The SME Stream
Episodes
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 7th March
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...
NZ risks 'riding cavalry into battle against tanks' without Aukus
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand is not stranger to tectonic shifts, perched as it is on a volcanic belt, but the current geopolitical quakes may prove an entirely differe...
Todd McClay: Trade Minister unpacks what Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could mean for New Zealand
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Trade Minister says he's taking potential disruption to trade very seriously. US President Donald Trump has sent stocks tumbling across the...
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on the current state of the 2025 stock market
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's a big week for the New Zealand stock market, and one expert is taking a look at the highest performers. As results reporting continues, some comp...
Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster on the economic impact of Donald Trump's tariffs
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One expert has delivered a grim outlook for share markets around the world. Stocks have tumbled after US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs ...
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the mood of business owners and growing confidence in the region
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of their regular catch ups, Business Canterbury’s Leeann Watson joined John MacDonald in studio to dig into what’s happening ...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the recent drop in housing consents
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The coalition Government wants more homes to be built cheaper and faster, yet official data shows an annual 7.2 percent drop in the sector. New data f...
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist ahead of Australia's GDP figures being released
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Economists are outlining their predictions as Australia prepares to release a GDP update tomorrow. The Australian economy is predicted to have grown f...
The making of Microsoft's data centres down under
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE] US tech behemoth Microsoft is the first hyperscaler to open a data centre in New Zealand and has acquired more land t...
Nichole Lewis: Women under-represented in investment property ownership
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A recent report found that women lag behind men in investment property ownership, despite a fairly even result for owner-occupied homes. Nichole...
Can't afford your own home? Here's how to buy one with your friends
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is for anyone who’s looked at the price of houses in this country and felt a bit depressed - for many, it seems like that ...
Downturn damage control: The NZ companies in survival mode
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ] Some of our largest companies are cutting costs to survive as investors shatter their stock. Equities analyst Aaron Ibbots...
Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic Chief Property Economist on the connection between the gender pay gap and home ownership
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Home ownership rates among women have gone up, but there's concern financial barriers are holding them back from investment properties. The latest edi...
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 28th February
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...
Will Bitcoin set us free
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bitcoin advocate Cody Ellingham joins the podcast to explain why we he is advocating for everyone, everywhere to get Ellingham explains his vision for...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Government's plan to set up Special Economic Zones for Marsden Point
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
'Special Economic Zones' or energy precincts could be established to strengthen New Zealand's fuel and energy security, according to the Government. C...
Tom Aitken: Amico creator on the new app designed to formalise loan agreements between family and friends
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever lent money to a friend or family member and never seen that cash again - a new app could turn that situation around. A former banker tu...
Rate relief is here! But banks may not pass it on
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rate relief has arrived, ending two years of economic arrest. But banks may not pass on the cuts - Sean Keane explains why. The podcasts in the S...
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on the calls for small towns to ditch the 9-5 retail model
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Business owners are being encouraged to work with neighbours to keep small towns 'alive'. Napier City Business general manager Pip Thompson says Napie...
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on the increase in retail spending at the end of 2024
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Retailers are hoping a sales rebound means an industry uptick has begun. Stats NZ data shows total retail sales increased 0.9 percent in the three mon...
Is AI the modern Manhattan project? (w/ Silicon Valley's Sean Gourley)
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Companies are raising hundreds of billions of dollars to achieve AI supremacy. PrimerAI founder Sean Gourley says it’s not just a tech trend &nd...
The OCR has been cut - so what should you do with your mortgage?
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
if you have a mortgage, you’re likely weighing up your next move after the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate from 4.25% to 3.75%. Mo...
Hamish Pepper: Don't act too quickly after OCR announcement
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut the OCR by another 50 basis points this week. Homeowners and hopeful buyers alike have been eagerly watching...
David Seymour: NZ needs to loosen investment settings
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government today has announced plans to overhaul the Overseas Investment Act. Among the reforms announced, it will fast track overseas inves...
Rowan Simpson: Kiwi Entrepreneur talks start ups, business confidence, and economic growth
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The name of the game for the government this year is economic growth and increased productivity. For that, what New Zealand needs is successful ...
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the impact of the OCR cut and dropping interest rates
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Banks could soon be competing a bit harder for our business. The Reserve Bank's signalling yesterday's double cut to the OCR will be followed by...
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the Reserve Bank raising issues with Stats NZ data
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank is urging the Government to take a hard look at Stats NZ, with a view to improving the timeliness and accuracy of key economic data. ...
Mike's Minute: KiwiSaver reality vs ideology
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Given the issues around KiwiSaver, it’s a miracle any of us save anything to become remotely independent in retirement. Last week we told ...
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 21st February
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a ...
How the venture studio model is changing the game
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Moore and Lucas Coelho, two-thirds of the co-founding team of venture studio Ryft, join the podcast to talk through how the model works. They di...
The Huddle: Are the OCR cuts good for the economy?
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on today's 'double-cut' to the OCR
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's praise for the Reserve Bank tonight - from one of its fiercest critics. It's signalling this afternoon's double-cut to the Official Cash Rate ...
Andrew Dickens: The Reserve Bank can't wait around any longer to cut the OCR
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So yesterday I outlined the reasons why the Reserve Bank might not cut interest rates. I got that wrong. They chopped the rate by the ex...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the lack of information on the skills being lost due to migration
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's an unclear picture of what New Zealand's losing from people moving overseas. About 70 thousand Kiwis left the country last year. Of thos...
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on Australia slashing their OCR by 25 basis points
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's finally some relief for Australian homeowners, as the RBA lowers interest rates for the first time since 2020. It held the cash rate at 4...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on what we can expect from the first OCR update of 2025
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the Reserve Bank's first official cash rate decision for 2025 - and many economists are predicting a rate cut to start off the year. The RBNZ is ...
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...