The SME Stream

Peter Mersi: IRD Commissioner on the department cracking down on unpaid tax bills

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inland Revenue's cracking down on unpaid tax bills.  It's been allocated an extra $35 million in Budget 25 to boost its tax compliance and collec...

Stephen Jacobi_ former trade negotiator on Labour criticising the Government for

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Labour has slammed the Government for not getting a better trade deal out of the current Trump administration. New Zealand currently has to pay a 10 p...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 6th May

05 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 ...

Vision for Wellington - tech and innovation panel May 2025

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A panel discussion hosted by Vision for Wellington on the future of the city and how tech and innovation can help reinvigorate the city's fortunes - f...

2degrees boss Mark Callendar: 'I didn’t set out to be a CEO. That was a bit of a Sliding Doors moment'

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the chief executive of 2degrees, Mark Callendar, shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann, including his unusual path to runn...

Experts push back against WorkSafe reforms - as research warns of potential for a Pike River repeat

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new study suggests that another Pike River mine disaster is likely. The Victoria University of Wellington researchers say the failures that lead to ...

Oliver Hartwich: New Zealand Initiative executive director on the impact of the Trump tariffs

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Business leaders across New Zealand have voiced concerns that Donald Trump's tariffs could have a more severe global impact than the Covid-19 pandemic...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on homeowners needing to pay extra to fund the Natural Hazards Commission

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Homeowners need to brace for another cost increase, this time to help fund the state disaster insurer, the Natural Hazards Commission. The minister re...

Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on signs of recovery in the region, WorkSafe changes

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leeann Watson, CEO of Business Canterbury, joined John MacDonald to give a quarterly update.  Are we seeing signs of recovery in Canterbury? What...

The Huddle: Are the new WorkSafe changes a step too far?

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight on The Huddle, Rob Campbell and Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Will we read Ja...

John MacDonald: The dangers of tinkering with Health and Safety

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If there’s anyone who shouldn't be told they can wind things back on the health and safety front, it’s a New Zealander.   Because gen...

Todd Hammington: The secret to employee retention

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Career progression is a significant thing to consider for most people - whether they could develop as much as they'd like at their current job, or if ...

The true cost of owning pets and where to find savings

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Owning a pet can bring aso much joy to your life - but it can also bring some big expenses.  Some people can spend a fortune on their pets, and a...

EP10: Business & Wellness Without the BS

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Make way for Beatrice Thorne, beautiful brain that founded Eve Wellness - yes, the brand with the colourful jars! Grab your Suntory Boss Cof...

How Stabicraft is riding the boat buying wave

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] From Invercargill to Alaska, this iconic New Zealand aluminium boat business is expanding into North Am...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Donald Trump's tariffs being blocked by US federal court

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A US federal court's blocked Donald Trump's global tariffs from going into effect - ruling the President overstepped his authority. The Court of Inter...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 30th May

29 May 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 ...

Georgia Lines:  'I never considered swapping music for something that might make more sense financially'

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Liam is joined by singer-songwriter Georgia Lines, who shares her best and worst money stories - from starting her own businesses as a teen...

Art or algorithm? Navigating the creative crossroads in the age of AI

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If the novelty of seeing AI-generated videos popping up in our newsfeeds has started towear off, Google has something new for you to feast your eyes o...

OCR cut again as global uncertainty continues - so what's the outlook for our economy?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank has cut the Official Cash Rate 25-basis-points -- to 3.25 percent. That's the lowest it's been since August 2022 – though there...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister discusses the OCR cut, superannuation, public service leaks

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon remains hopeful the latest cut in the OCR isn't the last.  The Reserve Bank's dropped the Official Cash Rate 25 basis points to...

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on Winston Peters ruling out Labour, KiwiSaver changes, Minister for the South Island

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's yet to rule potential coalition partners in or out.  New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is refusing to work with Chris Hipkins next...

Christian Hawkesby: Acting Reserve Bank Governor on the OCR cut, future developments

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Don't bank on further cuts to the Official Cash Rate.  The Reserve Bank's dropped the OCR 25 basis points to 3.25%, and is now forecasting it cou...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Reserve Bank's OCR statement

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank delivered their quarterly update on the OCR - but there was a hawkish undertone this time round, according to experts. The central ba...

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

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 percent. The markets had already priced a rates cut in - but there was some unc...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on the future of superannuation

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 2025 Budget has come and gone, but the Finance Minister has confirmed raising the superannuation age was still on National’s radar after the...

Mark Mitchell: Police Minister clarifies controversial police memo regarding retail crime

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Police Minister is attempting to clarify the meaning of a memo to staff on lower-value retail crime cases. The nation-wide directive told staff no...

Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist ahead of today's OCR announcement

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

BNZ's the latest bank to drop its home loan rates, anticipating a change to the Official Cash Rate this afternoon.   The Reserve Bank's expected ...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist ahead of latest Reserve Bank OCR decision

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All eyes will be on the Reserve Bank tomorrow afternoon, when stand-in Reserve Bank Governor Christian Hawkesby delivers the bank's latest monetary po...

EP09: The Core & Raw of Business

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Georgia welcomes Margo Flanagan, one of the sisters of Two Raw Sisters for a real and raw chat! Grab your Suntory Boss Coffee - It's brewed ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the prospect of changing NZ Super ahead of the election

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nicola Willis says National still hasn't decided on its superannuation policy ahead of next year's election. The Finance Minister says keeping eligibi...

Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the new shoplifting directives

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Police Minister is reassuring retailers officers will still turn up to reports of shoplifting.  RNZ reports staff have been directed to not i...

Blair MacDonald: Superintendent addresses confusion caused by police shoplifting memo changes

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Police say they can't get to all retail crime - after revelations revealed they won't investigate some lower-level crimes.  RNZ reports staff hav...

Sunny Kaushal: Retail Crime Advisory Group Chair on the new Police directive for shoplifting

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retailers are seeking clarity on a Police directive on shoplifting.  RNZ reports police staff have been told to not investigate allegations of th...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the market response to the new tariff threats

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Friday, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50 percent tariffs on the EU from June 1 due to slow progress on discussion. He also threate...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Government's alleged $700m hole in the Budget

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Infometrics' Principal Economist says the Government's not entirely ignoring the lack of budget funding allocated for lifting KiwiSaver employer contr...

Mike's Minute: Luxon might be fighting the wrong battle with super

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It is suggested Peter Dutton in Australia lost the election because of his nuclear issue and work from home policies. I personally think he lost becau...

Martin Hawes: "No incentive for self-employed people to join KiwiSaver"

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is increasing the default KiwiSaver contributions for employees and employers, while halving their own contributions.  Employee an...

"Where do we draw the line?": Expert says foreign buyer policies and golden visas need consideration

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Data shows New Zealand could be losing out on foreign capital with uncertainty around residential property rules for overseas buyers.  So what ar...

The Panel with Brad Olsen & Wilhelmina Shrimpton: Budget talks, Te Pati Maori MPs punishment

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Panel, Tim Beveridge is joined by Brad Olsen and Wilhelmina Shrimpton to discuss changes to Kiwisaver and Jobseeker benefits from the...

What KiwiSaver changes and more means testing means for your savings

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has unveiled the latest Budget, and it is full of things that are likely to affect your back pocket in one way or another – with ...

Politics Friday with Megan Woods and Matt Doocey: KiwiSaver, means testing, what the budget means for Canterbury

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today Megan Woods and Matt Doocey joined John MacDonald following the release of the budget. They discussed the key aspects of it including changes to...

Michael Littlewood: Pensions should never be means tested

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Budget didn't bring any changes to the pension - but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has doubled down on his support for raising the age.  L...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on raising the retirement age, outsourcing surgeries, the Northern Motorway speed limit and more

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Mike Hosking about the week's big issues after the budget announcement last week.  Health New Zealand's a...

Andrew Kelleher: JMI Wealth Director on New Zealand's economic signals

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's economic recovery is now forecast to be slower than the half year update.  Unemployment is slated to peak at 5.4 percent in the Jun...

Jason Walls: Political Editor on where Labour stands on pay equity

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins wouldn’t confirm his party’s commitment of returning the $13 billion taken from pay equity schemes by the ...

Lisa Dudson: finance expert on the Government's new changes to KiwiSaver

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a bid to boost Kiwis' retirement savings, the Government is increasing the default KiwiSaver contribution rate to 3.5 percent next year and then 4 ...

Jack Tame: Should superannuation be means-tested too?

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s one of the curious things about the structure of modern liberal democracies.  Whether its sharemarkets or political cycles or even med...

Robyn Walker: Deloitte Tax Partner on the investment boost without a cap

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has hit go on commercial building developments, oil and gas exploration, dam builders and more. In a new investment boo...

Phil O'Reilly: Former Welfare Expert Advisory Panel Member on new benefit sanctions in place from today

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A view that new sanctions for beneficiaries failing to meet jobseeker obligations, are "sensible." The changes, as part of the Government's traffic li...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: Don't touch my pension

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Let's talk about this business with the pension age. Chris Luxon has said today twice that he wants the pension age to go up to 67. He said it once on...

Ryan Bridge: We need more of a heads up on Kiwisaver

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

KiwiSaver.  I was thinking about this at the weekend. I get why the government is doing the old switcharoo. I get it. Means test the government s...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the KiwiSaver changes included in Budget 2025

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An increase in default KiwiSaver contribution rates announced in Thursday's Budget could leave some households better off for retirement - but experts...

Christopher Luxon: The Prime Minister talks Budget 2025 with Kerre Woodham and Newstalk ZB listeners

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister's keen to raise the retirement age -- but it's not possible in coalition with New Zealand First. The Government is halving its Kiwi...

How this tourism company circumvented tariffs

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Tourism Holdings rushed hundreds of camper vans across the Canadian border to dodge reciprocal tariffs....

Growth or austerity? Unpacking Budget 2025 and what it means for you

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The coalition Government has unveiled its second Budget. Over 20 billion dollars in savings has been found over the next four years, more than half fr...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on Budget 2025, return to surplus, and New Zealand's growing debt problem

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister is defending her budget and growth agenda, despite a surplus being some years away. The Government's books aren't set to return t...

Kerre Woodham: Retail owners and businesses can't hang on any longer

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Isn't it cruelly, cruelly ironic that yesterday we were talking about just how tough it is in retail, and we have the news that after 145 years, Smith...

Budget 2025: What you need to know

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Officially dubbed the “Growth Budget” - unofficially, the “no BS Budget” - Finance Minister Nicola Willis has unveiled where N...

Chris Hipkins: Labour Party leader voices disapproval with 2025 Budget

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has been quick to voice his concerns with the 2025 Budget. Hipkins took aim at the pay equity changes - and opposed the ne...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist talks Budget 2025 and whether the government can get back to surplus

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A view suggests says yesterday's Budget is highlighting New Zealand's fiscal realities. It found more than 21-billion dollars in savings - including n...

Richard McIntyre: Federated Farmers Dairy Chairperson on the monthly trade surplus

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The primary sector's going gangbusters, with a billion-dollar monthly trade surplus for the first time in five years.  Stats NZ data reveals it s...

John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on $200 million contingency fund for new gas fields

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An oil and gas lobby group is celebrating the Government's 200 million dollars for gas fields. Resource Minister Shane Jones announced the money would...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 23rd May

22 May 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 Litmaps is supercharging scientific research

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Litmaps, a Wellington-based startup that’s just raised $1 million in a Series A funding round, is redefining how scientists navigate the sea of ...

Pals co-founders Mat Croad and Nick Marshall: From childhood friends to RTD moguls

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Liam is joined by Mat Croad and Nick Marshall, co-founders of RTD business Pals, to discuss how a previous failure informed their meteoric ...

Steven Joyce: Former Finance Minister says New Zealand's in the early stages of an export-led recovery

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's a belief New Zealand's entering the early stages of an export-led recovery.   Stats NZ data reveals it's at $1.4 billion in April, compar...

The Huddle: What do we hope to get out of Budget Day 2025?

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight on The Huddle, Conor English from Government relations firm Silvereye and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the follo...

Kerre Woodham: Let's fill vacant stores before we build more

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I don't know where the Head of Research at JLL, the commercial property company, I does his shopping, but it cannot be anywhere that I go. If you've e...

Jessica Walker: Consumer NZ Acting Head of Research and Advocacy on the growing calls to ban credit card surcharges

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mastercard has recently released a survey showing a significant amount of Kiwis want credit card surcharges banned. The data shows 61 percent of respo...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor ahead of the release of Budget 2025

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Budget 2025 is set to be revealed to the nation tomorrow - and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has promised it will be a “No BS Budget” wit...

Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on the increase in businesses seeking advice about redundancies

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A record number of businesses have sought advice about redundancies in the first three months of the year, according to new Employers and Manufacturer...

Chris Dibble: JLL NZ Research and Strategist Consultancy head on the demand for retail space

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Demand's strong for bricks and mortar retail, despite the growth of online shopping.   JLL NZ's new report estimates almost 255-thousand square m...

Joshua Tan: Export NZ executive director on NZ seeing the highest monthly trade surplus in years

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A strong primary sector performance has produced a billion-dollar monthly trade surplus - for the first time in five years. Stats NZ data reveals it s...

Winston Peters: Deputy Prime Minister on the foreign buyers ban, heckler at the rail announcement

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hints the foreign buyer ban could be lifted, but not yet.  OneRoof reports rumours have been swirling with some agents telling them politicians h...

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the UK and Europe establishing a trade deal

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The UK is hailing a new era of relations with Europe, as they seek closer ties on trade and defence. The new deal signals a resetting of ties with the...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist outlines predictions for Budget Day 2025

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's less than two days to go until Budget Day 2025, and experts are outlining their predictions. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has hinted this won't...

Ann-Marie Johnson: Retail NZ on a new report showing retail supply isn't keeping up with population growth

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new report from JLL says almost 255-thousand square metres of new retail space is needed over the next five years, to meet demand. It says Kiwi cons...

EP08: Marriage Meets Marketing

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Georgia Patten chats with Shivana Pemberton, one of the founders of Four Words! Grab your Suntory Boss Coffee - It's brewed hot, chilled fast and...

Christopher Luxon: PM live in studio with Mike Hosking

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister says his Government is calling out bureaucrats falling foul of the government's expecations. It comes off the back of Winston Peter...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister says more 'small announcements' will come ahead of Budget Day 2025

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 2025 Budget is due out this week - and the Finance Minister's feeling hopeful despite the concerns around Te Pāti Māori's antics. Prime Minister...

Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB political editor with speculations about Budget 2025

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister says the Budget's designed to give businesses even more confidence for the future. The Budget, released on Thursday, will put asi...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on what Moody's downgrade of US Government debt ratings means

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Moody's cut the US credit rating by one notch, citing rising debt and interest payments that outpace those of similar sovereigns.  The downgrade ...

Stuart Nash & Jordan Williams: What does the budget need to deliver?

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's budget will be announced this coming Thursday.  Taxpayers Union Director Jordan Williams and former Police Minister Stuart Nash ...

What to avoid doing if you are trying to buy property

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Buying property is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, and in this country, it can be really difficult to achieve. &...

Simon Arcus: Business Central CEO on what Wellington needs from the Government's budget

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government will officially announce its annual budget this Thursday. It comes as Wellington’s economy has been particularly hit hard over th...

Suze Redmayne: Rangitīkei MP on the changes to KiwiSaver that would allow it to be used to buy a farm

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The rural community of members bill is looking to adjust the rules around KiwiSaver so that it can be used to buy a farm.  The change would also ...

Rocket Lab's Sir Peter Beck: Mars, NASA, Neutron & national security

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] It’s been 6 months since I interviewed Rocket Lab CEO Sir Peter Beck. We have a lot to discuss fo...

Malcolm Rands: Open Letter on Tax Spokesperson on a potential wealth tax in New Zealand

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Green Party is suggesting an overhaul of the tax system in their alternative Budget.  It includes taxing wealth, inheritance, gifts, and priv...

Chris Hipkins: Labour leader unveils how the party would reverse the Government's pay equity changes

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's leader says he would reverse the Government's pay equity changes - but that doesn't mean going back to how things were before.  Laws pas...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 16th May

15 May 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 ...

Tech skills - upgrade now or fall behind

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Technology Users Association has issued a stark warning that New Zealand risks falling further behind in the global digital economy unless the gov...

NZ Super chief Jo Townsend: From 'pretty tough' upbringing in rural Tasmania to running an $80 billion fund

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, chief executive of the NZ Super Fund, Jo Townsend, shares her best and worst money stories with Liam Dann - from her upbringing in rural Ta...

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on pay equity, school attendance, FamilyBoost

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Opposition Leader's welcoming Government investment into school attendance.  $140 million from this year's Budget will go towards a new syste...

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on NZX making a recovery

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a memorable year for financial markets so far - but experts have noted that the NZX appears to have calmed down. After President Donald Trum...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Nicola Willis hinting towards KiwiSaver changes in Budget 2025

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has talked up how changes to KiwiSaver, due to be announced at the Budget, will boost members’ balances. She's of...

Mike's Minute: The pay equity changes are in muddied water

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here is another example of the way the pay equity game is played by the media.  If you choose not to call a minister the c-word, you run a headli...

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on Wayne Brown's manifesto for Auckland

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland's Business Chamber CEO says we have nothing to lose by loosening transit visas for Chinese nationals.  Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's upda...

Jonathan Eriksen: Superannuation expert on the Government making it's first ever Super Fund withdrawal

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand will pass an economic milestone in 2028, with the Government making it's first ever Super Fund withdrawal. The Finance Minister revealed y...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Nicola Willis revealing the Government will make its first withdrawal from the Super in 2028

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister has revealed the Government will will make its first withdrawal from the Super in 2028 - five years earlier than initially planne...