The SME Stream

Westpac economists picks on growth and jobs, US unemployment drops, LNG warning

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Skellerup reports record first-half profit - markets update with Garth Bray

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Garth Bray joins Ryan Bridge to chat the latest moves and news in markets, with thanks to Forsyth Barr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Claire Matthews: Massey University business professor on RBNZ Covid response inquiry

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Signs of fatigue with another review of the country's Covid-19 response now in the works.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis new inquiry looks at th...

Leann Watson: Business Canterbury Chief Executive says shared ambition is key to region's success

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A shared ambition for the Canterbury region - is expected to secure the region's long term success.  Business Canterbury, The Canterbury Mayoral ...

SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 13 February

12 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...

Episode 56: CEO of Resonate Health, James Whittaker

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 56, our guest is the founder and CEO of Resonate Health, James Whittaker.  James started life in the UK and beg...

The Country 11/02/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister reminisces about his t-shirt faux pas from last year’s barbecue, before discussing the free trade agreement with India.See om...

New Zealand’s energy crunch: Can innovation keep the lights on?

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand loves to boast about its clean, green energy story. With around 80 to 90% of grid electricity coming from renewable sources like hydro, wi...

Is Ryman’s big reset working?

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

CEO Naomi James joins us to discuss leading a critical reset for Ryman Healthcare. The healthcare and property hybrid holds over $12 billion in assets...

How to stop rising power prices hitting your wallet this year

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Consumer NZ expects power prices to increase by about 5% this year.  It’s after households were already hit with a 12% increase to pow...

Marama Davidson slams the efficacy of the retail crime advisory group

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Marama Davidson and David Seymour debate retail crime, new LNG terminal and poll results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Choosing the right risk profile for your investment

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Forsyth Barr's Mark Richardson on common investing mistakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'It's been very successful' Paul Goldsmith on disbanding the Retail Crime Advisory Group

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Minister of Justice says the group was effective in reducing retail crime throughout New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country 11/02/26: Chris Hipkins talks to Jamie Mackay

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Labour leader on the India Free Trade Agreement, which he calls a "botched process by the government".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Steven Joyce: Former Finance Minister on the focus of the 2026 Economics Forum

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's ability to cope in the current geopolitical landscape is set to be the hot topic at the Economics Forum this week.   Leading econom...

Labour looking to negotiate with Luxon on India FTA rules

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister of Trade defends India Free Trade Agreement

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd McClay: Trade Minister defends concerns raised over what the India FTA will mean for immigration

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Trade Minister's hitting back at suggestions the India Free Trade Agreement will lead to a flood of immigration. Foreign Minster Winston Peters ha...

Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the Free Trade Agreement with India

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trade Minister Todd McClay's recognised he could have been clearer about aspects of his India trade deal.   He's in battles with Foreign Minister...

The Country 10/02/26: Campbell Parker talks to Jamie Mackay

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The chief executive of DairyNZ encourages farmers to vote YES in the upcoming Milksolids Levy vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister defends early end to retail crime advisory group

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Justice Minister says his retail crime advisory group has been successful and productive. It'll been cut short, ending in May - not the planned Se...

Sunny Kaushal: Retail Crime Advisory Group Chair on the early disbanding of the group

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Retail Crime Group chair is brushing off criticism from former members. The Government's scrapping its retail crime Ministerial Advisory Group ear...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO and former group member on the Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group dismantled

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's nothing to suggest the rates of retail crime have fallen. The Government's scrapping its retail crime Ministerial Advisory Group early - after...

Shane Jones: Regional Development Minister defends financial track record of his regional funds

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is defending the financial track record of his regional funds. Around half of Crown Regional Holdings' loan ...

Bite: Property FOMO is gone?

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s love affair with property investing might be entering a new era. Economist Tony Alexander joined us to unpack what’s changed...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics chief executive on the Government's signs a new standards agreement with Australia

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More consistency across the Tasman in the standards for goods and services - could reduce administrative burdens and free up business capacity.  ...

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on what investors need to think about for 2026

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More companies are reporting their profits from the final portion of 2025, and it's sparking investigation into what investors need to pay attention t...

Business update with Garth Bray

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Markets with Forsyth Barr

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Forsyth Barr's Zoe Wallis has all the investment tips for your Monday morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Bridge: A debate on interest rates

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I was having a good old debate with a mate at the weekend about interest rates.  We're of the age where, mortgages are a thing.  In Auckland...

(#89) How to Stay Focused When You’re Juggling a Million Things

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Iyia breaks down why staying focused as a business owner feels so hard when you’re juggling nonstop decisions, interruptions, a...

Chris Luxon: Prime Minister remains hopeful for a fall in unemployment

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister remains hopeful for a fall in unemployment this year. Unemployment's reached a 10 year high of 5.4% - with Auckland's unemployment ...

Shannon Barlow: Frog Recruitment Managing Director on the unemployment rate

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The job market's remaining tougher, for longer, than many economists were expecting.  Unemployment's reached a ten-year high of 5.4% in the Decem...

The SME Stream Weekly Wrap - 06 February

05 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 end of the property era? Tony Alexander

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Independent economist Tony Alexander explains why we’re moving away from housing as a primary retirement plan, as a thirty-year era of falling i...

Jobs growth up but more looking, milk prices soar & $35m for fusion startup

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why our unemployment rate is still 'pretty lousy'

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New jobs data out today spells worry for New Zealand’s economy.  The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the December 2025 quarter &nda...

Willy Leferink_ Synlait Supplier on the company's expected $77-82 million half-y

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There are hopes things will gradually turn a corner for Canterbury milk processing firm Synlait.  It's revealed it expects to report a $77 to $82...

Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy, Finance and Strategy on unemployment

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's economic recovery could be more of a crawl, or a climb, than a bounce.  The job market remains tough, with unemployment now at a te...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Government's planned review into insurance premiums

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has launched a review into soaring home insurance costs - to take place over a six-month period. This investigation comes as AA Insuran...

Kris Faafoi: Insurance Council CEO on AA Insurance declining new home insurance policies for Blenheim

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Blenheim residents say AA Insurance has stopped offering new home insurance policies in their town, following similar decisions in Westport and parts ...

John MacDonald: My question to you about the economy

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel better off than you did three years ago? With it being election year, that’s the question politicians are going to be asking you. It...

MethaneSAT: Unpacking New Zealand’s $30 Million space gamble

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of The Business of Tech, we look at the rise and fall of MethaneSAT, the $30 million national space project that was supposed to...

The Country 03/02/26: Mark de Lautour talks to Jamie Mackay

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The chief executive of Open Country Dairy talks about the Gulf Food Trade Show in the Middle East, why Trump is good for business, and the prospects f...

KiwiSaver moves into venture capital

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has the economy turned a corner New Centrix data reveals all

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on their expectation unemployment will fall slightly to 5.2%

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Economists are divided on whether unemployment is finally starting to fall.  Stats NZ is releasing its latest employment update at 10.45.  E...

PM Christopher Luxon speaks to Ryan Bridge on Herald Now

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the number of fixed-rate loans coming up for renewal

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Many Kiwis re-fixed their mortgage last year and will be re-fixing their mortgage again this year too.  Four in five borrowers have re-fixed in t...

Bryan Thomson: "Fast, simple way" of working out the property market

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's biggest bank, ANZ, has downgraded its forecast for property prices this year.  It says its previous forecast of 5% is looking unrea...

The 2026 investor’s survival guide: Part 2

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Could the upcoming election mess with our economic recovery? Mark Lister reckons you should focus on "profits over politics" regardless of who wins. W...

The Country 30/01/26: Emma Higgins talks to Jamie Mackay

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Rabobank’s senior ag analyst previews the bank’s NZ Agribusiness Outlook 2026 - titled "Keeping one move ahead".See omnystudio.com/listene...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the fragile economic recovery

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A view that increased employment will be the key to our economic bounce back.   Infometrics says there's worrying indicators which show economic ...

Todd McClay: Trade Minister on the India Free Trade Agreement and NZ First pulling support

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Minister for Trade's attempting to put to bed concerns about our Free Trade Agreement with India, repeatedly voiced by the NZ First leader.  ...

Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster on the economic recovery looking unconvincing

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The economy is still struggling to gain momentum.   Infometrics says a lot of the indicators suggest that economic recovery is looking unconvinci...

Winston Peters: NZ First leader raises concerns with proposed FTA with India

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winston Peters claims our proposed trade agreement with India would let visa holders bring family members with them.  The Trade Minister denies t...

(#88) Guest: Charlotte from & Breathe | How &Breathe First Aid Hit 11 Million Views and Sold Out Courses Using Organic Social Media Content

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Make It Happen, Iyia sits down with Charlotte, founder of &Breathe one of Make It Happens students, to unpack how she went from...

Rural business update with Riley Kennedy on Ryan Bridge Today

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S&P500 punches through 7000, Treasury calls BS on claim gentailers are capital-starved

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist on their house price inflation forecast being revised down to 2%

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Economists are expecting the Official Cash Rate to rise sooner rather than later, flattening forecasts for the property market.  Cotality's lates...

The 2026 investor’s survival guide: Part 1

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of two parts on what investors need to know in 2026, we discuss a world preoccupied with the Trump effect. While markets like Japan and E...

Robots and the new physical AI gold rush

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Two Kiwi engineers who helped build the future of self‑driving cars in Silicon Valley are now quietly laying the foundations for the next great tech...

Brendan Larsen: Milford Asset Management expert on the possibility of more OCR changes

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank spent most of 2025 lowering the OCR, leaving experts to speculate how these changes impacted the economy. Since then, economic and bu...

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the possibility of the OCR going up later this year

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Official Cash Rate is expected to rise this year, although forecasters say predicting when is tricky. Inflation was stronger in the December quart...

Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director on Michael Hill reporting its first positive result in over two years

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A possible sign of the economic recovery with Michael Hill's New Zealand operation reporting its first positive result in more than two years.  I...

Ryan Bridge: We're getting a FTA with India

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is going to sign this free trade deal with India. The massive boost we got and still enjoy from Phil Goff’s signing of the China FTA is ...

Wealth kick #7: Looking for a man in finance

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When do you stop going it alone with your money—and start getting advice? How do you know if you actually need a financial advisor, and how...

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the market reactions to the NZ-India trade deal

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Despite Labour raising some concerns with the Government's trade deal with India, the move has been welcomed by rural economists. Trade analyst Stephe...

The Country 27/01/26: Damien O'Connor talks to Jamie Mackay

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's trade Spokesman discusses the India FTA, roads, trucks, and the latest RNZ Reid Research poll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the resignations of three of five of the Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group members

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Justice Minister's dismissing suggestions there's an issue within the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime amid resignations.&nb...

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ Chief Executive on why she quit the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Turmoil within the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime - with three of the five members resigning in recent weeks. It includes Mich...

Andrew Barnes: Kiwi entrepreneur outlines plan to revitalise Auckland's CBD

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's been growing debate over how Auckland's CBD can be revitalised after years of uncertainty and economic decline. The $5.5 billion City Rail Lin...

Is economic recovery on the cards this year

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will sticky inflation resist RBNZ moves Plus, Mag7 earnings, Precinct Properties fast-track wobble

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wealth kick #6: The witch of Wall Street

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Now what? You’re not a beginner anymore, but you’re not a trader either. You’ve been investing for a while, and you understand the f...

Andrew Nicols: How old is too old to invest in property?

24 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Normally when property comes up in discussion, it's focused on the plight of the youngsters who are fighting to get on to the property ladder. But tod...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor on the annual inflation rate rising to 3.1%

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation's officially higher than it's supposed to be.  Latest Stats NZ data shows inflation's reached 3.1% – up from 3% at the last update th...

Wealth Kick #5: The long run

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What if you never had to work again? Well, you’ll get there someday—if you set yourself up for retirement.  It can be hard to get exc...

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert examines the risks impacting the equity markets

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The new year is getting under way, but concerns have been raised over what investors should focus on for 2026. There's risks impacting the tech sector...

The Country 22/01/26: Peter Newbold talks to Jamie Mackay

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We take our monthly look at the state of the rural market with the GM of PGG Wrightson Real Estate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

(#87) The Real Reason You’re Not Making More

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Make It Happen, we break down why so many smart, hardworking business owners are putting in endless hours but still not seeing the ...

Nick Brunsdon: Infometrics Principal Economist on the latest job data, state of the economy

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Economists say New Zealand’s outlook is improving, but we're not in recovery mode just yet.   SEEK NZ's latest Employment Report shows job ads ...

Malcolm Fleming: Certified Builders Chief Executive on demand for construction workers increasing

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Builders across the country are starting to feel the benefits of the rise of employment opportunities.  SEEK NZ's latest Employment Report shows ...

Frontier or followers? How NZ can catch up on AI

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand likes to see itself as an agile, innovative tech nation. But when it comes to artificial intelligence, the story is more sobering than tri...

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on whether homeowners have missed the perfect time to fix

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Experts have indicated the Reserve Bank could be done cutting the OCR for the moment, and there's questions about what this could mean for homeowners....

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on Xero's rough start to 2026

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Accounting software business Xero has started 2026 on a low note, with the share price dropping significantly. This is in line with other challenges i...

The Country 21/01/26: Andrew Murray talks to Jamie Mackay

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fonterra’s CFO comments on another good GDT Auction overnight to kick start 2026 (up 1.5%, WMP + 1%).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Aimee McCammon: Pic's Peanut Butter CEO on the company reaching 41% market share in NZ

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Another Kiwi success story.   Pic’s Peanut Butter has now hit a 41% domestic market share in New Zealand.  They’re forecasting 20% sales...

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the predicted GDP growth for 2026

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The new year is well and truly under way, and there's growing hopeful predictions about the state of the economy. GDP is projected to grow by 2.5 perc...

Matt Montgomerie: Forsyth Barr analyst on A2 Milk's shares dropping following declining China birth rate

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New reports show China's 2025 birth rate was lower than expected, and that's impacted A2 Milk's shares. Data out of China revealed there were 5.63 liv...

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and flooding: Where is summer?

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s all rain and no shine this week across the country. Warm, tropical air sitting north of New Zealand has brought with it thunderstorms and r...

The Country Full Show: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jamie Mackay talks to Cameron Bagrie, Dominic Jones, Tom Young, Jo Luxton, and Tom Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John MacDonald: What the PM should have said about the retirement age

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In his state of the nation speech yesterday, Christopher Luxon continued the great New Zealand tradition of kicking the retirement age can down the ro...

Mike Renfree: Raglan Chocolate Head Maker on the impact of fluctuating cocoa bean prices

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As prices for everyone's favourite sweet treat soar, chocolate makers are searching to find cheaper alternatives.  A Rabobank report reveals manu...

Jonathan Eriksen: Superannuation expert on the retirement age and superannuation funding

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A superannuation expert suggests the Government looks across the ditch for ways to maintain the retirement age.   The Prime Minister took the opp...

Jane Wrightson: Retirement Commissioner on the need for care when changing the retirement age

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Retirement Commissioner is asking for a careful and considered approach for changing the retirement age. During his State of the Nation speech yes...

Andrew Dickens: My thoughts on Luxon's State of the Nation speech

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Election Year is off and running with Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation address.  We should know the election date later this week. ...

Wealth kick #4: Back from the brink

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last time you heard from us, we talked budgets—how to stop feeling trapped and build a budget that suits you. Today’s episode is a little ...

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister outlines goals for 2026

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has outlined her goals for the new year, as the Government prepares for the upcoming 2026 election. Willis is hoping Ki...

Paul Joules: RaboResearch analyst on the rise in chocolate companies looking to develop alternatives

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chocolate products could be in for a shake-up, as manufacturers race to develop cocoa alternatives. A Rabobank report shows food companies are looking...