The SME Stream
Episodes
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive says prices in her sector will increase soon
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The conflict in Iran won't just affect petrol. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says prices in her domain haven't increased yet, but they...
Episode 57, Part 2: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 57 part 2, we continue out chat with The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand. Followin...
Business: oil and gas prices, and the Warkworth to Te Hana highway
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Garth Bray joins the show to chat the latest business news, with thanks to Forsyth BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what investors should be thinking about when it comes to the Middle East crisis
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Punishing strikes continue across the Middle East as Iran retaliates to US-Israeli attacks - with Gulf states busy blocking incoming fire. Israel cont...
Rural Update: Profitability at all-time high, but farmers remain cautious
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Latest confidence survey shows 70% of farms are turning a profit. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford joins the show to discuss.See omnystudio....
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 06 March
05 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...
Australia's new unicorn and its digital twins
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Business of Tech, I talk to Neara co‑founder Jack Curtis about how a “physics-based digital twin” of electricity grids ...
The winners and losers of an AI revolution
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is the golden age of software over? Andrew Curtayne, tech sector specialist at Milford Asset Management, puts the industry under the microscope. While...
(#93) Why Successful Women Still Get Paid Less (And How to Change It)
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I dive into the uncomfortable truth about why successful women are still getting paid less - even when we’re outperforming ever...
Todd McClay: Trade Minister on New Zealand’s export boom accelerating
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s export boom is accelerating. New international trade figures show exports climbed to 29.2 billion dollars in the December quarter ...
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the increase in new lending going to first-home buyers with small deposits
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A record portion of new bank lending to first-home buyers is going to those with small deposits. More than half of the $1.1 billion lent to first-home...
Katherine Rich: Business NZ CEO on exports rising to $29.9 billion in the December quarter
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s exports are booming, driven by rising global demand for food. New trade figures show exports surged to $29.2 billion dollars...
The Country 03/03/26: Cameron Bagrie talks to Jamie Mackay
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Independent economist comments on the state of the world economy as war breaks out in the Middle East. We talk trade implications, interest and exchan...
Gas and house prices - what's happening?
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Garth Bray joins Ryan to talk business thanks to Forsyth BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Hipkins responds to Middle East-US conflict, NZ living costs and KiwiSaver 2.0
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Labour leader joins Ryan to discuss some of the day's most pressing concernsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dehardt van der Merwe: Propopoly founder on what the company hopes to do for Kiwis
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Propopoly is a startup that aims to give everyday New Zealanders a chance to enjoy the benefits of being a property developer. The business allows peo...
What will be the economic fall-out of the Iran war
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US Market expert Greg Boland with an update on the markets, following escalating conflict in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...
Rebecca Ingram: Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO on tourism spending reaching $46.6 billion
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tourism continues to be a major force in the economy. Stats NZ says it shows tourism spending in New Zealand has hit $46.6 billion, up 3.3% on l...
Huia Burt: Electric Kiwi CEO on the new rules faced by power companies to increase transparency
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Electricity Authority is being accused of tinkering around the edges instead of solving the real issues with the electricity market. ...
KiwiSaver 2.0 - $5000 free from birth
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Business leader Fraser Whineray reveals his idea for KiwiSaver 2.0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on what the Middle East conflict could do to oil prices
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The conflict has seen oil prices jump, and could mean higher costs at the pump. But Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it doesn't mean we need to re-...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the economic implications of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There's concerns about what the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could do for oil prices and inflation. Iran's sent retaliation strikes across the ...
Does KiwiSaver still work?
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Debate suggests a change is neededSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the Iran conflict
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The recent conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns about the wide-reaching implications for the global economy. The US and Israel launched st...
Monika Lacey: Centrix Chief Operating Officer on consumer credit demand rising and arrears beginning to dip year on year
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Promising signs when it comes to consumer arrears. The latest Centrix data shows the number of people behind on their payments in January was 49...
Martin Hawes: Are you losing money on ethical investing?
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ethical investing seems to be a hot topic when it comes to choosing an investment fund or KiwiSaver provider. I've often heard providers boast t...
(#92) Why Saturated Markets Are the Best Places to Start a Business in 2026
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I break down why saturated markets aren’t something to avoid - they’re actually the smartest and most profitable places t...
Nicola Willis: KiwiSaver changes to loosen restrictions on rural investors
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Government has highlighted issues within the KiwiSaver Act that have prevented a number of Kiwis from using their accounts to buy a home. Ma...
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister discusses making KiwiSaver easier to access for rural workers
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A barrier stopping rural workers from using KiwiSaver is being lifted. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence staff have been unable to make...
Gareth Edgecombe: T&G Global Chief Executive discusses strong financial result from premium apple demand
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Premium apple demand is at the core of a strong financial result for T&G Global. Its revenue has increased by 14% to $1.6 billion and its net prof...
Business: Nvidia's record results, financial services bigger than agriculture, PR firm’s $3.2m success fee
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The latest in business news with Garth Bray. Thanks to Forsyth Barr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair says new KiwiSaver rules are a win for rural staff
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Farmers say new KiwiSaver rules are a win for rural staff looking to buy property. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence personnel can now ...
Business: Volumes up for Port of Tauranga, Vista back in the black, valuations trim Summerset
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Garth Bray joins Ryan Bridge Today to talk the day's biggest business stories. Thanks to Forsyth Barr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...
Rob Heyes: Infometrics principal consultant says benefit sanctions aren't working
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
An economist says benefit sanctions aren't working. The traffic light system was introduced last year and beneficiaries who failed obligations l...
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 ...