The SME Stream

David Seymour on politics, privacy, and being himself

20 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour sits down with Paula Bennett for a wide-ranging conversation that goes well beyond politics. They talk about growi...

Peter Lewis: Asia business correspondent says China's economy shows signs of strain

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In November China's economy showed clear signs of strain as investment, consumption, and industrial output all weakened more than anticipated.  "...

Herald Now Full Episode 19 December

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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GDP- What does the 1.1% increase actually mean

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert looks back on global equity markets for 2025

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2025 has been a memorable year for global equity markets, and it's prompted speculation from investors.  Between economic downturns and tariffs, ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister reflects on 2025, looks ahead to 2026

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been a tough run for the economy this year, but the Finance Minister is celebrating the progress that was made.  Nicola Willis told Kerre ...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the GDP rising by 1.1% in Q3

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's economy grew more than expected between July and September.  But between April and June, it shrank more than previously thought.&nb...

Herald Now Full Episode 18 December

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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2025’s big lessons for investors

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As 2025 wraps, how are we set up for the year to come? We welcome economic experts Shamubeel Eaqub, Chief Economist at Simplicity, and Paul McBeth fro...

AI slop, smart rings and riding the S-curve: The year in tech and what’s ahead

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“Never a dull moment” is how Wellington-based veteran consumer tech reviewer and commentator Pat Pilcher describes the year in tech after ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government pushing out surplus expectations

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government insists it has a plan to turn the economy around.  Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows the country is first fore...

Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on surplus being pushed out to 2029

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update has painted a concerning picture for the Government books. It forecasted the deficit will peak at $16....

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister hopeful surplus will be achieved by 2029 following half-year update

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister's still aiming for a surplus this decade, despite today's bleak economic news. Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update sh...

The Country 16/12/25: Ray Smith talks to Jamie Mackay

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Director General of MPI reviews the December Situation and Outlook for the Primary Industries (SOPI) that was released this morning. Kiwi farmers,...

Steven Joyce: Former Finance Minister ahead of Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a view that New Zealand's still a while away from being a 'rockstar' economy.  Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update documents are comin...

Louise Saviker: Student Job Search CEO on the number of students struggling to find work

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Students are still battling to find consistent work leading into the summer break.  Fifty thousand people applied for work through Student Job Se...

Chris Small: ABC Business Sales CEO on the service sector's worst performance since May

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New data shows the service sector has now dipped in activity for six months in a row.  The most recent PSI recorded performance at its lowest sin...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the Performance of Services Index taking a dive

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index has slowed down, according to new data. Reports show it fell by 1.5 points to 46.9, sparking concer...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister speaks ahead of Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update release

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update is due to be unveiled to the nation tomorrow, and the Finance Ministers outlined her expectation...

(#85) AI Will Replace Your Job in 3 Years: What Business Owners Need to Know

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI is changing marketing faster than any shift we’ve ever seen and business owners everywhere are asking the same question: Will AI replace us? ...

The Country 15/12/25: David Seymour talks to Jamie Mackay

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader makes his final appearance for 2025 as we discuss tomorrow’s Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update...

Monday markets with Forsyth Barr Zoe Wallis talks GDP and financial themes for 2026

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Creating a Global Brand with Lush Co-Founder Rowena Bird

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sienna tells her dad Ben she wants to grow up and start her own beauty brand — just like Rowena Bird from Lush. Rowena’s ...

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the projected dairy prices for 2025/2026

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The global dairy market is expected to face a period of weaker commodity prices off the back of a growth-filled 2025. According to Rabobank's Q4 Globa...

The Country 11/12/25: Emma Higgins talks to Jamie Mackay

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The global dairy market is expected to face a period of weaker commodity prices following "stunning" global milk production growth across the second h...

The Kiwi company dominating global cinema

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Meet the operating system behind the global box office. We’re with Stuart Dickinson, CEO of Vista Group, a Kiwi software provider serving almost...

How cheap drones became the defining weapon of modern conflict

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Drones have gone from hobbyist toys to decisive tools of war and essential infrastructure for industry. Few people have had a better vantage point on ...

Episode 55: Former Speaker of the House and High Commissioner to London, Sir Lockwood Smith

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 55, our guest is the former National Party Minister, Speaker of the House and Ambassador to London, Sir Lockwood Smi...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on her first impressions of the new Reserve Bank Governor

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The new Reserve Bank Governor, Anna Breman, hosted an event for media earlier, allowing financial journalists to get their first look. Breman is monit...

Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on the economic struggles impacting the retail sector

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Recent trading updates indicate the nation's leading retailers are feeling the pinch ahead of the busy season. The Warehouse and Kathmandu are among t...

Kelly Eckhold: Westpac chief economist defends the bank hiking fixed rates

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A signal from the Reserve Bank's led Westpac to hike rates - and one economist expects other banks could follow.  Westpac lifted two five-year fi...

Leaving for Oz: Why so many Kiwis are giving up on the local job market

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kiwis are flying the coop, most of them heading for better opportunities across the Tasman. Latest Stats NZ figures show just over 124,000 migrant dep...

The Country 10/12/25: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister ponders an FTA with India, the RMA reforms, the latest 1News poll, and whether lamb beats ham for Christmas in the Luxon household....

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on the debate between Nicola Willis, Taxpayers' Union, Andrew Coster

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Hipkins is hitting out at the Taxpayers' Union as it prepares to launch a campaign against Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  The lobby group...

When can I actually retire? A calm reality check from an Investment Adviser

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Sue Tierney: Mortgage Broker on Westpac raising its 2-5 year fixed rates by 30 basis points

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A mortgage broker is saying not to panic about rising mortgage rates.   Westpac has announced a 30 basis point increase to its 2-5 year fixed rat...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Executive says summer holidays aren't as bad for the economy as some think

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The length of New Zealand's summer holiday - isn't as bad for the economy as some may think.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon's weighed in on debate -...

(#84) The Viral Playbook: Jony Lee on Mastering Relatable Content | Jony Lee — Head of Growth at The Attention Seeker

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, Iyia sits down with viral content expert Jony Lee Head of Growth at The Attention Seeker with over 1M f...

ASB chief economist This is the turning point for the economy

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on a brighter outlook for the economy in 2026

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Signs of a brighter economy in the year to come.  ASB's forecasting annual growth of more than two-and a half percent in 2026. It point...

Is 2026 the year we finally catch a break?

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Financial mentor David Very joins Nadine Higgins to unpack why 2025 hit so many New Zealanders so hard—and whether 2026 will bring any real reli...

Andrew Bascand: We've seen the bottom of the rate cycle

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last week the Reserve Bank dropped the OCR 25 basis points to 2.25%, but their tone was a bit more hawkish than usual.  Some analysts are thinkin...

Charlotte Lockhart on finding clarity when facing mortality

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett features entrepreneur and philanthropist Charlotte Lockhart, co-founder of the 4 Day Week Global mo...

Paul Bloxham: Are we on track to become a rockstar economy again?

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to consider the question, will New Zealand ever be a rockstar economy again? The phr...

Can Auckland CBD bounce back? Retail vacancies, rail link and recovery

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland’s CBD should be at its brightest right now, but this Christmas season has exposed just how far the city has slipped. The former Smith a...

Federated farmers president on tour with Luxon; Global Dairy Trade auction

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Rocket Lab wins company of the year 2degrees business with Garth Bray of Business Desk

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Deloitte Young Executive of the Year

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister wraps the year, exchanges gifts with Mike Hosking

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The year is nearly at its end and thus the Prime Minister joined Mike Hosking in studio for the final time in 2025.  Christopher Luxon admits man...

The Country 04/12/25: Miles Hurrell talks to Jamie Mackay

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fonterra’s chief executive announces the Co-operative Group’s FY26 Q1 business update.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Pask: BusinessNZ Chief Economist on the economy emerging from stagnation, the debt levels

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A view the Government has to get a handle on debt, with forecasts showing the economy's now finally recovering.  BusinessNZ's Planning Forecast p...

How Ventia invisibly powers your life

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You may not know it, but you’ve probably used a Ventia service today. Dean Banks, Managing Director and Group CEO, tells us how the essential in...

The Kiwi fintech startup hacking the admin hell out of financial advice

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the creaky world of financial advising, where compliance paperwork devours hours and clunky software feels like a relic from the dial-up era, a New...

The Country 03/12/25: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister comments on another drop in the GDT Auction, the US Business Summit, a farm visit today to Hawke's Bay, whether Pāmu is on the cho...

Fiona Cooper: NZUS Council Executive Director on today's US Business Summit

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s relationship with the "Land of Opportunity" is taking the spotlight in Auckland today.  Business, trade, and political leaders ar...

The Country 02/12/25: Mike McIntyre talks to Hamish McKay

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jarden’s head of derivatives takes a closer look at why the GDT index hasn’t been positive since mid-August.See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

US-NZ Relations US Business Summit set to explore what's next

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Steve Jurkovich: Kiwibank CEO on the State of Home Ownership Index

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A view more New Zealanders are adapting to get on the property ladder to overcome economic woes.  Kiwibank's Annual State of Home Ownership Index...

The Kiwi robotics company you might not have heard of

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re at Rocklabs with Mike Christman, CEO of Scott Technology — the 112-year-old Kiwi engineering company that specialises in the design ...

Steve Jurkovich: Kiwibank CEO on the State of Home Ownership Index

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A view more New Zealanders are adapting to get on the property ladder to overcome economic woes.  Kiwibank's Annual State of Home Ownership Index...

The Kiwi robotics company you might not have heard of

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re at Rocklabs with Mike Christman, CEO of Scott Technology — the 112-year-old Kiwi engineering company that specialises in the design ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the OCR cut's failure to sway interest rates

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As expected, the Reserve Bank cut the OCR to 2.25% last week - but an unexpected side effect has been a lack of effect. The Reserve Bank announced tha...

Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on why your interest rates aren't coming down

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last weeks OCR cut brought hope of lower interest rates but the wholesale market seems to have been spooked by the Reserve Bank ruling out further cut...

(#83) The Rich Girl Mindset: Why Poor People Think About Money 24/7 (And Wealthy People Don't)

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Make It Happen, Iyia breaks down the surprising truth behind why some women live in flow, ease, and abundance while others feel stu...

The Country 01/12/25: David Seymour talks to Jamie Mackay

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader talks about using KiwiSaver to buy a farm. Plus, he enters the age-old debate on the age of eligib...

Lisa Dudson: Is it time to fix long term?

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We got another OCR cut this week - now down to 2.25% - the lowest it's been since June of 2022.  That was the last one for the year, so a lot of ...

What we can learn about investing from the fall of Du Val

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

BusinessDesk journalist Maria Slade joins Nadine to discuss her new investigative podcast, The Fall of the House of Du Val, which details how the...

Chris Luxon: Prime Minister says banks should be passing OCR rates to customers, or customers should switch banks

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Luxon says banks need to be passing on their OCR cuts to customers - and customers should be switching banks if they don't. Mortgage rates have ...

Kevin Milne: A bouquet for a boutique business

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Kevin Milne wants to give a boutique business their flowers.  All Better is a toy repair business run by Janice in Te Awamutu. She spec...

Ed McKnight: How do you actually pick a financial adviser?

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Managing finances doesn’t come easily to everyone, and for some, it simply takes more time and energy than they have. So if you’re in the ...

Black Friday special on retail good news; defence estate true cost reveal, what’s Tracksuit won now

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Reserve Bank tips house prices to surge in 2026

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on what's caused the recent recession to last so long

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank has blamed the ongoing recession on an uncertain property market, prompting experts to weigh in. New Zealand has traditionally relied...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the cut to the Official Cash Rate, the economy

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister believes the country is in a position to grow.   The Reserve Bank believes the economy has now turned a corner after last mo...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on retail activity increasing by 1.9% in the September quarter

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Good news for the retail sector as sales increase across the country.  Stats NZ data shows the total volume of sales increased 1.9% in the Septem...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on whether the AI bubble is set to pop

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's growing concerns from experts about the risks surrounding AI investments. Investors believe AI is at risk of forming a stock market bubble, an...

Keith McLaughlin: Centrix Group Managing Director on the IRD's planned crackdown on stubborn debtors

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Inland Revenue Department has launched some new steps in bringing down tax debt - with one scheme linked to a key credit agency. Following a succe...

Ian Woolford: Reserve Bank Money and Cash Director on the RBNZ trialling a community cash depot project

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank is addressing concerns cash is becoming inaccessible by bringing money to rural communities.   It has opened a 12-month trial of...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 28 November

27 Nov 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 ...

Episode 54: CEO of realestate.co.nz, Sarah Wood

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 54, our guest is the CEO of realestate.co.nz, Sarah Wood. As the real estate market starts to show some long aw...

How Tracksuit turned brand data into a global growth engine

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of The Business of Tech, Tracksuit co-founder and chief commercial officer Matt Herbert explains how the startup is using brand ...

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on regional council reforms, KiwiSaver, relationship with NZ First

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins says he's not clear what the Government's aiming for in its plans to change local government. It's proposing replacing the...

The Country 26/11/25: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister ponders a peace deal in Ukraine, going on a farm tour with Federated Farmers, getting rid of regional councils, the OCR, KiwiSaver,...

RBNZ on Herald NOW following OCR cut to 2.25%

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcast...

Christian Hawkesby: Acting Reserve Bank Governor on the OCR being cut to 2.25%

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank Governor is leaving the job tomorrow with no major regrets about the pace of OCR cuts.  The cash rate's dropped 25 basis points ...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government's Building Act overhaul

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leaky-home experts fear a proposed overhaul of the Building Act could leave unlucky home owners - apartment owners in particular - in financial ruin. ...

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on alternative plan to the surcharge ban

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Auckland Business Chamber believes a a surcharge cap is a reasonable compromise to an otherwise unfair rule.  In July, the Government announc...

Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on the market reactions to the latest OCR cut

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank ended the year on a hopeful note and brought down the OCR for the end of 2025. The central bank cut the Official Cash Rate another 25...

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader talks capital gains taxes, coalitions, cross-party commitments

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Hipkins says coalitions require a balance of compromise and standing by values.   The Labour leader says New Zealanders understand the nuan...

The Country with Property Brokers Land & Lifestyle Market Insights: Episode Two Rural Property Market with Conrad Wilkshire

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a new podcast brought to you by Property Brokers and powered by The Country. In Episode Two of Land and Lifestyle Property Markets, Jess Da...

Chris Hipkins on coalitions, Kiwisaver and MP properties

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcast...

The Country 25/11/25: Michael Every talks to Jamie Mackay

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Part one - Rabobank’s Singapore-based global strategist discusses a world economy totally dominated by geopolitics. Could there be a silver lini...

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Fonterra lowering their farmgate milk prices

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fonterra's forewarning farmers falling global dairy prices could hit their bottom lines. The dairy co-op recently cut its seasonal farmgate milk payou...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist ahead of tomorrow's expected cuts to the OCR

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank is set to deliver their final Monetary Policy Statement for 2025 tomorrow, and reports indicate the OCR will be cut further. Economis...

2Degrees Business News

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcast...

Thomas Coughlan: NZ Herald political editor on the Government's proposed changes to KiwiSaver

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Luxon says National's KiwiSaver election pledge will be a bottom line in coalition negotiations. National's announced plans to lift default cont...

Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the reports claiming business confidence is on the up

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New surveys show Auckland business confidence is on the up, with reports indicating businesses are feeling less pessimistic ahead of the new year. Auc...

Bruce Cotterill: advisor to business leaders on Air New Zealand staff threatening strike action

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Up to 15,000 passengers could be disrupted if Air New Zealand cabin crew go ahead with strike action next month. The airline's largely unionised crew ...

Rob Clark: Seek Country Manager on the slight rise in the volume of job ads

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The job market remains in a tough spot despite modest improvements.   The latest Seek NZ Employment Report finds job ad volumes have risen 1% for...

Bite: Gold. Still a safe haven?

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gold took off this year, fuelled by inflation fears, geopolitical tension, and a wave of investor enthusiasm. Jacki Neumann recently spoke to Michelle...