The SME Stream

Stagflation warning: Why a flat unemployment rate may still spell trouble ahead

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s unemployment rate is expected to hold steady - at least on paper - when new data is released this week.  But beneat...

(#101) 3 Best and Worst Businesses to Start as a Beginner (What I Wish I Knew Earlier)

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling overwhelmed by all the business options out there? In this episode I break down the three business models beginners should avoid and the three...

We're being destroyed' Steel Worx director on why business confidence is so low

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Barrett says just last week they were bidding against 18 other companies for the same jobSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising costs, softer credit - what the latest credit data reveals

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Rising fuel costs and global uncertainty begin to weigh on credit demand, Centrix's Keith McLaughlin discusses the latest dataSee omnystudio.com/liste...

Icehouse Ventures sets its sights on Kiwisaver

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The chief executive of one of the country's largest venture capitalists, Icehouse Ventures Robbie Paul, details its investment plans.See omnystudio.co...

PM mission to Singapore for comprehensive strategic partnership

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

'Todd McClay will sign Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies. We will finally get to see the fineprint. Fran O'Sullivan - Herald Business Commentat...

Why has the NZ share market lagged?

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The NZ share market has no direct exposure to the semiconductor sector which is benefiting from the global AI capex tidal wave. Shane Solly - Harbour ...

Ignore the headlines, says Mary Holm (Bonus Bite)

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bad news sells — but it can also mislead investors. Mary Holm explains why headlines exaggerate market moves, and what you should do instead: st...

Stagflation fears | Singapore 'food for fuel' deal | Korean beauty imports surge

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Could unemployment hit 5.8% this year? PM Luxon takes CEOs to Singapore. K-beauty imports up 280% over 5 years. Garth Bray joins the show with the lat...

David Keat: Energy Security Expert on the deal with Singapore to protect fuel supplies during economic shocks

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An energy expert says having Singapore's fuel won't do a great deal for supply or price.  A signed agreement between the two countries will see S...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the possible US-Iran negotiations

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has floated the idea of the US guiding neutral ships out through the Strait of Hormuz, and it's made an impact on the oil markets. The Br...

I've got good news and bad for Kiwi retailers...

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Bridge has thoughts after hitting the shops over the weekendSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nathan Stanners: Don't get too caught up with checking your KiwiSaver balance

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

All investment accounts are a bit touch and go at the moment.  If you're checking your KiwiSaver more than a few times a year, the amount of move...

If your money could talk to you, what would it say?

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's one thing to talk about money, and and something else entirely to talk to it. But for Rachel Davies, that shift changed everything. Rachel and he...

Antonia Watson: ANZ Chief Executive discusses economic uncertainty as Middle East war continues

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

ANZ is bracing itself for more variability - on the back of a lift in economic activity.  The bank's posted a $1.2billion half year net profit - ...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on the latest quarterly Retail Radar Report

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The fuel crisis is scuppering optimism in the retail sector.  The latest quarterly Retail Radar Report shows rising confidence at the end of last...

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader discusses election policy, Superannuation, India FTA

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins is standing by the decision to wait until after the Budget to announce the party's election policies.   The party has...

Impact of fuel crisis on construction not as dire as it seems

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

G.J Gardner Managing Director Olly Sundstrum joins the showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research reveals tension at the heart of New Zealand's energy transition

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Schneider Electric chief executive Ollie Hill discusses what's holding some businesses back in investing in cleaner energySee omnystudio.com/listener ...

Business update

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins the show with the latest in business newsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta reporting their earnings

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The world's leading tech giants - Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta - all recently reported their latest earnings. All of these companies surpassed...

The SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 01 May

30 Apr 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 61: Former Blackcap and Broadcaster, Mark Richardson

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 61 of the Leaders Getting Coffee podcast, our guest is Former Blackcap and Broadcaster Mark Richardson. There are many elements to the Mark...

Factories in retreat: inside NZ’s deindustrialisation crisis

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is quietly dismantling the productive base that built its prosperity – and we’re doing it without anything resembling a plan. ...

This time it's no different — with Mary Holm

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Legendary finance journalist and author Mary Holm applies her decades of experience to the latest market movements. In the wake of oil shocks and geop...

Chris Hipkins on Parliaments drinking culture, Labour supporting the India FTA, and the PM cancelling regular media appearances

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says Christopher Luxon is running away from scrutiny after he cancelled his regular weekly interview on TVNZ's Breakfast p...

Power prices are going up 8%

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Bridge asks Finance Minister Nicola Willis what's being done about the hikesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's capital gains tax plan

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

'Going to be introducing a simple, targeted capital gains tax' Chris Hipkins Ryan BridgeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country 29/04/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The PM comments on his new harder line with the media and coalition partners, the success of the Indian FTA signing, a new fuel deal, and why he&rsquo...

Who are the big winners of the NZ-India FTA deal?

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A once in a generation trade deal, but for who? Peter Chrisp, NZTE chief executive, discusses which sectors will benefit and whenSee omnystudio.com/li...

Halter's global connectivity plan for farmers

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Virtual fencing challenges removed as Halter joins up with Starlink, its chief executive Craig Piggott discusses what's next for farmers.See omnystudi...

What's behind the foreign investment spike?

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Foreign Investment went from $10b a year in 2024 to $17b last year, but there was one big deal of $1.2b which really spiked the numbers. Anne Gibson, ...

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the stock market turning around in April

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Following the market downturn in March as a result of the Iran conflict , things appear to be more hopeful towards the end of April. The ceasefire cau...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on whether we should be concerned about insurance going up

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The recent burst of bad weather and growing concerns about inflation have prompted Kiwis to worry about their insurance premiums going up. Insurance p...

Chris Small: ABC Business Sales Managing Director on the data showing small business sales rose 3.9% in the March quarter

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Confidence for small business owners, with sales continuing to grow.   New Xero small business data shows business sales rose 3.9% in the March q...

Shane Jones: Associate Energy Minister on the deal with Z Energy to stockpile another 90 million litres of diesel

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Associate Energy Minister says an extra diesel stock is a buffer against worsening conditions.  The Government's inked a deal with Z Energy f...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's plan to loosen restrictions for heavy vehicles

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government says there will be downsides to loosening restrictions on heavy vehicles. Trucking lobby group Transporting New Zealand is calling for ...

AI's impact on NZ productivity

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Fairgray - Chief Business Officer at 2 DegreesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unplugging the economic potential of supermarket jobs

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan Bridgeman - Managing Editor, NZME Business, looks at what it takes to go from stacking shelves to running your own supermarket.See omnystudio.c...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on Australia and New Zealand looking to lift rates amid ongoing fuel crisis

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

While most of the world will hold interest rates and wait out the energy shock, Australia and New Zealand are set to lift their rates up. Both nations...

The Milford Report - 'Volatility is the price we pay for those potentially higher long term returns'

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How to become comfortable with volatile markets. Philip Morgan Rees, General Manager Wealth Management and Advice at MilfordSee omnystudio.com/listene...

Market Outlook: What to expect from Powell's final Fed rate decision

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Forsyth Barr's Zoe Wallis joins the show for a look at the week ahead in the markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bite: Selling luxury in a tough market

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Luxury is slowing down globally — with major brands seeing sales dip as consumers pull back on discretionary spending. But Michael Hill’s ...

Business wrap

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest in business news with Garth Bray, thanks to Forsyth BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country 28/04/26: Kate Acland talks to Jamie Mackay

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Chair of Beef + Lamb NZ applauds the signing of the Indian FTA, with sheep meat set to be one of the big winners.See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on what the India FTA means for Kiwi farmers

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand and India have signed a landmark FTA - which is set to slash tariffs on Kiwi exports to India. The agreement will now be examined by Parli...

Dileepa Fonseka: BusinessDesk senior journalist on the contents of New Zealand's FTA with India

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

One expert has noticed there doesn't appear to be any significant surprises in New Zealand's new trade agreement with India. The agreement was signed ...

NZ meat and wool exporters react to Indian free trade agreement

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Federated Farmers meat and wool chair, Richard Dawkins reveals what the deal actually means.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike's Minute: It's not as bad in business as you think

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Here's a small myth-busting exercise for you – things aren't as bad as you might think.  Business sales from small and medium businesses ar...

The risk in helping your kids financially

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Helping your kids get ahead financially sounds simple, but get it wrong and things unravel fast.Wealth and succession lawyer Andrew Clements has seen ...

How Iran’s war and oil shock could hit inflation, interest rates and jobs

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister is adamant that New Zealand’s economic recovery has been delayed, but not derailed, by the war in Iran.  Nic...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister discusses the signing of the India Free Trade Agreement, cancelling the TVNZ Breakfast interview spot

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister says New Zealand's free trade agreement with India should be in effect by the end of the year.  The deal's been signed in New ...

(#100) Why Your Marketing Isn't Working (And the Strategy That Actually Does)

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The old influencer playbook is dead. In this episode I break down the marketing shift the fastest growing brands are quietly using right now, why nano...

The Country 24/04/26: Chris Hipkins talks to Jamie Mackay

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We salute the Labour leader for supporting the Indian FTA, despite his reservations, but ask if he is electable with no policy and TPM as a stablemate...

The country's economic outlook continues to look grim

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As New Zealand's economy struggles to find its footing, S&P analyst Martin Foo discusses the key indicators we should be watching out forSee omnys...

Oil telling two stories, Zethos fires up Chch plant, French investigate betting fraud

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Markets giving mixed oil signals, cleantech firm starts $6m experimental refinery, did a Polymarket user fix a bet on Paris weather with a hair dryerS...

2026 economic recovery 'delayed'

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Independent economist Cameron Bagrie on NZ's economic outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's helping women reach leadership positions?

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Partner support ranks alongside workplace factors as a critical driver of success. Leadership Coach and Researcher - Dr Amanda Sterling.See omnystudio...

Are equity markets being far too sanguine? Phil Borkin - JBWere

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Despite oil prices sitting above pre-conflict levels and the Strait of Hormuz still shut, global equity markets have rebounded strongly. What gives?&n...

Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the signing of the free trade agreement with India

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Trade Minister says there won't be any unpleasant surprises in the final text of our free trade agreement with India.  The deal is due to be ...

The Country 23/04/26: Winston Peters talks to Jamie Mackay

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour supports the Indian FTA, but a fired-up NZ First leader says it’s an “utter unmitigated disaster of an agreement for NZ’s fut...

Damien O'Connor: Labour's Trade Spokesperson on the party agreeing to support the India Free Trade deal

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's written to the Prime Minister supporting the India Free Trade Deal being signed in New Delhi next week.  National needed their support t...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on Moody's credit rating agency downgrading outlook for New Zealand

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister says politicians should see our downgraded Moody's economic outlook as a wake-up-call, as she pieces together her Budget. The rat...

Why has Moody's put NZ on negative credit watch Plus, infrastructure overhaul

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Credit ratings agency confirms NZ AAA bur with a negative outlook citing slow path to surplus, govt moves big investments from Treasury to Infrastruct...

Government moves to stop gold-plated infrastructure projects Herald NOW Business

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Senior Correspondent Katie Bradford examines how the infrastructure commission may change how big projects are deliveredSee omnystudio.com/listener fo...

New Zealand's financial outlook downgraded to negative by rating agency

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Economist Brad Olsen tells Ryan Bridge what NZ's latest economic downgrade means.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on the party confirming it plans to support the India FTA

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's leader is doubling down on his concern about the India-New Zealand free trade agreement's $33 billion Kiwi investment target.  The party...

Ryan Bridge: The path to improving financial literacy

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I see ACT is flying a kite on free money for school kids.  Which sounds odd given the party's aversion to free lunches.  Seymour's talking a...

The SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 24 April

23 Apr 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...

How algorithms are quietly rewriting the state

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Artificial intelligence isn’t coming to the New Zealand public sector – it’s already here. AI is shaping everything from your tax b...

Pressure makes diamonds: Michael Hill

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How does an iconic Kiwi brand recover from store closures, falling earnings, and the deaths of its founder and CEO? Jonathan Waecker, new CEO of Micha...

The Country 22/04/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After a tough day at the office yesterday, the Prime Minister is all fired up over the media, Winston and the Indian FTA.See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Erica Stanford: Immigration Minister on the economic impact of the Golden Visa, Shane Jones' comments on the India FTA

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The revamped Golden Visa is providing a major boost to the economy. The Active Investor Plus visa's brought in $1.5 billion, with another $2.4 billion...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Labour mulling over the India trade agreement

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour is still mulling whether to back the India free-trade agreement, despite it being set to be signed on Monday. Speaking to the Herald after Labo...

Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the inflation rate staying steady at 3.1%, when the OCR may be lifted

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank may have to hike the OCR sooner than expected, with inflation tracking higher than forecast.  Inflation remains at 3.1% – ...

AI is coming for your finances. Are you ready?

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine having a financial adviser in your pocket. With AI innovations transforming what finance apps are capable of, that reality might not be too fa...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the Consumer Price Index remaining at 3.1%

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation was higher than it should be, even before factoring in the full impact of the war on Iran.  Stats NZ data shows the inflation rate rema...

Volatility with the open-again closed-again strait of Hormuz

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

'About 50% of the rally we've seen over the last few weeks has been driven by equity fundamentals.' Alice Mew - Craigs Investment PartnersSee omnystud...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the inflation rate remaining unchanged at 3.1%, the Luxon leadership saga

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister is concerned about an expected spike in inflation.  The inflation rate has remained unchanged at 3.1% in the March quarter, ...

The Country 21/04/26: Damien O'Connor talks to Jamie Mackay

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Will Labour’s trade spokesperson have breaking news on the Indian FTA after today’s caucus?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

The Country 21/04/26: Dr Elizabeth Heeg talks to Jamie Mackay

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The NZFOA Chief Executive comments on the Indian FTA and challenging times for the forestry industry, off the back of the fuel crisis.See omnystudio.c...

Bruce Bernacchi: Tax Partner at Dentons on Inland Revenue contacting crypto-investors over unpaid tax

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Inland Revenue is reminding crypto-investors of their tax obligations.   The agency says it has identified 355 thousand unique crypto-asset users...

Help for India's orchards under FTA, Auckland Council appeals Winton fast-track

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Apples & kiwifruit export quotas tied to NZ help with productivity gains for Indian orchards; council says fast-track approval for Sunfield develo...

Mark Smith: ASB Chief Economist looks ahead to the Q1 inflation rate

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today's inflation numbers could represent calm before the storm.  Annual inflation's likely to have fallen in the first quarter of this year afte...

Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on Kiwi businesses raising concerns over the war in Iran

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion has revealed business confidence has taken a hit for the March quarter. Only a net 1 percent of ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on NZ First planning to break up the supermarket duopoly

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister has raised some concerns over NZ First's bid to break up the supermarket duopoly.  NZ First has announced that if re-elected...

Fran O'Sullivan on the India free trade deal due to be signed next Monday

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

'Aspiration to invest $33b in 15 years. "I'd be very surprised if we get anwhere in coo-wee of that, however it indicates that the doors are open to N...

US markets rallied last week. When will NZ do the same?

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

'We're more exposed as an economy to the Middle East pressure point' Shane Solly - Harbour Asset Management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

Vicky Pryce: Business correspondent on the latest in oil prices with possibility of new talks between US, Iran

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Talks are set to resume this week in Pakistan, but currently it's unconfirmed whether Iran will be in attendance. Previous talks have been unsuccessfu...

Market Outlook Tech stocks surge in historic comeback

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tesla and Boeing results in the spotlight as reporting season continues. Forsyth Barr's Zoe Wallis joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

(#99) How to Stop Negative Self-Talk and Make Your Mind Work For You

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Your biggest obstacle in business is not money, time, or the right idea. It is the voice in your head. In this episode, I break down why your brain tu...

Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist on the CPI data for Q1 releasing today amidst the Middle East crisis

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today's inflation numbers won't reflect the full impact of the war in the Middle East.  The first quarter of this year's expected to show a dip i...

Market Outlook Tech stocks surge in historic comeback

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tesla and Boeing results in the spotlight as reporting season continues. Forsyth Barr's Zoe Wallis joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

Janet Xuccoa: Most people should really have a trust

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We often think of trusts as a way to protect your assets, especially if you work in certain fields - but a surprising number of regular families use t...

Shamubeel Eaqub: Simplicity chief economist on the increase in KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals have spiked to their highest in a decade last month, amid rising fuel prices. According to the IRD, more than 5600 peop...

Peter Norris: The difference between how much the bank will loan you and how much you can afford

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

So you want a loan to buy a property.  The bank sifts through all the money that's gone in and out of your accounts going back an uncomfortable a...

Bite: Vanguard’s take on volatile markets

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus clip, Vanguard’s Kathy Kellert breaks down how markets have historically responded to geopolitical shocks—and how staying in...

Winston Peters: NZ First leader says they will campaign on breaking up supermarket duopoly

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday New Zealand First announced a campaign policy to break up New Zealand's supermarket duopoly. Woolworths and Foodstuffs currently control ove...

Is the Red Sea the world's next major trade chokepoint?

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Iranian military has threatened shipping in the Gulf, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Oman if the US naval blockade continues. The threats made by genera...

The Huddle: What do we make of the Government's handling of the fuel crisis?

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley joined in on a discussion a...