The SME Stream
Episodes
Fibre's impressive return on investment in Aotearoa
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand's big bet on fibre has paid off in spades, according to a new report by Deloitte that found the $5.5 billion that government and private c...
Ann-Marie Johnson: Retail NZ Communications Manager on the drop in the number of dairies
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The iconic Kiwi corner dairy is believed to be becoming a rarer sight. The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment notes there are more tha...
Marcus Beveridge: Queen City Law Managing Director on the potential for Singapore to invest in New Zealand's infrastructure
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Singapore has its eye on New Zealand as the place to invest. This is the message that has been relayed by Minister Shane Jones, who's just returned ...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the latest employment numbers for September 2024
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The latest employment numbers for September 2024 show the job market is still in a tough spot. Annual filled jobs were down 0.9 percent compared to th...
Nichole Lewis: It's time to buy an investment property
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Data shows that more people are buying investment properties as interest rates begin to drop - what's stopping others from doing the same? Tim Beverid...
Angus Brown: Co-Founder of Arepa aims to conquer tough market with unique brain drink formula
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This time last year Arepa found themselves in hot water after the government officials decided that made unsubstantial health claims of cognitive and ...
Is Neutron almost ready? Peter Beck interview
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY] Rocket Lab CEO Sir Peter Beck shares how Neutron is progressing ahead of its 2025 launch target, and discusse...
Bridget Abernethy: ERANZ chief executive on the market options available to companies amid power price surge
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Electricity Authority said market options were available to big power users during the winter price spike that some blamed for their closure. The ...
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 25th October
24 Oct 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 ...
Matt Ball: Property Investors Federation Advocacy Director on the life returning to the property market
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A bit of life is coming back into the property market, but investors think the best is yet to come. The CoreLogic October Housing report has found ...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on New Zealand and Australia meeting with South East Asian nations to boost business and security
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Experts from Australia and New Zealand are meeting with leaders in Malaysia to discuss how to improve business and security. The three groups are expe...
Oliver Mander: NZ Shareholders Association CEO on Fletcher Building disappointing shareholders at recent AGM
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fletcher Building's chief executive and board faced up to some very disappointed shareholders at today's annual general meeting. Company chief executi...
Lesley Wilson: Apple and Pears Chairperson on pipfruit export growth outstripping national export growth
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New research has revealed pipfruit export growth is outstripping national export growth. The industry contributed just under $2 billion to New Zeala...
Jacob Faull: Nature Baby co-founder on the company's planned expansion into the US
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kiwi start-up Nature Baby is looking to expand into the US market again. What started as a small business operating out of an Auckland flat has grown ...
Samantha Murton: College of GPs President on the registration fast tracks for immigrants from the UK, Ireland, and Australia
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Royal College of GPs says registration fast-tracks will mean someone coming to New Zealand won't have to wait months. The Medical Council's intr...
Karla Lee: Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce CEO on the Hawke's Bay Expressway being upgraded
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce says widening the region's key road will benefit everyone. The Hawke's Bay Expressway is being upgraded from tw...
Andrew Bayly: Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister on public complaint of behaviour during ministerial visit
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Small business affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has found himself in hot water after a member of the public complained he swore at, mocked and ridiculed ...
Hannah McQueen: How to split your mortgage
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Financial adviser and coach Hannah McQueen joins Tim Beveridge to discuss how to split your mortgage to pay as little as possible in the long run. L...
Ashley Church: What will inflation rates do to the property market?
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The latest interest rate was announced this week - 2.2%, the lowest in 3.5 years. Property commentator Ashley Church joins Tim Beveridge to discuss ...
Michael Saylor: Why MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin funding is NOT a glitch
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
MicroStrategy executive chairman Michael Saylor explains how investors should analyse his company that’s valued at more than double its underlying B...
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on Temu's harmful impact on local businesses
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to new reports, one in four New Zealand adults have bought something off Temu in the last three months. The Chinese e-retailer, alongside si...
Louise Upston: Social Development Minister on the 12.8 percent increase in people receiving Jobseeker benefit
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Social Development Minister Louise Upston isn't worried by the increase in Kiwis relying on the benefit. The Ministry of Social Development released n...
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 18th October
17 Oct 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 ...
The rise of deep tech in NZ, plus Peter Beck talks Mars
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
WNT Ventures has reached ten years of taking the crunchy stuff we call deep tech and helping turn it into companies and financial returns. With succes...
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on inflation dropping to 2.2%
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation is continuing to fall and interest rates are likely to follow suit. The inflation rate has dropped to 2.2 percent. It's the first time i...
Veronica de Oliveira: Black Orchid Collective Cafe Owner on Tauranga City Council raising the fees for alfresco dining
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tauranga businesses are furious about what they label harsh outdoor dining fees following a tough winter. They've been waived for the rest of 2024, ...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist warns the RBNZ will need to slash the OCR quicker to keep up with inflation
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's pressure growing for the Reserve Bank to move more aggressively on the Official Cash Rate. New Zealand's inflation rate is officially back on ...
Andrew Bayly: Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister on New Zealand potentially scrapping bank card surcharges
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Australia's Government is set to ban debit card surcharges as part of an economic crackdown designed to bring financial relief amid an ongoing cost-of...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on national house prices declining in 2024
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The housing market remains subdued across the country, with slightly weaker prices, more stock available and houses taking longer to sell. New data fr...
Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplied Co-op Chair on the increase in building costs
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's ongoing concerns for the construction sector, with fewer new builds being considered. Corelogic's latest construction index shows just a 1.1...
John MacDonald: Less eyebrow raising, more glad-eye for foreign investors
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I think we need to get over ourselves here in New Zealand when it comes to foreign investment. And it looks like we’re going to have to get over our...
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ chief executive on Wellington businesses calling for the council to reconsider Golden Mile project
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's more criticism of central city roadworks in Wellington. Retail NZ, Hospitality NZ and the Bus and Coach Association are asking the council to ...
The Huddle: How can we bring more revenue into New Zealand?
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of t...
Mahesh Muralidhar: Phase One CEO says New Zealand businesses should save money to expand overseas
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One Kiwi investor believes more New Zealand businesses should be putting money aside in order to expand internationally. Phase One CEO Mahesh Muralidh...
Debbie Roberts: RBNZ needs to bring OCR down "hard and fast"
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week the Reserve Bank of New Zealand dropped the Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points to 4.75%. Also, the number of one person households have...
Hamish Pepper: How have financial markets responded to the OCR cut?
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has announced a cut of 50 basis points to the OCR, bringing it down to 4.75%. Director and Fixed Income and Currency...
Oliver Hartwich: NZ Initiative executive director on new law reforms to allow for overseas investment
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An easier road for foreign investors looking at New Zealand's companies and property. The Government's new law reforms will allow overseas investment ...
Toby Williams: Federated Farmers spokesperson says rules are needed around levels of investment in Overseas Investment Act reforms
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The gates are opening for foreign investors looking at New Zealand companies and property. The Government's reforming the Overseas Investment Act - al...
OCR cuts a bright spot but economic outlook mixed for the rest of the year
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Official Cash Rate’s been cut to 4.75 percent – which is being touted as welcome news for households all over New Zealand. It’s the lowest ...
Steven Joyce: Former Finance Minister on the government's deficit growing by $3.4 billion
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce says there are some things worth celebrating amidst a grim outlook on the economy. Treasury documents show the...
Nicola Willis: Finance minister on Government debt worse than initially thought
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government's financial books have sunk further into debt in the year to June, with Treasury revealing the deficit on the Crown books deepened by $...
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 11th October
10 Oct 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 ...
NZ tech should be taking on the world, now
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's guest, venture capitalist, founder of PhaseOne and former early employee of Canva Mahesh Muralidhar, shares invaluable insights into the n...
John Clarke: Transpower CEO on their $1 million contribution to a regional energy package for Northland
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A token for the Northland community in the aftermath of the collapsed pylon calamity. Power was cut to about 88,000 homes and businesses in June, w...
Kelvin Davidson: Property Economist on OCR cut
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's OCR announcement has got everyone thinking about what impact it will have on the housing market. The Reserve Bank cut for a second time from...
Jack Tame: Bring on 50 basis points
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I went for a walk along K Road the other night and saw something I hadn't seen in the longest time: A new restaurant. I didn't even step inside but ...
EP BONUS: Publicity & Popularity with Tess Woolcock
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get the lowdown on how to perfect publicity. Georgia is joined by her publicist Tess Woolcock for bonus info on how to land your business promotion an...
Nick Leggett & Gary Taylor: The projects picked for fast track approval
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Over one hundred projects have been selected for fast tracking through the recently announced Fast Track Approvals Bill. Housing, energy, and major in...
Why executives want more rate cuts
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Executives are increasingly optimistic now the Reserve Bank has cut rates. But how long can their companies hold out for the economy to improve? The p...
Matthew Horncastle: The government shouldn't be using taxpayer money to pay for private projects
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The government has announced that they will temporarily underwrite private housing developments to support developers who are struggling to pre-sell e...
Lisa Dudson: The long term value of your savings
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Financial author and advisor Lisa Dudson joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss the long term value of your savings depending on whe...
Margie Apa: Health NZ CEO on the $934 million deficit for the financial year
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Health New Zealand leader says their cost growth has plateaued. Its report for the June quarter shows the preliminary result for the financial ...
The Huddle: Recapping the Mood of the Boardroom results
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following ...
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large responds to 2024 Mood of the Boardroom survey
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Business leaders have given their verdict on the Government in the Herald’s Mood of the Boardroom survey. Some experts have noted that as the countr...
Mood of the Boardroom: The surprising policies business leaders want to see from the Government
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Mood of the Boardroom is back today for its 22nd year. The annual survey of the country’s top CEOs and business leaders has seen a broad tick of...
Dame Joan Withers: Warehouse Group Chairperson on the Mood of the Boardroom survey, education being a priority
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Senior business leaders are rating Christopher Luxon well on keeping his Cabinet focused on delivery, and Education Minister Erica Stanford well on pe...
Stephen England-Hall: Genesis Energy chief retail officer on the company taking a majority 65 percent stake in ChargeNet
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Genesis Energy has confirmed it will spend $64 million on taking a majority stake in ChargeNet - the nation's leading EV public charging network. Und...
Malcolm Fleming: NZ Certified Builders CEO on the Government's push for remote building inspections
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government has continued its push to increase the use of remote building inspections to speed up the construction and consenting process. Building...
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on the biorefinery to be built at Marsden Point
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A proposal to re-develop Marsden Point's decommissioned refinery is being considered. Channel Infrastructure NZ recently entered a conditional agreeme...
Peter Thompson: Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director on the growing confidence and optimism of the sector
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Real estate agents are among the businesses feeling more upbeat. The Herald's latest Mood of the Boardroom survey shows that business owners are mor...
Duncan Bridgeman: NZME Managing Editor expresses his concerns with economic growth in the business community
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mood of the boardroom survey, more than 100 of our top business leaders have had their say on the government, its ministers and the economy today. CEO...
Ryan Bridge: Businesses are the forgotten victims of the capital gains debate
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So Luxon is back in the news. Bryce Edwards written a piece saying our members of parliament own 2.3 homes per MP - more than most of us. Jacinda ma...
Why insurance is more expensive [VIDEO]
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The head of insurance giant Suncorp explains why it’s hiked premiums on all of its policies. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general infor...
Steve Armitage: Hospitality New Zealand CEO on mayor Wayne Brown disestablishing Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown aims to disestablish the city's tourism and economic development agency. The mayor is progressing plans to fold Tātaki Auc...
Dr Juliet Ansell: NZ Winegrowers Research Centre CEO on the new research programme designed to boost NZ wine output
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The wine industry is hoping a new programme will help double production. The Government is investing $5.6 million over seven years into the programm...
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the new wave of policies designed to stimulate China's economy
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Over in China, regulators recently announced a range of monetary and fiscal stimulus policy changes aimed at fostering economic stabilisation and impr...
Grant Watson: Synlait CEO on the company's multi-million dollar net loss
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Synlait Milk has reported a net loss of $182.1 million and stumped up with a one-off payment to try to keep supplying South Island farmers. The emba...
Major businesses are closing in provincial NZ: How can we save our small towns?
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Provincial New Zealand is hurting. Alliance Group last week confirmed plans to close its Timaru meat processing plant in Smithfield, with the loss...
Ed McKnight: A capital gains tax would require clarity
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The conversation of a potential capital gains tax is heating up as ANZ Chief Executive Antonia Watson says it's becoming necessary. But the biggest ...
Malcolm Fleming: NZ Certified Builders Chief Executive on changes to consenting process
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Big changes to consenting processes could be on the way. Currently, 67 building consent authorities receive and approve consents – with each one tak...
Chris Penk: Proposed reform of the building consent system
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government announces a significant shake up to building and construction with reform of the building consent system. They have proposed a number...
Kevin Milne: The Work From Home debate
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Working from Home has been a topic of debate this week with the Government’s new directive on the subject. Kevin Milne is a bit split on the issue...
How Fonterra afforded a huge payout [VIDEO}
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fonterra is paying its second-largest dividend in its history. How the dairy co-operative's finances have changed and why its future may too. The podc...
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Fonterra posting a stronger-than-expected net profit
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kiwi dairy farmers can breathe a sigh of relief following Fonterra's successful results. The dairy giant posted a $1.1 billion dollar net profit and c...
Kerre Woodham: Just introduce a capital gains tax and be done with it
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the love of all that is holy - can we just introduce a capital gains tax and be done with it? I am so sick of it dominating the headlines. The i...
John Journee: Warehouse Group interim CEO on the company's multi-million dollar net loss
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Warehouse Group says this year's unacceptable earnings have two parts. It's posting a $54.2 million net loss after tax. Last year it made a $29.9 ...
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on The Warehouse Group reporting a $54.2m net loss
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leading Kiwi retailer The Warehouse Group has posted a significant net loss off the back of a tough trading environment. The company today posted it a...
Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the new trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Trade Minister has revealed how he managed to get the trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates over the line so quickly. Todd McClay and coun...
Charles Finny: Former Trade Negotiator on the free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates that could be signed today
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A lucrative free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates could be signed into action today. Trade Minister Todd McClay is meeting with his Emi...
Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader discusses a capital gains tax, cost of living, UK visit
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Hipkins is doubling down on the idea of a shake-up to the tax system. ANZ boss Antonia Watson says the "time has arrived" for a capital gains ...
Sandy Lau: PWC tax partner on ANZ's Chief Executive voicing support for a Capital Gains Tax
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A PWC tax partner says discussions around a Capital Gains Tax will continue, as the country grapples with raising enough revenue. ANZ head Antonia Wat...
Musician Jon Toogood: How converting to Islam changed his views on money
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Musician and Shihad frontman Jon Toogood shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general inf...
Carmel Sepuloni: Deputy Labour Leader discusses capital gains taxes, new safety measures for public transport workers, and Andrew Coster
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Labour still isn't ruling a capital gains tax in or out, following comments from the boss of our biggest bank. ANZ CEO Antonia Watson says while she...
The Huddle: Do we need a Capital Gains Tax?
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion...
John MacDonald: People are time-wasters in and out of the office
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I don’t know where Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis get this idea from that you can only do a hard day’s work if you’re physically in the off...
Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics economist on the remote work statistics and trends for 2024
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The popularity of working remotely has continued to surge among Kiwi employees - prompting some new directions from the Government. Prime Minister Chr...
John Horner: Financial Markets Authority director on KiwiSaver funds breaking $100 billion mark
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
KiwiSaver investments have broken the $100 billion mark. The Financial Markets Authority's report for the year to March 31st reveals funds reached $11...
EP 10: Business is a LUXEry with Samuel Levi
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s in the name. Sam Levi is as luxe as they come when it comes to running a business. Sam started up his first-of-its-kind beauty brand Luxe Stic...
Phil Alexander-Crawford: Workforce Development Council CEO on Manufacturing, Engineering, Logistics sectors needing extra 40,000 workers by 2028
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An aging workforce is resulting in shortages in sectors vital to New Zealand’s economic development. New Zealand’s Manufacturing, Engineering an...
Simon Court: New-look Resource Management Act
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
RMA Minister Chris Bishop's revealed two laws will replace the old system -- one to manage environmental effects arising from activities, and another ...
Ben Brinkerhoff: When to take a look at your KiwiSaver
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most people have an automatic contribution sent into their KiwiSaver at the end of their pay period - but experts say everyone should do an annual che...
The $75b Super Fund’s biggest challenge. [VIDEO]
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our sovereign wealth fund is set to double in the next decade. How will its new CEO meet its growth demands? The podcasts in the SME Stream contain g...
Shane Solly: Interest rates and your assets
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many people who own large assets or investments have one question at the front of their minds - where are interest rates headed? Shane Solly from Ha...
Powerhouse: Why Contact Energy wants $2b Manawa merger [VIDEO]
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Two electricity companies could join forces to become the second largest player. Contact Energy’s CEO & Chairman explain why they’ve been tryi...
NZ Initiative's Oliver Hartwich: 'Germans hate inflation with a passion'
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Economist Oliver Hartwich shares his best and worst money stories with Liam Dann. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, ...
Wealth or Capital Gains? What taxes should New Zealand be looking at
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We may be two years away from our next general election, but the possibility of more tax is already being debated. Labour is starting to warm the pu...
John MacDonald: I know you hate taxes. But have you got any better ideas?
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It might happen. It might not. What I’m talking about, is the way some people seem to think they have to jump to the defence of the super rich whene...
Reserve Bank interview: Rates, recession & resilience [VIDEO]
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Economic pain has forced the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates. The Deputy Governor explains its assessment of the economy and why it's making change...
Max Whitehead: It's time to brush up your CV
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Max Whitehead joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to help you clean up your CV. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain gener...
How $1b Metlifecare has expanded in secret [VIDEO]
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The third-largest retirement village operator has transformed in secret since it was bought by private equity in 2020. Will the better business find i...