The SME Stream

The Milford report: Too much tinkering with Kiwisaver

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

General Manager KiwiSaver and Investment Funds Murray Harris discusses Kiwisaver contributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kerre Woodham: It's the economy, stupid

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"It's the economy, stupid," is a catchphrase that means the primary concern of American voters is the state of the American economy and how that econo...

Business update - US interest rates staying put

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan for the latest business update thanks to Forsyth BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cameron Bagrie: Independent Economist on the economic forecasts around GDP and economic growth

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Banks' forecasts of an economic contraction in the second quarter are probably right, independent economist Cameron Bagrie says.  ASB’s rev...

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive on business confidence slumping amid oil shock

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

All signs are pointing towards inflation going up - as the Middle East conflict causes business confidence to plummet.  ANZ's latest Business Out...

Shane Jones: Associate Energy Minister on fuel stocks, supply offers, inadequate storage

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s fuel suppliers will be “substantially punished” legally and financially if they don’t live up to their word in s...

Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy and Strategy on the effect of the Middle East conflict on the labour market

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Economic headwinds coming out of the Middle East could set back the labour market. The number of filled jobs across the country lifted 0.3% from Janua...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's plan to secure more fuel security amid ongoing conflict

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's looking at ways to keep hold of even more fuel than legally required.  Fuel stocks have risen as of last Wednesday, with 27.9 da...

Fraser Whineray: KiwiSaver expert on the new changes set to kick in this week

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

KiwiSaver is undergoing some reforms, and former Mercury head Fraser Whineray is hoping to make it more competitive with Australia.  The new chan...

What's going down in Cameroon? Global Trade Organisation meetings not seeing consensus

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Herald business commentator, Fran O'Sullivan - "Global trade grew by 6% last year but they're predicting it will slow to 1.9% this year."See omnystudi...

The Country 30/03/26: Rachel Shearer talks to Jamie Mackay

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The general manager of PGG Wrightson Wool says the current global economic challenges are weighing on a market that has performed well over the past t...

David Seymour: Deputy Prime Minister on Labour's hesitance to support the India Free Trade Agreement

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's support for an India Free Trade Agreement remains tentative as it digs through the details.   Leader Chris Hipkins has written to Trade ...

Business update with Garth Bray

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan with the latest in today's business newsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on oil prices surging as Iran war continues

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Brent crude oil price is on track for a record surge as the conflict in the Middle East continues. Oil prices have been climbing all month as a re...

Ed McKnight: Is it still worth buying a house?

29 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For a long time, the kiwi dream has been to do whatever it takes to get onto the property ladder and work your way up from there, but some investors a...

Amanda Morrall: Saving money with rising costs

29 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prices are going up.  Food prices are up, and will keep going up alongside fuel. Practically any goods that travel by land air or ocean to get to...

Are EVs worth it in NZ? Running costs, battery life and price comparisons

29 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Now, more than ever, it might seem like a good idea to invest in an electric vehicle, but does it make sense financially? Johnathan Sergel, the AA&rsq...

(#96) Why You Keep Procrastinating (And How to Break the Cycle Today)

29 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know exactly what you need to do but still can't make yourself do it? In this episode, I break down the real reason so many people stay stuck -...

Josh Ellison: Fuel crisis good news for renewable energy sector

29 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest numbers, as at one week ago, there were 24 days of petrol and 18 days of diesel in the country.  Things are looking to worsen for the ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister says Phase 3 or 4 in fuel plan would be bad for the economy

29 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones announced the four-stage fuel plan in response to fuel supply concerns...

Westpac CEO on how kiwi businesses are weathering the storm

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The bank sees a hole in economic growth in the middle of 2026 but remains hopeful of a recovery in the second half of the year says CEO Catherine McGr...

What can investors reasonably expect based on past patterns

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s volatility echoes past conflicts like the Gulf War, when oil doubled. Ricky Ward from JBWere joins the show to disucss.See omnystudi...

Xero signs deal with Anthropic, oil price lifts on further Gulf tensions

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the investor concerns around the private credit sector

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The private credit sector has given investors cause for concern. Questions have been raised about the sector's future amid a flood of redemption reque...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on ACT confirming the Government's hit pause on the surcharge ban

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour may still hand a lifeline to the Government's much-touted surcharge ban.  The policy was announced with much fanfare last year - with Mini...

The SME Stream Weekly Wrap -27 March

26 Mar 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 AI is transforming the classroom, with Nadim Nsouli 

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Business of Tech, I talk to Inspired Education founder Nadim Nsouli to explore a bold experiment in AI‑driven schooling that will r...

A property fund for the future economy

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Meet Jason Huljich, co-CEO of ASX 200 property fund manager Centuria Capital. Since the 90s, Centuria has built an empire worth $22B, managing 150 fun...

How much extra will you pay in prices?

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Reserve Bank chief economist Paul Conway weighs inSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RBNZ played a straight bat - no hike, no cut - yet

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"The markets are saying two rate hikes before the election and that's going to be tough for people" - Independent commentator Bernard HickeySee omnyst...

The Country 25/03/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister comments on the fuel crisis, the tax credit relief package, Winston Peters and Halter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

What do markets believe is real

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We have apparently moved from “obliterate” to “productive conversations” in just over a day.  Matthew Goodson from Salt F...

One million cows collared by Halter

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Business update with Garth Bray thanks to Forsyth BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the NZX dropping 1.53 percent amid Iran conflict

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The New Zealand sharemarket turned downwards, finishing with a fall of over 1.53 percent. The conflict in the Middle East has continued on, and oil pr...

Fuel price shock: Who misses out under tax credit boost

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every New Zealander at the moment is feeling the impact of the price of fuel.   It’s something Finance Minister Nicola ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's relief package for lower to middle income working families as fuel prices continue rising

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister is confident she hasn't jumped the gun with her fuel relief package.  The Government's unveiled a temporary $50 weekly tax c...

More than half of NZ businesses now see India as a top-three growth market

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The NZ India Business Momentum report says India is fast becoming a top priority for kiwi businesses.  From Mumbai ...

Midnight oil: Price plunges overnight following Trump social media post

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan to talk business - thanks to Forsyth BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices plunge after Trump post

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mo Singh from Craigs Investment Partners bring us the latest on global markets and the impact to oil prices and supply.See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman's speech on the Iran war

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank Governor says the central bank is closely monitoring fuel prices, but won't rush into reacting. Anna Breman says the Iran war is like...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's planned cost relief measures for households impacted by fuel crisis

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed plans are in place to unveil a package to help households with the cost of fuel. She says more details wil...

Chloe Swarbrick: Green Party co-leader on proposed fossil fuel relief package

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Green Party is offering its support to National to fast-track a fossil fuel relief package, bypasssing other parties with their combined 63 votes....

John MacDonald: The fairest way for businesses to recoup fuel costs

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This fuel situation is starting to feel like herding cats.  You’ve got the government, on one hand, going on about seven weeks supply. Don&...

Iran War Are global markets facing prolonged disruption, similar to Covid

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Forsyth Barr's Zoe Wallis joins Ryan with what to watch in the markets this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Tuffley: ASB Senior Economist on the results of ASB's Regional Economic Scoreboard

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's a tale of two cities, with Canterbury crowned the top regional economy and Wellington finishing last.   ASB's latest Regional Economic Score...

Dom Kalasih: Transporting NZ CEO on the Government announcing cost relief measures to tackle fuel crisis

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister's set to announce details of cost relief measures for low-to-middle households today.  Nicola Willis announced the support p...

Richard Wyeth: Synlait CEO on the $80.6 million half-year loss, future of the company

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Synlait's boss says the company's facing its toughest period in 20 years, but hopes a turnaround is near.  The Canterbury milk processor's posted...

Cabinet has some big decisions ahead

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Will the NZ navy join a Trump prosposed coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz? Global trade takes a hit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Retail pulse check

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kathmandu owner KMD, Hallenstein Glassons and The Warehouse Group all report half-year results that will probably l...

Rupert Carlyon: Global tension? Ignore your KiwiSaver

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tensions are high for everyone right now, and I know most people will either be nervously checking their KiwiSaver balance on the daily, or completely...

Is owning a home overrated?

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Buying your first home is seen as a key milestone signifying success in your financial journey, while “just" renting is somehow seen as being be...

GDP is up in New Zealand, so why does the economy still feel flat?

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday, Stats NZ released New Zealand’s GDP performance for the last quarter of 2025, and the government tells ...

(#95) How to Scale Your Business to $100K Months (My 3‑Step Framework)

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I break down the exact 3‑step framework I’ve used to launch and scale seven different businesses - including the strategies t...

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister chats economic management amidst instability

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking for their weekly catch up to chat about the fuel crisis, economic management, and the possibility...

Capital underspend of $2.4 billion

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Sir Rod Drury: Xero Founder on being named the 2026 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sir Rod Drury believes it's New Zealand's time to step up and make a big difference in the world.  The Xero founder has been crowned the 2026 Kiw...

Too small is a tech myth – Mehran Gul on NZ’s real advantage

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some places become tech powerhouses while others, just as smart and connected, stall out?  In the latest episode of The Business of Tech, ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the state of fuel prices and reserves and the GDP rising by 0.2% in the December quarter

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is looking into ‘doing something simple’ to get cash into Kiwis' wallets as fuel prices increase, refined oil proving a cha...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the GDP growing by 0.2%

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's economy wasn't doing as well as we thought, even before war broke out in the Middle East.  Latest Stats NZ data shows GDP rose just...

Matt Gault: ANZ Senior Economist on the Q4 GDP result

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's economy is heading into the current Middle East crisis noticeably weaker than expected. GDP's risen just 0.2 percent in the December qua...

Michael Reddell: former Reserve Bank economist on the state of the economy following recent GDP figures

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says it's getting harder to know how much the economy's growing or shrinking. Stats NZ estimates GDP ros...

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Is there a bright side to all the bad economic news?

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I’m sorry to say it’s a bit of a bad day - a day of rather unpleasant economic news, I’m afraid. Let’s start with the GDP numb...

The SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 19 March

19 Mar 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 58: Chief Economist at ANZ, Sharon Zollner

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 58, our guest Sharon Zollner, Chief Economist at ANZ Bank. At a time when the economic recovery in New Zealand is th...

The Country 18/03/26: Mike McIntyre talks to Jamie Mackay

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jarden analyst reviews last night’s GDT auction, up 0.1%, the sixth consecutive rise. While the result remained basically unchanged, &ldquo...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the KiwiSaver withdrawal rule changes being driven by farmer lobbying

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Officials are calling out the Government for loosening KiwiSaver withdrawal rules in response to lobbying by Federated Farmers, rather than evidence-b...

Cameron Bagrie: independent economist responds to Treasury's 'worst case' economic forecast

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Economists are questioning Treasury's 'worst case' economic forecast from the Iran war. It predicts a worst case scenario of inflation hitting 3.7 per...

Questions over the price increase of fuel in NZ

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Transporting NZ CEO Dom Kalasih says diesel price increase in Australia is lowerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on the impacts of the ongoing conflict in Iran

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The conflict in the Middle East is continuing on for another week, and it's got experts concerned about the economic impacts. Iran's blocking shipping...

Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the expectation the GDP will rise by 0.4% in the December quarter

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Economists are predicting promising economic results from the last quarter ahead of the ongoing ripple effects caused by war in the Middle East. GDP d...

Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on GDP data

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Westpac's chief economist is still holding out hope New Zealand will weather financial headwinds from the Iran war.  Stats NZ's releasing data fo...

Schools are teaching money in class, but what are we teaching at home?

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Financial education is now embedded in maths classes for students in years 0-10, and from next year it will also form part of the social sciences curr...

How high could fuel prices go, and what help could be on the way?

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation could hit 3.7% under Treasury’s ‘worst-case’ inflation scenario.  It’s while petrol prices have risen abou...

Becoming a nation of investors and savers

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mideast fallout impacts investments

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Eckhold: Westpac economist on whether more people will need to work from home following Middle East crisis

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A top economist advises thinking about working from home to save fuel. Iran's maintaining its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz - retaliating to the c...

Matt Ball: NZ Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager on the report showing the sector's economic impact

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The economic impact of property investors is being quantified for the first time.  A report commissioned by the Property Investors Federation est...

Bite: The $750B race to build AI infrastructure

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nvidia’s growth is tied to a massive global build-out of AI infrastructure — but most of the spending isn’t coming from consumers. I...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the ongoing global oil crisis, action in the Strait of Hormuz

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has emphasised there’s a range of scenarios for inflation amidst the global oil crisis – not just the worst...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on retail spending trending upward before Iran conflict

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's hopes the war in Iran doesn't reverse gains in our retail sector by making shipping more expensive.  Stats NZ data shows back-to-back inc...

New numbers reveal an updated outlook on New Zealand's economic recovery

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Westpac Chief economist Kelly Eckhold tells Herald NOW that NZ's long-awaited economic recovery is delayed, but not cancelled as Iran conflict continu...

Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on worst case scenario for NZ economy from Iran War

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Treasury has released numbers on the potential fallout for the New Zealand economy from the Iran war. It estimates that under a worst‑case scenario ...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the third week of the Iran conflict

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The conflict in the Middle East has entered its third week and there's concerns about what it could do to the markets. Iran's still restricting moveme...

Chris Wilson: KiwiSaver changes need some tweaking

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From April 1st, the KiwiSaver minimum default contribution rate will move up to 3.5%.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

From carless days to EV push: The fuel crunch options on the table

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re old enough, then you’ll remember there was a time when every Kiwi household had to pick a weekday where they wouldn’t driv...

(#94) Why No One Buys From Brands They Don’t Remember (And How to Fix Yours)

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I break down why most entrepreneurs struggle with inconsistent sales - their audience simply doesn’t remember their brand when ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on New Zealand's fuel supplies, next steps amid ongoing uncertainty

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government admits its walking a fine line between being prepared and causing panic.  It's considering a raft of possible measures like car-le...

The SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 13 March

12 Mar 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...

Will the government subsidise fuel amid the Middle East conflict?

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Ryan Bridge to share the government's position. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the Middle East is threatening our economic recovery

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former finance minister, Steven Joyce, joins Ryan to talk through the implications of the war in the Middle east on NZ's economic recoverySee omnystud...

Why the Middle East crisis is bad news for farmers and food prices alike

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arable farmer, David Birkett says the industry is already suffering skyrocketing prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelvin Davidson: Cotality Chief Property Economist on housing affordability reaching a decade-best level

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Housing affordability in New Zealand has improved to its best level in almost a decade, according to new data from Cotality.  Lower property valu...

Matt Goodson: Salt Funds Management managing director on the markets fluctuating amid Middle East conflict

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump i...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel prices

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is actively monitoring the impact international fuel prices are having on the price we're being asked to pay at the pump.  Crude o...

Business: US tech sector layoffs up | oil shock | commercial insurance costs fall

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Mark Lister: Craigs Investment Partners on NZX and global markets taking a dive due to the conflict in the Middle East

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some positive signs from international markets overnight.  American and European markets tumbled on Friday due to ongoing concerns about the Midd...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the economic impact of the war in Iran

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's growing concerns about the economic impacts of the war in Iran. Crude oil prices have topped $100 US dollars a barrel for the first time since...

Nichole Lewis: Townhouses are a bad investment

08 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New builds and townhouses alike have become the best option for first home buyers looking to get into the market.  Townhouses offer a lower-cost ...

What do professional investors do when the world is on fire?

08 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When news of events like the war in Iran hit share markets – everyday investors often act on instinct, but what do professional investors do? Th...

John Stevenson: Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair says farmers are planning investments after Fonterra sale

08 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Many Fonterra dairy farmers are planning to invest their upcoming capital return back into their farms. The dairy co-op's been given the green light b...