The SME Stream
Episodes
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on what the markets are projecting ahead of RBNZ announcement
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank is set to make an announcement this week, and experts are expecting at least one more cut to the OCR. Markets are projecting the OCR ...
Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplies CEO on the Government requiring mandatory warranties for new home builds and renos
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fears the Government's new construction requirements will unintentionally create a monopoly. The Government's announced mandatory warranties for new h...
Suzanne Paul on wrestling with rejection
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Suzanne Paul is something of a national treasure. The pocket rocket first burst onto our screens in the 90s, promoting Natural Glow and its "thousands...
Martin Hawes: Higher earners increasingly seeking budgeting help
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Queues at budgeting services are getting longer, and financial advisors are finding households with increasing incomes are seeking help. Kiwis w...
David Grubb: What makes a property a liability?
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Head of Banking and Valuation Risk at Valocity, David Grubb, joins Tim Beveridge for the OneRoof radio show. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stre...
The art of spending in retirement
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We hear a lot about how we need to save for retirement, but less is known about how to make that money last once you need to start drawing on it. ...
Rupert Carlyon: KiwiSaver changes would be a step in the right direction
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The National Party have announced their first election promise - a lift to default KiwiSaver contribution rates. The changes would mean that by ...
Mark Lister: Investment Director on persisting nervousness in the stock markets despite Nvidia record results
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There have been no signs of easing anxiety in the stock markets despite record Nvidia results. Investment director for Craigs Investment Partner...
The Kiwisaver rule change farmers are pushing for
23 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...
Claire Matthews: Massey University banking expert says Kiwisaver election pledge doesn't go far enough
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A banking expert is picking apart National's 'piecemeal' Kiwisaver election pledge, saying it doesn't go far enough. The party's promising to li...
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 21 November
21 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 51: Pead PR Founder, Deborah Pead
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 51, our guest is the founder of one of our most influential public relations firms, Deborah Pead. Deborah was born i...
Episode 53: Former CEO of Spark NZ, Simon Moutter
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 53, our guest is the former CEO of both Auckland International Airport and Spark New Zealand, Simon Moutter. Simon M...
Cecilia Robinson on what makes a good leader
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Entrepreneur Cecilia Robinson has built some of New Zealand’s most successful companies in Au Pair Link, My Food Bag and Tend Health. She joins ...
Al Brown on keeping it simple, on the plate and in life
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chef, author and fisherman Al Brown joins Paula to talk food, family and finding joy in the simple things. Al discusses growing up on a farm, discover...
Air NZ on facing headwinds
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Thompson, Air NZ CFO, joins us to discuss the headwinds facing our national carrier. With engine disruptions pushing costs skyward and groundi...
Will open banking kickstart financial disruption?
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Could open banking finally create real competition for money services—beyond the banks? We’re talking to Ben Lynch, who left Xero to found...
What the All Blacks can teach us about resilience with Gilbert Enoka
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka was instrumental in transforming the All Blacks into one of the greatest sports teams of all time, helping with both...
BusinessDesk's Dileepa Fonseka on the CEO index
21 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 20/11/25: Tangaroa Walker talks to Jamie Mackay
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is a dynamic young Southland dairy farmer, and social media influencer, who wants to crowd fund an equity partnership to buy a farm. The podcasts in t...
Inside the AI race: Energy use, agents and the real impact on work
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reporting from the front line of the artificial intelligence revolution, Time magazine reporter Harry Booth has a unique perspective on the techn...
Catherine Beard: BusinessNZ Advocacy Director on the report calling for a long-term plan to strengthen the country by 2050
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bold, bipartisan centred planning is key to ensuring New Zealand doesn't succumb to the effects of a dwindling population and economic growth. ...
Mary Holm: personal finance expert on the growing number of Kiwis facing financial pressure this Christmas
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New data shows that more Kiwis will have to take on debt ahead of this coming Christmas season. A nationwide survey by MYOB showed 35 percent expected...
Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury Chief Executive on Business NZ report
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A warning our major political parties need to display more bipartisan planning so we don't buckle to a dwindling population and economic growth. ...
John MacDonald: I'm paying attention to BusinessNZ, I hope you are too
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I hope people are sitting-up and paying attention to what BusinessNZ is saying today. Especially the people who have their heads in the sand abo...
Kerre Woodham: Contractors, employees, and the gig economy
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Business NZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the Supreme Court's ruling that Uber drivers are in fact employees of Uber, not contractors, could hav...
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government's plan to boost economic hopes ahead of election
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New polling data has revealed less Kiwis have faith the current Government can turn the economy around ahead of the upcoming election. A New Zealand H...
Why your house shouldn't be your retirement plan
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think paying off the family home will have you sorted for retirement? That might have been a solid plan once upon a time, but times have changed and a...
Todd McClay: Trade Minister discusses rollback of US tariffs on beef, offal and kiwifruit
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Trade Minister's cautiously welcoming a rollback of US tariffs on food imports including New Zealand beef, offal and kiwifruit. US President Donal...
Chris Luxon: Prime Minister stands firm against Labour's Capital Gains Tax
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Luxon is standing firm on his opposition to a capital gains tax. A New Zealand Herald-Kantar Poll shows New Zealanders are evenly split on Labou...
John Duffy: Consumer NZ Chief Executive comments on increased fines for breaching the Fair Trading Act
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government is planning to increase fines for breaching the Fair Trading Act - from 600-thousand dollars to five-million. It is announcing a swathe...
Mike's Minute: Tariff backdown is a big win for NZ Inc.
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Big win for NZ Inc. and a lesson for everyone who doesn’t understand tariffs. Donald Trump has cut tariffs on beef and the beneficiaries are lar...
Paul Robertshawe: Octagon Chief Investment Officer discusses failed Comvita takeover bid
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A shareholder vote to approve a takeover bid for Comvita has not gathered enough votes to proceed. The bid from Florence to buy Comvita at 80 c...
Kate Acland: Beef & Lamb New Zealand Chair on Trump's reversing tariffs
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The New Zealand beef sector's set to save some dosh, with the removal of the additional 15-percent tariff on our beef. US President Donald Trump's rev...
SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 14 November
13 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 ...
Max Rashbrooke: IDEA Institute founding trustee explains the benefits of KiwiSaver for kids
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One NZ-based think tank is floating the idea of KiwiSaver schemes for kids, claiming it could set them up with $10,000-$20,000 in savings by the time ...
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the case for investing in gold in 2025
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The price of gold continues to hit new highs, and speculators are wondering whether they should invest. Gold has seen the strongest year since the 197...
Mike's Minute: Why the increased cost of labour will hurt our economy
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In America at the moment there is a lot of talk about the “K” shaped economy. Car dealers see it. If you have a good, safe job, good...
Banking unleashed: What the new open banking regime means for consumers and fintech players
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After years of anticipation and frustration over slow progress, New Zealand’s open banking era is about to become a reality. On December 1...
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on New Zealand's overdue tax debt hitting $9.3 billion
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The country's overdue tax debt has hit $9.3 billion for the year to June, according to new reports. It's growing faster than the Government's tax take...
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the share market potentially recovering following the Govt shutdown
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The long-running US Government shut-down has come with plenty of economic ripple effects, but there's hopes it could come to an end. The 41-day shutdo...
Ryan Bridge: We need economic headroom
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I've seen a lot of commentary in the past few days about our government debt position. We're up over 40% of GDP. That's doubled on pre-covid. Th...
Kerre Woodham: At what point do business owners call it quits?
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At what point, when you're a business owner, do you decide that you've had enough? There was Covid, then there were the boom times, then there was the...
Damien Grant: Waterstone Insolvency Principal on the sharp rise in the number of insolvency
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many businesses that limped through the pandemic are now going under. Insolvency practitioners have been reporting a sharp rise in the number of...
Theresa Payton: Fortalice Solutions CEO on the growing concerns about AI's development
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is growing and changing and reshaping industries, but there's growing concerns about the harm it could bring. Trust is a valua...
Katherine Rich: Business NZ CEO on the follow up report on reducing compliance costs for small businesses
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Business NZ believes further action is still needed to address compliance costs for small businesses. It says the Government's making good on it...
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the ongoing trade talks with India
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Prime Minister has indicated trade talks with India are progressing well - and speculation claims both nations could have a trade deal by next yea...
Edwin Paul: India New Zealand Business Council chair on the Government's progress on an India-NZ trade deal
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Businesses are being encouraged to plan ahead as talks of an India-New Zealand trade deal continue. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says both regions are m...
Hamish Pepper: The NZ economy is finally recovering
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank shocked a lot of us last month when it cut the OCR by 50 basis points down to 2.5%. Analysts have said that the RBNZ was reading the ...
Bryan Thomson: Don't let property policies stop you from buying
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's a lot of uncertainty around the property market at the moment. In the past decade alone, we've seen the introduction of the brightline t...
AI’s trillion-dollar question: boom or bubble?
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AI stocks have exploded, with Nvidia soaring past a $5 trillion valuation. But is this growth justified, or are investors repeating the mistakes of th...
(#82) The Strategy That Took My Shapewear Brand From Side Hustle to Sell-Out
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I break down the exact strategy that took my shapewear brand from a $300-a-week side hustle to $3.5M in the first year. Then how I we...
Christopher Luxon: PM says a free trade agreement with India is on the table
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Luxon says India and New Zealand are continuing to get closer to reaching a free trade agreement. Trade Minister Todd McClay hosted Commerce Min...
Lisa Dudson: Financial planner on credit cards and seasonal spending
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With Christmas on its way, the season of spending is fast approaching. The allure of credit cards becomes stronger at this time of year as peop...
Bryan Williams: BWA Insolvency founder says businesses are still closing because of COVID
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many businesses that limped through the pandemic are now going under. Insolvency practitioners have been reporting a sharp rise in the number of insol...
SME Stream Wrap - 7 November
06 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 ...
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the start of the 2025 China International Import Expo
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The 2025 China International Import Expo has gotten underway in Shanghai and some familiar Kiwi brands are making an appearance. Fonterra, Zespri, Sil...
Zainab Ali: Youth Inspire CEO on the number of young people who are unemployed
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Concerns too many young people are finding it too hard to find a job. 15.2% of young people in the labour force are now unemployed, while 13.8% ...
Oppo’s bid to crack NZ’s smartphone duopoly
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chinese smartphone maker Oppo is making an assertive play to shake up the $1.3 billion smartphone market in New Zealand, aiming to disrupt the long-st...
Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the unemployment rate rising to 5.3%
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's rise in unemployment isn't unexpected. Latest Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate has reached an almost nine-year high of 5.3% in ...
Nicola Willis: Economic Growth Minister on the unemployment rate reaching 5.3%
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Economic Growth Minister's confident the economy will turn a corner soon. Unemployment's reached 5.3% in the September quarter – the h...
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on why the US share market dropped this week
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The US share market took a hit this week, with leading AI companies seeing a decline. Market darlings Palantir and chip behemoth Nvidia were among the...
Katherine Rich: Business NZ CEO on the increase in people taking sick leave
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Those who are in work are taking more sick leave. New research by Southern Cross Health Insurance and Business NZ has found an average staff mem...
Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on Kiwis taking more sick days than ever before
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Assurance news of a rise in Kiwis calling in sick indicates a positive cultural shift. A Business NZ and Southern Cross report shows workers are...
How KiwiSaver cash ends up backing countries accused of human rights abuses
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A chance for New Zealand to lead change the world in ‘ethical investing’. As of last year, more than half a billion dollars of New Zealand...
Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist on unemployment expected to hit nine year high
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unemployment has hopefully almost reached its peak. Latest Stats NZ data is expected to show unemployment has reached 5.3% in the September quarter. T...
The Huddle: Can we really measure unpaid labour?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues...
Leonora Risse: Canberra University economics professor on the cost of unpaid labour
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New research out of Australia has revealed the cost of unpaid household labour - and it's a high figure not recognised in economics statistics. These ...
Max Whitehead: Be careful when placing a complaint with HR
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dame Noeline Taurua was stood down as the coach of the Silver Ferns in September due to 'significant issues' in the team. After many public statements...
Debbie Roberts: CGT wouldn't be the end of the world
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labour has introduced their Capital Gains Tax policy after it was leaked to the media last week. If implemented, it would mean a 28% tax on any ...
Crypto 101: Should you buy Bitcoin?
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bitcoin has cracked six figures in US dollars, but does all the hype mean it's a good investment. Janine Granger, co-founder of Easy Crypto, joi...
SME Stream Wrap - 31 October
30 Oct 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 ...
John MacDonald: Employers should be able to hire whoever they want
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever since the 1930s, when American soldiers were based all around the world, people in many countries have been antsy about foreigners getting what a...
Rocket Lab at 20: From pipe dream to $50 billion space empire
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rocket Lab is on the brink of turning 20 – and what began as one man’s dream in an Invercargill garage is now a Nasdaq-listed global space...
Is Labour's new policy a watered down capital gains tax?
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labour has announced what some are describing a “watered down” version of a Capital Gains Tax. This targeted CGT would affect profit made ...
Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on the party proposing a Capital Gains Tax to fund free doctors' visits
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Hipkins is confident Labour's Capital Gains Tax policy can cover three free GP visits every year. The party's announced a policy for next year's...
Bruce Bernacchi: Dentons Tax Partner reviews potential impact of Labour's Capital Gains Tax
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Early this morning, the Labour Party made a surprise Capital Gains Tax announcement. The targeted tax would raise funds for the health system, includi...
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister voices concerns with Labour's capital gains tax policy
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Governing parties have been quick to condemn Labour's proposed capital gains tax policy. The opposition announced the policy for next year's ele...
Geof Nightingale: independent tax expert weighs up Labour's proposal for capital gains tax
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The rate Labour settled on for its capital gains tax policy is partially below the recommendation made by the tax working group six years ago. The pro...
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on when we can expect to see the economy recovering
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a tough couple of years for the economy, but there's hope things will pick up sooner rather than later. There's been an improved outlook on ...
Phil Goff: former Labour leader on Labour's CGT policy
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A former Labour leader says there'll be a sense a relief among many to see a new capital gains tax policy. Labour's announced the policy for next year...
Simon Ansley: Head of Foreign Director Investment for Invest New Zealand discusses new investments in energy infrastructure
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Malaysian company 'Yinson Renewables' is set to invest in a new pipeline of projects totalling one gigawatt of wind energy - almost doubling New Zeala...
Rachel Simpson: Business NZ Immigration Specialist talks government getting tougher of businesses wanting to recruit migrants
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belief that both employers and the Government need to up their game to ensure Kiwis are being hired before migrants. The Immigration Minster's g...
Janet Xuccoa: What's the point of a trust?
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trusts are hardly mentioned outside of when wealth tax is in the news, or when someone mentions their accountant told them to get one. One side of the...
A meaningful funeral doesn't have to break the bank
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Funerals have become one of the most expensive life events in New Zealand — and for families already stretched, the cost of saying goodbye can a...
(#81) The Subscription Trap: How Recurring Costs Are Draining Your Profits
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are subscriptions quietly draining your bank account? In this episode of Make It Happen thanks to Uber One! , I reveal how I uncovered over $400 a mon...
Christopher Luxon: PM discusses ASEAN summit to finalise 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Prime Minister's set to finalise a deal strengthening our diplomatic and trading ties with 11 South East Asian countries, as he meets with leaders...
Todd McClay: Trade Minister discusses impact of ASEAN summitt on NZ-South East Asia trade relations
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's set to get easier for New Zealand businesses trading in South East Asia, as the Prime Minister's in Malaysia to finalise a regional deal. Chris L...
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Labour announcing a capital gains tax
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's unclear how much the Labour government will raise, from its just announced new capital gains tax. The targeted tax would apply to profit made fro...
Matt Montgomerie: Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst on Fonterra proposed sale
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand's economy could look to benefit from Fonterra’s proposed sale. The proposed sale of Anchor and Mainland brands to French company Lac...
James Jordan: Housies co-founder on the new investment platform designed to get people on the property ladder
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kiwis will be able to buy a share in a house for as little as $100 with a new investment platform launched today that promises to break down the barri...
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert reveals why 'quality stocks' are trading at a cheaper level
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
'Quality stocks' such as healthcare companies are trading at their cheapest level relative to the market in decades. This is taking place while market...
SME Stream Wrap - 24 October
23 Oct 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 ...
From pilot to payoff: “Five times return on our AI investment”
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a year since AI agents burst onto the tech scene, driven largely by the vision and product roadmap of Salesforce founder Marc Benioff,...
Ryan Bridge: How do we possibly save for retirement?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Massey Uni releases these numbers each year. They tell you how much you might need to retirement. In the city... two people in a house... ...
Dr. Claire Matthews: Associate professor's new report says Kiwisaver can be great for retirement, if used correctly
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new report reveals the importance of contributing to Kiwisaver after buying a first home. The Retirement Expenditure Guidelines from Massey Un...
Kerre Woodham: It's concerning if this is the best Labour can do
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labour released some policies yesterday. Very late in the piece, and you can kind of see why. Just like that, we're back to 2017 with a cut and...
Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on the reactions to Labour's new Future Fund
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labour unveiled their first major policy a year out from the 2026 election, and it's prompted mixed reactions from experts. Some have lambasted the pr...
'Power prices are the real headline': Why 3% inflation feels worse
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation has risen even further. Latest Stats NZ figures show inflation reached 3% in the year to September. Economists had tipped to hit the top end...
(#80) The $3,000 Startup That Sold 100,000 Gift Boxes: The Celebration Box Story
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you turn a $3,000 idea into 100,000 sales in under three years? In this episode of Make It Happen thanks to Uber One, I take you behind the sce...