The SME Stream

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 27 February

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a ...

Nikhil Ravishankar: Air New Zealand CEO on the company's $40 million half-year loss

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Air New Zealand is fighting with one hand tied behind its back facing local costs its international competitors avoid.  The national airline's an...

Business: NZ national cybersecurity strategy overdue

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan to talk business with thanks to Forsyth Barr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the rising confidence in the housing market

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More New Zealanders are putting their faith back into the housing market.   ASB's latest survey shows confidence has lifted sharply this quarter,...

The Country 26/02/26: Don Fraser talks to Jamie Mackay

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With dairy farming for the 24/25 season at record production and income export levels, a well-known rural finance commentator comments on the multipli...

Episode 57: The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 57, our guest is The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand. A typical Kiwi upbringing wa...

Inside the levitation lab: OpenStar’s quest for energy’s Holy Grail

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A half-tonne metal “donut” silently floating in a vacuum chamber in Wellington might sound like science fiction. But as you’ll hear ...

The a2 Milk comeback: Ponies, tennis, and billions

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

David Bortolussi, CEO of The a2 Milk Company, tells us how the premium dairy pioneer has put the global pandemic in the rearview and is aiming for a $...

The Country 25/02/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The PM ponders Trump’s tariffs and the potential of selling Pāmu. He also discusses the industry kickback against the RMA rural reforms and fal...

Mike Roan: Meridian Energy CEO on the company delivering a higher than expected net profit

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A positive financial result has gentailer Meridian thinking about infrastructure upgrades.  It recorded a half year profit after tax of $227 mill...

Landlords wary over Labour's plans for interest deductibility

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

NZ Property Investors Federation's Matt Ball joins Ryan to discuss the concernsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country 25/02/26: Stephen Guerin talks to Jamie Mackay

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

PGG Wrightson’s chief executive is naturally upbeat about his company’s good half-year result, a barometer of the positivity in the rural ...

Andrew Curtayne: Milford Asset Management expert on what Anthropic's Claude AI is doing to the markets

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AI firm Anthropic has made upgrades to their Claude model and it's sparked concerns about what this could mean for markets and jobs. Claude specialise...

Campbell Parker: Dairy NZ CEO on the industry's highest production and export earnings ever

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It feels like the golden days for dairy farmers as they celebrate a record-breaking year.  Dairy NZ's annual state of the dairy nation report sho...

Dame Marilyn Waring: former National MP on the final report into the Government's pay equity law changes

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Findings claim the Government extinguishing pay-equity claims destroyed an earlier system that was fit for purpose.  The People's Select Committe...

Tariff ripples hit US markets, FPH lifts guidance, which regions led retail spending revival

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan to talk about the latest in markets thanks to Forsyth Barr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bunnings' new partnership with Uber Eats signal a quiet evolution

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Uber Eats will offer over 30,000 hardware, gardening and trade supplies on their app. CEO of Gorilla Technology joins Ryan to talk about what this mea...

PwC CEO on whether New Zealand businesses will be able to keep up with AI

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

PwC's annual CEO survey found a majority of bosses are most concerned about AI. PwC CEO. Andrew Holmes, joins Ryan to discuss the concerns.See omnystu...

Mercury steady on guidance, red meat boosts PPGF Wrightson, NZME posts 15% earnings lift

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan to discuss the flurry of half year results that have been released with thanks to Forsyth Barr. See omnystudio.com/listener...

Warren Ngan Woo: Westpac's Financial Wellbeing programme manager on the reports revealing less Kiwis have emergency savings

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The cost of living is hitting Kiwis hard, with new data showing Aucklanders are more likely to be worse off. More than a third of New Zealanders have ...

(#91) How to Start a Business in 2026 (Even If You Have No Idea What You’re Doing)

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to start a business in 2026 - even if you have no idea what you’re doing. From finding your firs...

Chris Luxon: Prime Minister discusses Tariffs, 'Move-on order' and Auckland Housing

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister says visitors should be able to enjoy new investments in our city-centres - without feeling intimidated. The Government's introduci...

Cameron Bagrie: Economist on new Trump tariffs' impact for kiwis

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On Saturday Donald Trump announced a 10% levy on all goods coming into the US in response to the Supreme Court ruling his other tariffs unconstitution...

The Country 23/02/26: Todd McClay talks to Jamie Mackay

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Minister of Trade tries to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the latest on the Trump tariffs and the Indian FTA.See omnystudio.com/listen...

Could Kiwi businesses get refunds on Trump's tariffs?

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trade Minister Todd McClay on what the latest twist in the tariffs story means for businesses in NZ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

Bite: Should KiwiSaver go to 5%… or even 12%?

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is 3% giving Kiwis a false sense of retirement security? We unpack the growing debate around lifting KiwiSaver contribution rates and comparisons bein...

Chris Small: ASB Business Managing Director says NZ businesses are getting back on track

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Business appears to be booming in most parts of the country. ABC's quarterly market report shows business sales are up 28 percent on this time last ye...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market's response to Donald Trump increasing global tariffs

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump remains steadfast in his pursuit of sweeping global tariffs - slamming a US Supreme Court decision outlawing them as anti-American. ...

Malcolm Johns: Genesis Energy CEO on the Government investing more money into the business

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Genesis Energy says fresh Crown investment into the power generator will go towards building infrastructure.  The Government's confirmed it will ...

Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on rising sales in the retail sector

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Signs of a turnaround in the retail sector as sales rise.  Stats NZ data shows sales jumped by $239 million in December, compared to the Septembe...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister takes talkback, discusses infrastructure, housing intensification, polls

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government will today reveal its back down on controversial Auckland housing intensification plans amid fierce public criticism.   New planni...

Carrie Hurihanganui: Auckland Airport CEO on the airport reporting higher profits and revenue

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland Airport says it's gaining momentum. It's reported a four percent increase in revenue in its half-yearly results.  The airport says that ...

Is the economy in the Goldilocks zone?

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What the latest OCR decision means for Kiwi

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country 19/02/269: Peter Newbold talks to Jamie Mackay

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

PGG Wrightson’s GM of Real Estate takes his monthly look at the state of the rural market, and the planets are certainly aligning for farm value...

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Fonterra shareholders voting to receive the tax free capital return from the Mainland sale

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Confidence green pastures lie ahead for Fonterra, as the sale of brands like Anchor and Mainland nears completion. Almost 99 percent of shareholders v...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the market volatility impacting technology

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New reports indicate the tech sector is getting hid hard by a turbulent market, with many software companies taking a hit. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dic...

Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on the OCR being held at 2.25%

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An economist is pointing out a potential problem with the Reserve Bank’s economic forecast.  The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Anna...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 19 February

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a r...

The OpenClaw moment and what it means for AI

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

OpenClaw is the moment AI stops feeling like a clever chatbot and starts behaving like something closer to a digital co-worker. In the latest episode ...

The KiwiSaver wake-up call

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Was the 3% contribution rate always wrong? We sit down with Greg Smith from Generate KiwiSaver and Matt Macpherson from Sharesies to discuss the state...

Anna Breman: Reserve Bank Governor on the OCR being held steady at 2.25%

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Our new Reserve Bank Governor says she has full confidence in the people making OCR decisions.  The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Anna Br...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the market reactions to the OCR being left in place

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The new Reserve Bank Governor is standing by the first OCR decision she's overseen - keeping the cash rate at 2.25 percent. Anna Breman said the Bank ...

Rob Clark: Seek Country Manager on job ads rising 11.7% year on year

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Signs the job market is on the up.   New Seek data shows job ads have grown by 1.5% since October and are now 11.7% higher year on year.   G...

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Here's hoping this Reserve Bank Governor does a better job

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve had the first monetary policy decision from the new Reserve Bank Governor, and it’s not until you get a new captain at the helm that...

Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist on the expectation the Official Cash Rate will be held at 2.25%

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The new Reserve Bank Governor will deliver her first Monetary Policy Statement today.  The central bank's expected to keep the OCR unchanged at 2...

Should we ditch NZ super?

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong says the party wants to replace super with a new support systemSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

New border tax on offshore goods unfair

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Freightways Chief Executive, Mark Troughear, says the new border tax is unfairly applied and talks about the company's efforts to address this issue w...

Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the OCR

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We'll learn today, where the new Reserve Bank Governor sees the OCR heading. The central bank's expected to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2...

Catherine Beard: BusinessNZ Advocacy Director on the impact of conferences on the economy and the new International Convention Centre in Auckland

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The business events sector's working to bump up our international multi-day conferences, which are currently lagging behind domestic bookings.  A...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister addresses concerns over India FTA

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour has raised some concerns over the FTA with India, but Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pushing back. The opposition says they want the un-reda...

The Country 16/02/26: Damien O'Connor talks to Jamie Mackay

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour’s trade spokesman comments on the Indian FTA, whether Labour will support it, and ponders who the candidates for the West Coast Tasman el...

Kiwi businesses increasingly optimistic as sectors bounce back

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan for an update on today's markets news, thanks to Forsyth BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Hopkins: Business Events Aotearoa CEO on the sector's contribution to the economy, the opening of the new Auckland International Convention Centre

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There are hopes Auckland's new International Convention Centre will be a huge drawcard for international delegates.  A Business Events Industry A...

Chris Hipkins: Labour leader reveals whether his party will stand by India FTA

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's issued a list of demands for the Government before it will sign up to the Free Trade Agreement with India. Chris Hipkins says the FTA needs s...

Matt Ball: Property Investors Federation expert on house prices dropping in January

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New housing data shows the market hasn't quite matched the mood of the economy as of yet. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand says housing sales ...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on retail confidence reaching a two year high

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Small wins for the retail sector, as confidence reaches a two-year high.  A report by Retail NZ shows almost 77% of retailers surveyed in the fou...

Martin Cooper: Westpac picks 6 OCR hikes

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Westpac's economists are picking 6 consecutive OCR hikes from December - they're forecasting that it will hit 4% by the end of next year.  The OC...

Shane Solly: Spots of recovery in the economy

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We've started to see spots of what looks to be recovery in our economy over recent months.  It's not consistent, but it's frequent enough to give...

Chris Luxon: Prime Minister responds to calls for clarity from the opposition around India trade agreement

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister says Labour's concerns with the India Free Trade Agreement is "politicking", and Chris Hipkins wanting attention.  Labour's sa...

Du Val founders back in court, My Food Bag try to recapture former glory

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Herald Now Business host Garth Bray joins Ryan to talk the latest news in business, thanks to Forsyth Barr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Feroz Ali: National did a great job with India FTA

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour is hesitant to put their support behind an India FTA without the government meeting certain conditions.  It says free trade is a net posit...

The Country 13/02/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The prime minister celebrates great results for New Zealand’s red meat sector, discusses RMA reforms, and rules out a water tax.See omnystudio.c...

Rupert Carlyon: Koura Wealth Managing Director on kiwis working into 70s to afford superannuation

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An investment company boss predicts New Zealanders will have to work into their 70’s for the country to afford superannuation. Milford's Blair T...

(#90) 7 Reasons Your Business Isn’t Growing (No One Talks About These)

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I break down the seven hidden reasons your business isn’t growing - the ones no one talks about but almost every entrepreneur s...

Graeme: Caller breaks down the Reserve Bank Covid inquiry, what money does, and the impact on the economy

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's announced an independent review of the fiscal response to the Covid pandemic.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it will look ...

Westpac economists picks on growth and jobs, US unemployment drops, LNG warning

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan for the day's business update, with thanks to Forsyth Barr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skellerup reports record first-half profit - markets update with Garth Bray

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan Bridge to chat the latest moves and news in markets, with thanks to Forsyth Barr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Claire Matthews: Massey University business professor on RBNZ Covid response inquiry

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Signs of fatigue with another review of the country's Covid-19 response now in the works.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis new inquiry looks at th...

Leann Watson: Business Canterbury Chief Executive says shared ambition is key to region's success

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A shared ambition for the Canterbury region - is expected to secure the region's long term success.  Business Canterbury, The Canterbury Mayoral ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 13 February

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a r...

Episode 56: CEO of Resonate Health, James Whittaker

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 56, our guest is the founder and CEO of Resonate Health, James Whittaker.  James started life in the UK and beg...

The Country 11/02/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister reminisces about his t-shirt faux pas from last year’s barbecue, before discussing the free trade agreement with India.See om...

New Zealand’s energy crunch: Can innovation keep the lights on?

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand loves to boast about its clean, green energy story. With around 80 to 90% of grid electricity coming from renewable sources like hydro, wi...

Is Ryman’s big reset working?

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

CEO Naomi James joins us to discuss leading a critical reset for Ryman Healthcare. The healthcare and property hybrid holds over $12 billion in assets...

How to stop rising power prices hitting your wallet this year

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Consumer NZ expects power prices to increase by about 5% this year.  It’s after households were already hit with a 12% increase to pow...

Marama Davidson slams the efficacy of the retail crime advisory group

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Marama Davidson and David Seymour debate retail crime, new LNG terminal and poll results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Choosing the right risk profile for your investment

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Forsyth Barr's Mark Richardson on common investing mistakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'It's been very successful' Paul Goldsmith on disbanding the Retail Crime Advisory Group

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Minister of Justice says the group was effective in reducing retail crime throughout New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country 11/02/26: Chris Hipkins talks to Jamie Mackay

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Labour leader on the India Free Trade Agreement, which he calls a "botched process by the government".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Steven Joyce: Former Finance Minister on the focus of the 2026 Economics Forum

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's ability to cope in the current geopolitical landscape is set to be the hot topic at the Economics Forum this week.   Leading econom...

Labour looking to negotiate with Luxon on India FTA rules

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister of Trade defends India Free Trade Agreement

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd McClay: Trade Minister defends concerns raised over what the India FTA will mean for immigration

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Trade Minister's hitting back at suggestions the India Free Trade Agreement will lead to a flood of immigration. Foreign Minster Winston Peters ha...

Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the Free Trade Agreement with India

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trade Minister Todd McClay's recognised he could have been clearer about aspects of his India trade deal.   He's in battles with Foreign Minister...

The Country 10/02/26: Campbell Parker talks to Jamie Mackay

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The chief executive of DairyNZ encourages farmers to vote YES in the upcoming Milksolids Levy vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister defends early end to retail crime advisory group

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Justice Minister says his retail crime advisory group has been successful and productive. It'll been cut short, ending in May - not the planned Se...

Sunny Kaushal: Retail Crime Advisory Group Chair on the early disbanding of the group

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Retail Crime Group chair is brushing off criticism from former members. The Government's scrapping its retail crime Ministerial Advisory Group ear...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO and former group member on the Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group dismantled

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's nothing to suggest the rates of retail crime have fallen. The Government's scrapping its retail crime Ministerial Advisory Group early - after...

Shane Jones: Regional Development Minister defends financial track record of his regional funds

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is defending the financial track record of his regional funds. Around half of Crown Regional Holdings' loan ...

Bite: Property FOMO is gone?

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s love affair with property investing might be entering a new era. Economist Tony Alexander joined us to unpack what’s changed...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics chief executive on the Government's signs a new standards agreement with Australia

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More consistency across the Tasman in the standards for goods and services - could reduce administrative burdens and free up business capacity.  ...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on what investors need to think about for 2026

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More companies are reporting their profits from the final portion of 2025, and it's sparking investigation into what investors need to pay attention t...

Business update with Garth Bray

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Markets with Forsyth Barr

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Forsyth Barr's Zoe Wallis has all the investment tips for your Monday morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Bridge: A debate on interest rates

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I was having a good old debate with a mate at the weekend about interest rates.  We're of the age where, mortgages are a thing.  In Auckland...

(#89) How to Stay Focused When You’re Juggling a Million Things

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Iyia breaks down why staying focused as a business owner feels so hard when you’re juggling nonstop decisions, interruptions, a...

Chris Luxon: Prime Minister remains hopeful for a fall in unemployment

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister remains hopeful for a fall in unemployment this year. Unemployment's reached a 10 year high of 5.4% - with Auckland's unemployment ...

Shannon Barlow: Frog Recruitment Managing Director on the unemployment rate

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The job market's remaining tougher, for longer, than many economists were expecting.  Unemployment's reached a ten-year high of 5.4% in the Decem...

The SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 06 February

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina O'Keeffe each week as she gives you a r...