The SME Stream
Episodes
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
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reserve Bank tips house prices to surge in 2026
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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...
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 ...