the Economic Growth Portfolio - formerly the Economic Development Portfolio occupied by Melis...

Nicola Willis: Minister for Economic Growth on new portfolio

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made a series of changes to his cabinet for the new year. Melissa Lee has been demoted from his ministerial team,...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principle Economist on rising Employment Confidence Index

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Another sign of hope on the horizon for jobseekers.  The latest quarterly Westpac-McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index has risen for the ...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principle Economist on banks cutting their home loan rates

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The banks are at it again.  ASB is slashing its rates this morning following a move by Westpac yesterday afternoon.  Many borrowers have bee...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the US jobs report, the Prime Ministers trip to the UAE and oil prices rising 3% over the weekend.

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The strong US jobs report is out and raising questions about further interest rate cuts. A quarter of a million jobs were added to the market in Decem...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principle Economist on the increased optimism from businesses

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Businesses are feeling optimistic they could be in for a better 2025.   The latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion from the Institute of Eco...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principle Economist on the increase in job numbers

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Job numbers have picked up slightly, but not everyone's benefiting.  Latest figures from Stats NZ show the number of filled jobs rose slightly in...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 17th January

16 Jan 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 ...

Ed McKnight: 2025 will be a great year for property

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Resident Economist at Opes Partners, Ed McKnight, joins Tim Beveridge with predictions for the property market in 2025.  LISTEN ABOVE The podcast...

Michael Reddell: Former Reserve Bank Economist on the likely way the Reserve Bank will respond to the drop in the GDP

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There's uncertainty if the Reserve Bank will change tack following the revelation of New Zealand's deep recession.  Stats NZ figures out yesterda...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the US Federal Reserve adopting a hawkish outlook for 2025

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over in the US, share prices have slumped after the US Federal Reserve hinted at a slower than expected pace for rate cuts in the new year. The Federa...

The Huddle: Can we acknowledge the Reserve Bank made mistakes?

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and former Labour Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the fo...

Steven Joyce: former Finance Minister on New Zealand's GDP crashing harder than expected during September quarter

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People will have questions, after one of the country's worst quarterly GDP dips in decades. Stats NZ figures show New Zealand's gross domestic product...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on GDP dropping 1 percent in the September quarter

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This was a dire week for the economy - but experts say things can only go up from here. Stats NZ revealed that GDP was down 1 percent in the September...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 20th December

19 Dec 2024

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 ...

Toasting and roasting 2024's biggest gadgets

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Other than a few big-swing failures, it’s been a bit of a holding pattern for consumer technologies this year, with many minor improvements but ...

John MacDonald: Kneejerk reactions won't fix the fiscals

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If New Zealand was a company staring down the barrel of running at a loss for at least the next five years and finding itself needing to borrow $20 bi...

Stephanie Batchelor: Milford Asset Management analyst explains 'Santa Rallies'

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're less than a week out from Christmas - and some key stocks could be well-placed for a Christmas charge-up. The 'Santa Rally' phenomenon refers to...